RSM Tenon
5 March 2010 - 9:00pm
jmosley123
I've just been offered a job at RSM Tenon in the Swindon office for Audit & Compliance and thought i'd share with you the application process as I couldn't find anything relevant on here when looking myself.
After receiving a phone call/informal interview from the HR team I was invited to an assessment centre the following week. At the centre there were 9 of us and 3 managers assessing.
The structure of the day was pretty standard:
- ice breaker: just a simple 'introduce yourself' to the rest of the group
- presentation on the company and a chance to ask questions
- we were then split into 2 groups.....group 1 went for their interviews which lasted for about 20mins and just covered the basic 'why tenon?' 'why audit?' and a few competency based questions with a line manager. Whilst we were sat waiting for our interview we had to each pick 2 random topics from a pile of cards and plan a 3-5 minute presentation on one of them. I had binge drinking. Other topics were the role of the monarchy, call centres, smoking ban....pretty broad topics. We were told to focus on the structure of our presentation (i.e. intro, middle, conclusion) rather than the content.
- group 2 meanwhile had to complete a dragons den style group discussion whereby we needed to invent a new product/concept to present to the rest of the candiates and answer questions. We then had to complete a logical test and a grammar test where we had to find spelling mistakes/grammatical errors in a passage of text...pretty straight forward.
- we then swapped over and following this had lunch
- in the afternoon we had to present our individual and group presentations
I recieved the job offer the following day
Hope this is useful!!
6 March 2010 - 1:19pm
gradtrainee
Hi jmosley123
Thanks for the post and congrats on the job offer
I've applied to RSM Bentley Jennison, which is merging with Tenon. I haven't heard from them for a while but just wondered if you could give me some advice on the first interview. How long was your phone interview? I'm a little bit worried about talking for too long or giving really short answers.
How did you find the assessment day overall? What was the group exercises like - particularly when you had to invent a new product/concept? Was there only one interview?
gradtrainee
29 May 2010 - 12:44am
jg2010
Hi all,
I have just been offered a job with RSM Tenon at their London office and thought I'd comment on how accurate jmosley has described the assessment day. There wasn't a first interview as such, only a brief phone call from the recruiting officer who asked a few q's about background and work experience. Then I was invited to an assessment day, which was fairly relaxed and all the managers and recruitment staff were nice. The individual presentations were daunting but you get adequate time to prepare and they only last 2-3 minutes. The group exercise was fun and you were encouraged to use your imagination, although you only get 45-60mins to prepare. They don't assess you on quality of the presentation (i.e how great your product is), just the way you talk and present. My advice is just to be relaxed, friendly, enthusiastic and to make conversation with the managers and HR staff.
If you get through to assessment day its nowhere near as daunting as others I've been to (GSachs, Rolls Royce, Airbus to name a few), its by far the most relaxed and fun out of them all.
Good luck!
29 May 2010 - 5:33pm
SP1
Hey jg2010,
Congrats on getting the offer from Tenon. I thought Tenon were not taking any applicants for their London department because I was only had the option of a few regions only and London was not one of them. I am just curious to know when you applied to Tenon and if you know whether or not they are still recruiting for their London office.
Thanks
30 May 2010 - 10:03am
jg2010
I applied through this link, http://www.candidatemanager.net/bentleyjennison/graduateframe.html which gave an option to select as many locations as possible. I know they're recruiting for the London office on an ongoing basis. I applied a long while ago, possibly Dec 2009.
Thanks
1 June 2010 - 1:56pm
SP1
Thanks for the link jg2010 but I applied through the same link a while back and did not hear back.
8 June 2010 - 12:00pm
mrcassidy
Hi, thought i would join in in this.
SP1, I have also applied through that link and have not heard anything. I would have thought they would send a confirmation email or something to acknowledge receipt.
But I applied last month and they must have a backlog of applications so probably will not hear anything for a while.
Which office did you apply to? I applied for regional offices as it appeared london was not available as an option.
Let me know if they get back to you.
10 November 2010 - 7:14pm
LawThing
jmosley123. What was the logical test?
Any help would be much appreciated.
10 November 2010 - 11:32pm
dancingdolphin
submitted application 2 wks ago and didn't hear anything except email of confirmation. did any one know how long it will takes them to response? thanks!
11 December 2010 - 11:59pm
ashira
I applied to RSM Tenon in October and did not hear anything from them since. I have called them about 2 weeks ago and Ive been told that theyll get back to me when they close their applications for the department I have applied to - meaning Feb/March...
So I guess if you didnt hear anything from them-dont worry, just wait and be patient (although I really dont like the idea of waiting for sooo long! =/)
Hope that helps.
8 January 2011 - 12:33am
C45F
Any suggestions on: how would you add value to RSM Tenon?
Would be much appreciated
31 January 2011 - 11:11pm
emzy23
Hi, I graduated in July with a 2:1 in Accounting and Finance.... I've been temping and made permanent in a company at the moment but really do not enjoy the job at all.... I'm really interested in becoming fully qualified with ACCA (since I only have 6 exams to do with that). I am also very interested in the forensic accounting role in the Birmingham office.... has anyone got any experience or know anything about this role and office? What sort of stuff would you do day to day in this role? At the moment in my current job, I don't feel challenged and feel as though I am just repeating tasks, entering data, reconciling and reporting... nothing is challenging.
Also, I am filling out the online application, what kind of answers are they looking for on how to add value to RSM Tenon? I was thinking about talking about my skills, ambition and commitment to deliver and add value to the client etc.... is that the sort of thing they are looking for?
Other information to support my application - would this be my interest in the role and the skills I have to bring to the role and team?
Most significant achievements to date, how I did them and what I learned.... I am not sure but know that some of the grades I achieved in projects at uni are really impressive etc and also, some of the experiences during my placement were really good, should I talk about these?
Also, what is involved in the application to the birmingham office... once I fill in the online application, what's next? I am quite worried about the tests as well as I often haven't done amazingly in the past and also I am very out of practice...
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thank you guys :)
6 February 2011 - 2:33am
smw30
The RSM Tenon website has a great breakdown of what each of the roles entails in terms of day to day work and whatnot, worth a read.
In terms of the online application questions, I think as long as your answer is well written and actually answers the question (i.e. not copy & pasted from another application you were doing at the time) you can't really go too far wrong. Make sure you sound enthusiastic about the job and the company, and talk yourself up a bit in terms of your skills and experience.
I think talk more about experiences during your placement than your project grades? Though projects are good at demonstrating leadership/team work etc so whatever you think makes you sound best.
As far as I know, the applications are similar in all their offices.. I've got an assessment centre arranged for external audit in Bristol, so far I've done online tests (no problem at all) and a quick phone interview that was really just someone asking me a few basic questions about my CV and application. There were a few more specific questions about Tenon and the job that I wasn't too clued up on but she just said make sure you know for the assessment centre and you'll be fine.
7 February 2011 - 1:05pm
pro_sser
Hey SMW30,
Ive got an assessment day coming up in Bristol aswell, Mine is on the 17th Feb, is that the same as yours?
25 February 2011 - 5:40pm
LW213
Hi smw30 and pro-sser (and anyone else reading). How were your assessment days? I've got one soon and just wondered how long they last for and what they involve?
25 February 2011 - 9:00pm
pro_sser
Hi lw07bm,
I have created a post here. i think this will answer your questions.
Cheers.
13 December 2011 - 11:36am
Inceptum
Hi all,
just wanted to see if anyone is applying to the 2012 vacancies of RSM Tenon. I'm hopefully going to apply to their Tax programme in London, anyone else doing the same?
On a side note, has anyone above got any information to share about what its like to work in RSM Tenon?
thank you
17 December 2011 - 5:00pm
NottsGrad13
Hi People,
Ive been using this site for a while now and have just been offered a job with RSM Tenon so thought i'd try and give something back.
jmosley123 is bang on with the AC info we had a presentation from RSM when we got there, followed by and ice breaker which was just who we were, uni degree, worst xmas present. Then we were split into 2 groups.
My group had to prepare for a 3 min presentation on a random topic we picked from a bunch of cards - you can't prepare for this before. Whilst preparing we had individual interviews - the questions were pretty standard - Why tenon, why audit, why your degree, what do you know about ACAs, why not other firms.
Then we switched round so we moved on to doing the tests - the grammar test is two articles which have spelling and grammar mistakes, i found the test to be quite ambiguous tbh. The logic test is questions such as bob is taller than jane but smaller than fred etc who is the tallest and some which number comes next, a very big mix. I personally didn't do that great on them and was even told that. We then had to plan a group presentation which was like dragons den - some up with a product and pitch it - so you have to think about all the different areas product design, marketing, finance, future development etc (well thats what we did).
Then you have lunch and get to talk to some new starters etc
After lunch you give your individual presentation and then the group presentation.
Just remember a few key rules for your presentation- 1. have a clear structure - intro, middle (e.g. arguments for and against), conclusion (summary). 2. Stick to the time limit - too many people were talking for 7-8 mins when the presentation was only 3 mins. 5. Have a few key points, people can't really take in more than 3 or 4 points (that and you don't have time) 4. Be confident - make sure you speak loudly.
And make sure you are friendly and enthusiastic throughout the day.
Hope this helps a bit.
29 December 2011 - 1:39am
IamJealousy
Hi,
I'm also trying to apply for the 2012 vacancies of RSM Tenon. However, when I login to apply for these roles I am directed to a page that says the role is now closed. I do not understand why it is doing this as the jobs are advertised as open. I was just wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same problem.
I've tried contacting RSM Tenon about this, but I have not received a reply as of yet.
Thanks
15 January 2012 - 4:32pm
Inceptum
Hi everyone, just wanted to hear if anyone has had any recent progress with their applications to the London office? Mine seems to have stalled??
17 January 2012 - 11:24am
woodpecker84
Hi Inceptum,
I too have applied for tax programme in London- apart from a confirmation of receipt I havent heard of anything else. At which stage are you ?
18 January 2012 - 12:38am
Salman312
I asked them about this and they said 'We will get back to you at February, which is the earliest'. They are doing it pretty late! (I have exams in May!!!)
18 January 2012 - 11:33am
Inceptum
@woodpecker84 hey, the last thing i did was their online tests and that was quite some time ago now... i can still log in and i dont see anywhere it saying your applications been rejected so im hopefully...
@salman312 ... was your reply in reference to mine and woodpeckers problem? Like did they say they'll get back to you in february about your (our) application(s)?
thanks
18 January 2012 - 1:44pm
h246mx
hey people! im in the same position as you guys. i applied in the beginning of December and completed my online tests around the 23rd December. (by the way how did your guys tests go?) and thats it.... since then i havnt heard anything from them.....
i cant even find an email for me to contact them on... but i suppose that they are swamped with apps.
from past experience usually if you fail the online tests they let you know pretty soon, trust me i know lol. so hopefully the fact that we haven't heard anything yet is a good sign!
Anyways keep updating with any new information that you guys get pls.
Thanks
18 January 2012 - 2:10pm
sp007
Hi
I have recently applied to the RSM Tenon Grad scheme for Jan 2012 start in London. I did my online tests in December (went 'OK') and I had not heard anything from them until I rang last week.
When I spoke to the lady on the phone, she kindly informed me that I had to wait between 4 to 6 weeks to hear anything back. The reason being is that they have recieved an abnormal amount of applications this year, in the region of 4000. She mentioned that there have been slight issues with job applications for London because a number of roles had opened up. This meant the RSM Tenon team are working to increase the number of assessment centres they are able to conduct.
I hope this sheds some light on issues you may have. I do intend on ringing them every week just so I can update myself on the process.
Best of luck ladies and gentleman.
007
18 January 2012 - 7:36pm
monk_keys
Hi guys,
In relation to people being worried that their applications have stalled, I spoke to HR in November for a possible January 2012 start (I subsequently abandoned this idea). The woman I spoke to said phone interviews for September 2012 wouldn't be until April which seemed odd. Anyway, I didn't hear about how I had done in the online tests until I was contacted about a telephone interview so it may well be the case that people who have applied for September wont know whether they've passed the tests until telephone interviews are set up in a couple of months.
21 January 2012 - 12:58pm
Nerd
Hi,
I submitted my application online over a month ago but literally heard nothing, not even an email asking you to sit online tests. Is it normal? I saw many people here sat the tests but still heard nothing. I haven't even been asked to sit tests:(
I did phone HR the number provided in the auto email confirming your application has been received. She said if you are applying for Jan 12 start then you will definitely hear something by April, or September start by June. I was stunned. Anyone in similar situation?
21 January 2012 - 4:25pm
monk_keys
It was a month between the tests I did and being emailed about a telephone interview so don't lose hope, they're just not on the ball.
23 January 2012 - 12:11pm
monk_keys
24 January 2012 - 8:08pm
h246mx
well i guess that out of all the excuses that we see from these companies about our apps..... i wasn't expecting that one lol!
lets hope they still have a bit of spare capital for us poor grads!
26 January 2012 - 1:49pm
sp007
Has anyone heard back from RSM Tenon yet in regards to there applications. I phonned up just now and the lady told me that those who have not heard anything back as yet, especially after completing an online test have a decent chance in progressing to the AC. She mentioned that a delayed start date has been alterated and that for the role I applied to, there is a number of new vacencies opening up.
26 January 2012 - 5:45pm
h246mx
hi there spoo7,
thats interesting! if you dn't mind can you tell me what position you applied for and for what office. i completed my online tests in december and have not heard anything......
with regards to your information.....what about the telephone interviews?
Thanks
26 January 2012 - 7:33pm
Inceptum
Wow, thanks for positing this!
Can I ask what role you applied to?
Also, may I ask, what is this delayed start date you are talking about? Do you mean the job will start later than we expected : / ?
28 January 2012 - 12:07am
sp007
Hey
The role I applied to was Internal Audit and Risk Management. I know this sounds a bit possessive but I rang up again today, just so I could get a different perspective about whats going on and the lady abruptly informed me that I should hear something by the end of April. Once again, this lady said that as I have not heard anything back as yet, I am still on the shortlist. I assume this applies to you guys too.
The delayed starting date really means that RSM Tenon, along with many other mid teir firms hire graduates from January to June time on a constant basis. This is coincided with there main graduate start date in October time. So those who applied for a January start date have had there time delayed until late April. That's my guess. My assumption is that having read the latest news surrounding the firm, they may be having a res-structuring process in correlation to budget and staff numbers.
One thing I do find strange is that we have not recieved any formal email stating that this or that has happened.
Anyway, hope this helps. Could I suggest that you guys also phone next week and then update on what your feedback is. Maybe collectively we could build a picture.
Thanks
28 January 2012 - 1:32pm
Nerd
I called once and also got told I should hear something by end of April, if I have applied for a Jan start. Wonder if anyone in the same boat as me? I applied over a month ago but heard nothing, no invitation for online tests either....
1 February 2012 - 11:46am
faraz2012
Hey Guys
Nice reading your views/thoughts on the RSM applicaton process.
I am in the process of applying however with all the delays I am just wondering whether places may have been capped yet vacancies left open?
Can also someone please highlight which tests are undertaken and by which provider? Am assuming them to be numerica/verbal from SHL?
Your views would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Farza
1 February 2012 - 11:50am
faraz2012
Hey Guys
Nice reading your views/thoughts on the RSM applicaton process.
I am in the process of applying however with all the delays I am just wondering whether places may have been capped yet vacancies left open?
Can also someone please highlight which tests are undertaken and by which provider? Am assuming them to be numerica/verbal from SHL?
Your views would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Farza
3 February 2012 - 11:17am
nez776
Hi guys,
Can anyone give me a phone number to contact RSM Tenon because I have an issue using their online application system?
When I choose to apply for a position in Audit and click on the appropriate link, I am directed to apply for a position in Corporate Finance.
Thanks!
9 February 2012 - 3:16pm
rajjjjjjjjjj
I'm also looking for the telephone number for RSM Tenon Recruitment Team, completed online tests on 29th Dec 2011, haven't heard anything since..
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Hi jmosley123
Thanks for the post and congrats on the job offer
I've applied to RSM Bentley Jennison, which is merging with Tenon. I haven't heard from them for a while but just wondered if you could give me some advice on the first interview. How long was your phone interview? I'm a little bit worried about talking for too long or giving really short answers.
How did you find the assessment day overall? What was the group exercises like - particularly when you had to invent a new product/concept? Was there only one interview?
gradtrainee