CAPGEMINI Assesment Day

Hey G-Man. Have you seen this thread? ..you're right, there isn't a wealth of info on Capgem online. I have heard the day is hard though - they are a highly respected firm so make sure you do as much research as you can, are highly assertive during interview/group exercises and really get the point across that you want to work at Capgem, no matter what.

Any feedback you can give us after your interview would be really helpful. Where else have you applied to/interviewed with?

I did the CDC management consulting assessment last year. It consists of a verbal reasoning test, a group exercise and a partner interview. You also have to prepare a case study, and there is a business scenario to discuss in detail with your interviewer. I thought it was really laid back compared to other assessment days.

The verbal reasoning test is fine - you have to work quickly, but it's easier that the ones you find on the SHL website.

For the group exercise you will be sat in a small room of 4-6 people with 2 capgemini people watching. You are then given 15 minutes to read loads of material (skim-read this to find out the important bits) and then 30 mins to complete tasks. None of this is too bad. Make sure you say things that are constructive and intelligent.

The partner interview is quite tough. This is where you discuss your prepared business case study and also do the business scenario test/cast study. Try to keep calm and feel free to take a short time to think before giving your answers. My interviewer certainly wasn't there to trick me, although I guess they are all different.

It wasn't a bad day at all. Just make sure you prepare by thoroughly researching the firm - there is plenty of info on capgem's website - read the blog about CDC in particular.

Let us know how you do - I didn't get it, but I probably would have accepted if I had been offered. The office is cool.

Do let us know how it goes, we're all very interested to find out I think!

Thanks for the information guys it was helpful.

The day was as expected - intense.

I started with an interview (including the case study at the end). This was followed by a verbal and diagram test. The diagram test is quite confusing, I would defo try and do some practice ones if they can be found on the net. The assessment day finished with a group discussion on a case study given to us.

I find out whether or not I've got the place either today or tommorow. It was my first interview, so I'm not expecting much to be honest - but it was good experience.

Forgot to mention that it was for the BTC graduate scheme!

Where there any particularly difficult questions in your interview? Did you have to prepare the case study before your interview, or was this a surprise on the day?

The interview was more like an informal chat, the lady was really nice and made it quite comfortable.

The case study is given to you before hand, and its about a company aquiring two other companys, and the impacts this will have on technology etc. It's not to bad, as long as you justify your reasons.

I was offered a position, and have accepted - so will start late October this year!

Well done G Man. That was straight forward!

Hey G-man was just wondering if you can give me some tips about the assessment day for Capgemini for the BTC programme.
1. Can u remember any of the questions in the interview?
2. What does the diagramming test involve? There is nothing on the net about it.
3. what key points should you make during the group exercises?
4. any other tips would be great....thanks.

Ive got the assessment coming up, been out of a job for over a year and im married and I have a student loan to pay back....so i really need this job.

Thanks for your time and help.

Hey,

My interview didn't have a structure - it really was like a conversation. I spoke a lot about my dissertation, and times where I was involved in a team / leading a team and other general competancy based questions. They try and make you feel at ease, so just relax and make sure you know what you've written on your application form.

The diagramming test - there is something about it on this website - its a series of shapes, and processes which changes these shapes. It's quite hard to explain in words, but it's nothing to worry about - have a look on wiki for more info - but the examples on wiki are much harder.

For the group - try and work as a team, rather than competing. Make points in relation to finance, ethical issues, community involvement, employment rates etc - any intelligent valid points will be fine.

Be confident, and I'm sure it will be fine.

Good luck!

http://www.wikijob.co.uk/wiki/diagrammatic-reasoning

Thanks alot for your help G-man. Just hope I get it

When is it Mohammhs?

Good luck for the day..

It is on the 16/09/08 a few weeks left.

Thanks

Hey G-man any chance you can share your notes, if you still have them, on the case study? Was it about a company called Pillcham?
It would be great help. If you cannot...then it's not a problem. You can email on m_saeed@btconnect.com.

Thanks once again.

Hey guys now remember this is a wiki and we're all anonymous users.. please don't keep your info private. After all, if everyone did that, WikiJob wouldn't exist!

Hey,

I can't send you the notes, but I can kind of remember what I mentioned.

The main point I raised was that the technology at all three companies was different and so a combined i.t and business technology was needed at all three places for streamlined business processes.

Communication was also key to a merge - adopting the same email system / setting up intranet.

Exploitation of the internet - opens up a new channel for buying, selling etc for customers and clients.

Then a bit of research on the current pharmaceutical industry - which you can find by doing a search on google. They are just looking for general business points that would be considered when a merger is going to happen.

Thats fine g-man, thats great help. Im just trying to get all the info I can.

Just a quick note to say that this is the diagrammatic reasoning test page on WikiJob.

Hey, was just wondering if you remember any other questions that you were asked in the interview?
I know you had a team question and team leading question..is there any other you can remember from the top of your head?
Also how long is the interview and other exercises?

thanks!

Hiya guys,
I am from Paris and i am having this assessment day with Capgemini UK for
the BTC programme.
I Hope everything will be fine, but i am a bit scared because english is
not my first language.
Could somebody advises me on the tests? (Group exercise)
Regarding the Group exercise, what is the topic, the subject?
what is it about? what they ask us to do? what are the tasks?

Many thanks !!!!!!

PS : Gman and mohammhs, i hope to see you there.

Hey gman,
i guess u've started ur new job with Capgemini.
Don't forget to keep me posted as i am having this Assessment day with them in 2 weeks.
Hope to get an answer regarding the group exercise.
Cheers mate.

Hey damon,

I haven't started yet - in a few weeks!

The group excersise, as I've described above...

"For the group - try and work as a team, rather than competing. Make points in relation to finance, ethical issues, community involvement, employment rates etc - any intelligent valid points will be fine."

My group excersise was about a factory relocating to a new place, or expanding at the existing location. I don't know if this will be the same for you, but most group activities follow a similar theme. I would strongly advise you not to volunteer as the person that writes on the whiteboard as this will distance you from the group and you will not be involved in the discussions as much as you should be. This is up to you though - whatever you think is best.

The verbal test and diagram test you can read more about on this site, the links have been provided on this thread on previous posts.

All the best!

Hey guys,

Good luck with your ACs. I had one with Capgemini about 6 weeks ago, and failed due to the group discussion (Had no idea what to expect as it was my first one!) The interview was absolutely fine, really nice manager who interviewed me, was more like an informal discussion! Be careful to remain professional though. There were 2 qs that stood out for me that I had not prepared for....

1. Describe a time when you have not achieved something and been disappointed
2. What do you think would be the most annoying things about consultancy?

Good luck!

Hiya KK,
Thanks 4 ur help and all the best 4 the rest! I hope u'll hav some other opportunities soon enough. What r ur next plans?
I hav to agree, the question about consultancy is not easy at all. I would hav been stucked on this one as well. The phone interview was quite easy with questions about teamwork, motivation etc...
Could you describe me the group discussion? What was the topic? what were the tasks to do? I really need a good idea of what to expect as english is not my first language.
C u guys..

Guys, any help for the telephone interview?

Is it the usual Why Capgemini? Why Consulting? And then various competency based questions on Leadership, Teamwork, Communications, Achievement of Goals?

Are there any unusual competency based questions?

Any specific questions which were asked would be extremely helpful!

hi it,
yes it's about leadership, teamwork and communications skills. It's quite easy.
What do u think u will be successful in this career?

Cheers - Appreciate it the heads up!

Hi it,
There is also a question about your most accomplished achievement.
Try to say why capgemini is different from their competitor.

Thanks once again.

How are Capgemini different from their competitors..

Accenture looks like main competitor (they provide generic management consultancy services, consulting/outsourcing/technology), and they seem to be bigger and better than Capgemini...

Yes that's right, but they want to know why u choosed Capgemini and not Accenture.
There is no right or false answer, u just have to explain why u choosed capgemini and not one of their competitors.
Anyway, it was just one question of the whole interview and it was the last one as well.

Ahh right, fair enough.. I'll talk about the culture.

Thanks for all your help Damon, and all the best for your future persuits!

Okk - Telephone Interview Questions (Tel interview meant to last between 30-40 mins, mine went for 38mins)

- Give me a 2-3 minute overview about yourself
- Why did you choose Capgemini/Consultancy
- He said something like are you aware of the travelling involved in consultancy and do you think you can deal with it. Went on to ask whether i had any family commitments, wife/girlfriend etc that meant I couldn't stay away from for too long.
- Tell me what you know about Capgemini and their competitors
- What do you think makes Capgemini different from their competitors

Competency Questions
- Example when you were in a team and you faced a difficult task
- Time when you persuaded a team about something, how did you persuade them, what was the outcome
- Time when you adapted to change, what did you learn, what was the outcome
- (Something like) Time when you changed something (system, procedure etc), and got others to implement the same system. How did you go about telling them.

Final Questions were
- Have you applied elsewhere
- Do you have interviews/AC's elsewhere
- Are there any dates that you can't make over the next three months.

The guy was really friendly, but i think i messed up the competency answers. Hope this helps someone else!

Hiya it,
I didn't have the same questions u had!!!! Except the first one with the team and difficult task.
I have to say the questions u had were a bit difficult than mine, u haven't been lucky.
The final questions don't really matter, they just want to know if u will still be interested in their offer.
Anyway, hope to see you during the AC in a few weeks.
Keep applying to other companies, that's what i am still doing at the moment.

I remember for my phone interview there were also questions such as:

What is a development life cycle?
What is currently happening in the I.T market?
What do you think the future holds for Capgemini and I.T based organisations?

Good luck!

I am more concerned about the group exercises during the assessment day.
Thanks mate.

Hey Guys,

I've actually, rather suprisingly, got invited to the AC in two weeks time! Guess the guy felt sorry for me! The email says..

The assessment centre will comprise of:
· Meeting an existing graduate;
· A group exercise;
· A verbal reasoning test, and;
· An interview – part of which will involve you discussing a case study (provided on confirmation of date, one week in advance of the Assessment Centre) and a short ‘on the spot’ business scenario.

Can anyone provide any words of advice on how best to prepare, or tips for the day etc.

Thank you for your help so far!

Congratulations!!!!
That`s a good news.
I`ll catch u there as i`ve been invited to the same AC.
They also told me about a diagramatic test in addition to the verbal reasoning test??
The case study is about a company acquiring 2 other companies....
Eh, which program r u applying for? I am not sure we r applying for the same!

I ended up going for the general Management Consultancy programme. How about you?

Ah ok,
that's why ur interview was quite different to mine.
i am going to the BCT programme which is more technical.
Good luck anyway.

Isn't BCT - technology consulting?

Guys, I've made a wiki page for Capgemini here. Could you have a look and if you think anything needs adding either let me know here, or add it to the wiki?! Thanks!

Ed

Great Job!!!!
Everything is on it. Well done.
U should do the same for some investment banks, it would be very useful.
Thanks.

We do!!!! - e.g. goldman sachs interview questions e.g. morgan stanley interview questions.

Thanks for your help. it's more than useful!!
i'll have a look on the morgan stanley ones.

What's the starting wage at Capgemini?

Good question!!!
I made some research about that but nobody seems to be knowing.
Someone told me it was the same as the starting wage offered by the other consultancy companies. (Around 26k)
Let me know when u find that.

I was hoping you'd tell me :P

Have you got your contract from Capgemini? Must say it on that surely..

I have my Assessment day in 2 weeks, so how do u want me to already have a contract from them?

ahh got you and g-man confused, my baad.. his got the offer right? awaiting his reply..

26.5K starting, which isn't too bad...