Lloyds TSB Banking Group Assessment Centre
17 March 2010 - 6:07pm
liybpg
Hi all,
I have just gone through an assessment centre in Lloyds TSB for an internship position on general management programme, so I thought I'd share. They have accepted me on the programme, so I think some info maybe valuable for those who are about to go through the process. I don't know if any procedures differ from programme to programme, so you will need to check that.
There are 4 stages - Numerical Test, Group Exercise, Interview and Fact Finding Exercise.
1) Numerical Test.
It is similar to what you would have done online, so don't be too worried (if you didn't cheat before :P). I found it more difficult and it does get more difficult as you go through the test, so try to be as efficient as you can especially at the beginning, while questions are not that lengthy. As I understand, they don't expect you to finish it, so you will be only judged on the questions that you have answered. I am not 100% on this one, so it may not be exactly like that. Anyway, do some practice questions if you can and it all comes down to whether you can do it or not. They are not looking for very high result and all of us (8 people) have passed it.
2) Group Exercise.
Here you need to demonstrate how you work in groups. You are given some info to read (for 10 minutes) and then you need to discuss the case with your group (our group was 4 people). Be sure to read all of the info provided, it is doable, but I didn't see one paper originally so I had to rush through it at the end.
You definitely need to show leadership - your influence on others, how you engage other people and how they listen to you. Show original thinking - play with the information, don't take it for granted - propose renegotiating of deals, different solutions to the ones that you have read and so on. Think outside the box. Put a lot of energy into that exercise, show your presence, influence on others and your creative thinking. But don't be an ass and don't be too aggressive.
You will also need to watch your time as nobody will tell you how much you have got left.
3) Interview.
At the interview, they will mostly ask you about experiences that you have had. It is similar to the one you would have had over the phone so nothing to be afraid of. My interviewer was very nice and the whole process was quite relaxed. You will experience more interaction compare to the telephone interview, which helps the process a lot.
What helped me here is interesting experiences that I have had. They listen to many people with the same examples, so try to stand out - think what you have done which is different (e.g. I talked about the business I have started). Try to come across as energetic, passionate and commercially aware. Do some reading on the banking industry, be clear about your reasons for applying to Lloyds and this particular programme. Establish relationship with the interviewer, prepare some questions (good questions can be about him/her - her experience in the company, his/her view on the future of the company etc).
4) Fact Finding Exercise.
This is an exercise where you need to read quite a bit of information and then present your conclusions to two people (50 minutes to read, 15 to present and 15 to answer questions).
You will get a lot of information to read, but 50 minutes that you get should be enough. When reading, it is very important to be organised and efficient. Organise all the information, read it, make clear notes and filter through the information (not all of it is necessarily relevant). Watch your time - note when you have started and divide your time accordingly. I have finished all the reading in about 40 minutes and have left 10 minutes for preparing the presentation - writing posted, reading through my notes, thinking what I need to include in my presentation.
During the presentation - the most important thing is to present your case confidently. They will challenge your views quite strongly, but you need to stand on what you propose and be sure in it. Remember that you are the advisor and you are recommending them on what to do, if you are not sure which is the best option for them - they are not going to be convinced. So stay on your choice and be sure to provide good reasons for it. Prepare well structured, clear presentation. Make it clear in your head how you are going to present. It is not too difficult as all facts are relatively simple. Be energetic, passionate, demonstrate commercial awareness (i.e. connect your case study to the real world), propose some new ideas which were not in your information.
I hope this helps. If you need any more information or want to share your experience, you are welcome to post here.
Peter
19 March 2010 - 9:27am
Long79
Hey Peter,
thanks a lot for your insight. It is really useful. I would like to know if you can give us some more details about the fact finding. What kind of information do you have (graphs, diagrams, project time scale)? what kind of scenario did you have?
Thanks
19 March 2010 - 12:30pm
liybpg
n.beg,
I can't remember how long before I have received the email but I think it was way ahead the date - about the day after you have singed up for your assessment centre. Check your spam folder, if no email yet then contact them as soon as possible as there's a lot of information that you will need to look at such as: what documents to bring (there are plenty), when to arrive, what to expect and so on.
Long79,
You can't really prepare to the fact finding exercise, so I wouldn't worry about it too much, just perform best on the day and that's pretty much all you can do.
The info that I had (might be different to yours) was emails, short reports (so both are just paragraphs with words and a few figures) and a couple of graphs. Main thing is to sort all the information out. So my task was to recommend which shop is best to buy. There was general information (concerning both shops), info about shop 1 and info about shop 2. It might be a bit messy, so just try to separate it so it is clear for you which info is which. Also always check both sides of the paper, the way they printed it is not very consistent, so just be careful not to miss anything out.
Hope this helps,
Peter
19 March 2010 - 12:57pm
liybpg
Long79,
I went for General Management Internship. Different programmes might have different procedures but overall they should be pretty similar
20 March 2010 - 10:41am
n.beg
I tried contacting them and have left so many messages bu they have still not replied. Its under a week away and its getting to the point now where I think there may have been some sort of mistake and that I was not even supposed to be invited to the third stage.
20 March 2010 - 11:11am
liybpg
n.beg,
If they don't reply, go to your university career service, explain your situation and ask them to contact Lloyds. Worth a try anyway
22 March 2010 - 1:46am
desertfox
nbeg, I am also supposed to be attending this coming thursday, but have not yet received the exact details. I am guessing that you are going for the IT scheme?
22 March 2010 - 4:35pm
LDilkes
Peter,
I was just wandering if you could tell me the specific questions you were asked during your interview at the ac? would be really helpful for my preparation
Thanks
Lee
22 March 2010 - 5:52pm
jimjones
The following information you might find useful:
The group exercise I did was about supplying water to the olympic games and dealing with recycling. I partook in a 50min discussion and I don't think it matters what you do or don't produce at the end - just how you act in the 50 mins.
The interview was where lloyds let me down, I thought it would be a chance to gain more information about my specific area I had applied to but my interviewer did not work in that area. I got the impression he had never really done compotency based interviews before since he proceeded to tell me which comptencies the question was looking before reading out the question, basically he was reading out the sheet of paper he had been given and never really looked up the whole time. The questions relate to your motivations to join and understanding of the Lloyds scheme, supporting a team, leading a team and some others I forget.
The presentation is the only really difficult part of the day. You have 50 mins to digest data and plan a presentation about some acquisitions and your choice. I was marked down for- lack of visual aids
- lack of eye contact (since I had not really rehearsed anything, a lot of time was spent reading the notes I made)
- lack of structure
22 March 2010 - 6:45pm
liybpg
LDilkes,
I won't be able to remember the actual questions, but they are very similar to what you have had at the telephone interview.
I remember questions about:
how you have solved a problem in an innovative way;
how did you overcome a problem in a team;
how did you support somebody in a team;
how did you manage many projects at once
something along these lines.
think about your experiences and don't be afraid to think for a little while before giving an answer, they completely understand that you wouldn't have an answer straight away. Try giving interesting experiences, it makes you stand out more
22 March 2010 - 7:03pm
desertfox
Jimjones,
Thanks a lot for all this information! It is very helpful!
Which programme did you apply for? What tips would you give for the group exercise?
Also, did you get the internship then?!
22 March 2010 - 7:03pm
n.beg
i have not applied for the IT scheme but i've applied in the corporate sector of the business specialist programme. I've tried calling them and emailing them but they still haven't replied so im not sure what to do. Its in 3 days so I really need to get the information. Its so frustrating that I don't have any idea of what I'm expected to do on the day or where I'm meant to go!!
22 March 2010 - 7:06pm
liybpg
desertfox,
During the group exercise try to show how you can work in teams. Persuade people, make relevant arguments, make sure you interact with everyone. It doesn't matter too much what you will have concluded as a team, but what will matter is how you did it.
Try to be persuasive, think outside the box, propose unusual solutions (the ones which are not written on paper) - e.g. propose renegotiating contracts to fit your interest.
Yes, I got the internship. Just got the contract and a like 30-page form to fill in. Gosh...=)
Peter
22 March 2010 - 8:16pm
desertfox
Thanks a lot.. Congratulations..
One last question!
On the numerical test.. how many questions did they have and how much time did they give you?
Was it harder than the online version we did?
Thanks!
22 March 2010 - 9:10pm
liybpg
desertfox,
I think it is 35 minutes for 32 questions. I found it harder than online, but don't worry too much, I don't think they are strict on the results.
Also, a graduate girl told me that they only look at the questions that you have done and work out the percentage of those (ignoring the ones you haven't done). I am not 100% sure on this, but they do say that they don't expect you to finish it.
I would advise just doing your best, work quickly and efficiently, don't get stuck on a question what you don't understand and avoid blind guessing. There are some questions, which you might try to guess but majority need calculations.
Also note that as you go through the test, questions become longer to calculate, so try to get through the first bunch as quickly as you can.
Good luck.
Peter
29 March 2010 - 10:25pm
star_1
Everyone good luck for AC. Had mine in the last week. Some tips...
Numeracy Test- Everyone found it pretty hard so practise the day before.. just try to do as many questions as possible. There is a low benchmark number to pass.
Group Exercise- Keep an eye on the time, try to make sure all speak, persuade on any points you have but be clear in your approach
The interview- prepare for persuasion and solution based competencies, why lloyds and scheme
Case Study- This is to look at your presenting skills, persuasion and logic so don't worry which option you choose just know why.
Good luck.
6 April 2010 - 1:19pm
oct123
Hey guys,
Could anyone give me the number for the HR?
The number i used was (0)121 696 5038 and it has never worked......
I selected and AC before but I removed it by accident. Then, There is no options in the list at all. I am worried. I have been emailing Lloyds and left 2 messenges to that phone numbers. Noone replies me at all!!! Can anyone give me a number which is useful please...
9 April 2010 - 2:07am
ntaan
for the documents what did you take for confirmation that you are going to get a 2.1 ?
9 April 2010 - 10:24pm
lllpp
i just brought in my grade sheet of my modules in my first and second year of uni. what have you applied for?
15 April 2010 - 11:22am
Gradu8
Can anyone tell me what sort of visual aids you are expected to use for the fact finding presentation. Thanks in advance
15 April 2010 - 11:33am
liybpg
Gradu8,
I have just put my main points on two posters and that's it. I think it was enough
19 April 2010 - 6:29pm
oct123
Hey guys,
I confused about the type of numerical test you did in AC. Was it psl type or shl type?
21 April 2010 - 11:56pm
oct123
HELP:
For those talents who attended to the AC before. Could I ask whether the interviewer probed on the 'why lloyds' or 'why this division' or 'why this programme' the most?
I can answer 'why lloyds' and 'why this programme' as there are many information. Does the interviewer asked a lot about 'why this division'? Thank you :-)
4 May 2010 - 3:26pm
Dee123
Hey guys
Has anyone had an interviewfor the corporate scheme under the business specialist programme. Any help and advice on the interview and AC will be greatly appreciated
11 February 2011 - 4:57pm
chelsea
hi guys just want to no if anyone has attended an assessment for the customer advisor/assistant role. how did it go and what questions do they ask in the interview t. im attending one in a week and i just want to be prepared cos i want this job so much.please help. thank you
2 March 2011 - 10:15pm
gabitza
hi. same situation. will have my interview in few days and i really want the job. is for the customers advisor and i would really appreciate if you could share your experience. thank you
11 April 2011 - 12:04am
Sophonie
Hello guys,
I had a telephone interview for the business specialist programme and and the end of the inetrview I have been said that they would give ma an answer in a couple of days. It is now two weeks I had the inteview and I am still waiting for this answer.
Is there anyone in the same situation? And does anyone have any idea of how I can contact them. I haven't found any e mail adress or phone number in the web site :(
Thanks !
.
25 September 2011 - 2:26pm
Grad101
Hi everyone,
I have the assessment centre this week for the GM graduate leadership programme and wondered if you could give me some advice on the AC.
The logical tests... is it only numerical reasoning? And how many questions do you get in what time?
I am most concerned about this bit as I occasionally fail them under pressure. Anyone know the pass mark?
Many thanks,
Grad101
2 October 2011 - 10:48am
muny321
Grad101,
I've got my telephone interview tomorrow for the same programme, could you tell me what questions were asked? And if you've got any tips on how best to prepare?
Cheers,
muny321
20 October 2011 - 10:23pm
jp337
Hi Grad101,
How was your assessment centre? Have you received any feedback yet?
I was wondering whether you could advise me on the testing you were given. In the information I received, I was told that I would be required to complete: a competency based interview, analysis exercise and group exercise - yet there was no mention of numerical testing?
On another one of the forums I read that the format of the AC had changed?
Thanks.
21 November 2011 - 1:31pm
gt291
Hi jp337,
How was your assessment centre?
I have my assessment centre for the General Management Scheme this thursday and the information I receice was the same as yours. There was no mention of a numerical test. Did you have do to one? Any advice on the assessment centre?
Thanks
21 November 2011 - 2:02pm
jp337
Hey,
I have my assessment this Wednesday in London.
I attended one of the webinars and they told us that testing depends on the programme you are applying for. So in my case, HR, the testing is not really applicable. But for something such as finance, it will be. I don' t think they do testing on the general management scheme though - but don't take my word for it :)
Good luck (to us both!) haha.
x
22 November 2011 - 5:58pm
Positive Carry
I have a lloyds ac on thursday for general management in solihull.
I have to travel overnight, so am arriving tomorow. if anyone else is, it would good to meet you all at the hotel and share a cab there etc
22 November 2011 - 8:11pm
liybpg
I would suggest that you prepare for numerical test regardless of which scheme you are applying to, as unless anything has changed in the last year - that was the process. If you have any further questions about Lloyds, you can let me know, I've been working there for about 1.5 years now. Good luck all.
22 November 2011 - 8:47pm
Student1234
Hey all
I have a AC tomorrow for Customer Value Management placement was wondering if anyone knew how the process works do we have to do a numerical test or is it a logical test??
Thanks in advance
23 November 2011 - 8:51pm
rhianjames1
Hey jp337,
Is that you Jessica Pain? IWell done to us both on surviving the AC today! I am not too sure if any of the other team members are on this, but would be great if we could all keep in touch!!!
I can't believe we find out the results tomorrow! :S
Rhian x
23 November 2011 - 9:34pm
jp337
Hey Rhian!
Yeah it is - good detective skills :P I'm glad we all survived today! Try and find me on facebook, then I can let you know what my outcome is! My name is Jessie Pain on there :)
Good luck!!! x
23 November 2011 - 9:58pm
SpeedDemon
Hi jp337 and Rhian!
I have an assessment centre day next week for the graduate leadership scheme too! did you have to do the numerical tests?! its my downfall so would really like to know if we do have to do them as the email i've received outlining the day doesn't mention them!
Also Positive Carry I see yours was in Solihull where I'm attending so maybe you could help me out too please?
Thanks in advance!
23 November 2011 - 10:02pm
SpeedDemon
oh well just seen that your assessment day is tomorrow Positive Carry so you won't know yet but if you could let me know after I would much appreciate it! Good luck!
23 November 2011 - 10:33pm
AlexRayman
Hi I was wondering if anyone can help me with this. I have an assessment center coming up. I am a graduate, I don't have my A-level certificates to provide on the day. I must have lost them. I am aware I can get in touch with my exam board and buy new ones at a cost (want to avoid this). Is it compulsory to show them the A level certificates? Do they actually chase it up? Do they generally want to see original certificates (I have the uni ones)?
Can anyone advise?
24 November 2011 - 12:09am
jp337
Hey SpeedDemon,
I thin it depends upon what programme you are on -numerical testing isn't relevant for all of the schemes. So in the HR graduate assessment, we weren't required to do this! You're probably best asking the HR team!
24 November 2011 - 7:43am
liybpg
AlexRayman,
I didn't have my A level certificate either, but I did have a print out of my grades (provided by the exam board), so if you can find any proof of your grades, that should be fine for that day. If they will want to see the original, just explain them the situation. If you don't have any proof what so ever, you just going to have to explain them why and tell them that you can get it (I would advise to research the timelines or requesting a new copy - shows that you care).
Good luck all.
24 November 2011 - 1:31pm
AlexRayman
Hi the thing is, I have one original certificate with one subject and this is from edexcel exam board. My others A levels were from aqa and cant find those. I might have a photo copy, do you think that might be good enough? Do they even care that much about the a levels, i have a bsc degree and postgrad both i obtained a first.
So stressful incase they dont let me in the assessment centre on the day.
I have applied for the graduate general management programme. Any tips on the group excerise/fact find. Did you do the same? would i have to do a numerical test?
Thanks for your reply.
hi, thanks for all that information its going to be really helpful.
Just wondering how long did you have to wait till you got the email giving you details about what to expect on the day, its just that my assesment is next thursday and I still haven't been given any information about the assesment or where its going to be and things.
Thanks