Application Process & Interviews at Suncorp Group

Online assessments and then an assessment centre.

In the context of the broader financial services industry, the graduate application process at Suncorp was relatively straightforward. From initial application to confirmation, the timeline was approx. 2 weeks.

Graduate recruitment is a lot harder than general entry.

Multiple online tests, including situation based tests that I did not have to do at other places. Assessment centre was relatively standard, not as difficult as others. I felt it was a bit easier to 'stand out' due to the role being based in Brisbane - not everyone is willing to relocate there or pay for flights to an assessment centre - narrowing the field.

Online application, psychometric testing, video interview, assessment centre (group activity, presentation and speed-dating interviews), additional interview, and offer.

One of the easier graduate recruitment processes. Standard online testing, standard group assessment.

As a grad I attended a full day assessment centre. Prior to this I completed psychometric testing and a video interview online.

Influences on the banking sector, general knowledge of the banking and insurance market, background on Suncorp and its strategy, your strengths and development areas, questions that involved structured problem solving, teamwork questions, other standard interview questions

Many of the questions that I was asked were designed to determine whether I would be a good cultural fit for Suncorp, and whether I was a team player.

The questions in my interviews were very personality based. One that really stuck out to me was 'What inspires you outside of work'? It was refreshing to talk about something that motivates me on a personal level.

I was hired as a customer service representative, so they were customer service related mostly. My graduate interview was very informal as it was out of cycle and I was recommended by another person.

What do you think risk management is? How have you solved a difficult problem in the past? How have you dealt with a difficult colleague? How have you shown leadership in the past?

Understand how the company works - all five areas of business.

Get out and have lots of life experiences that you can talk about in your written application and at the interview stage.

Be willing to pay for flights and relocation, read big 4 accounting firms' reports on the banking or insurance industry, read business spectator to get an idea of current events, know yourself and your interests, have examples of different working situations where you had to solve problems based on difficult tasks or difficult people

Know about the company and their challenges/opportunities/community involvement. Show that you have interests outside of work/Uni

Research Suncorp, not just the bank but also our Insurance business. We have many brands that you may not realise are part of Suncorp. Also, just be yourself in the interviews.

Prepare, be yourself.

Prepare well: invest time in learning about the company and its interests, not just the objectives of the business unit you are applying for. If you are preparing for an interview, it means you are deemed qualified and intelligent enough for the job. The interview is about showing that you have the qualities and characteristics necessary to perform well in the role, are able to critically analyse complex problems, and can function as part of a team.

Make sure you understand the culture and what the company is trying to achieve.