KPMG Recruits

KPMG recruits 1,500 to 2,000 graduates each year in Hong Kong and mainland China to support its fast expansion in the region. It targets top talents who are passionate, innovative, open and honest, and team players. But how can it achieve such a challenging target without com­promising on quality recruits? KPMG has adopted a rigorous selection process and top criteria involving four steps, before extending an em­ployment offer. First, candidates have to complete an online application form seeking information pertaining to their career ambitions and ex­tracurricular activities. More important, KPMG seeks a personal fit with its organizational values.

Second, KPMG invites candidates to undergo numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning tests, aimed at measuring a candidate's ability to analyze numerical data and information in a realistic context. The tests are objective selection tools that require good time management skills from the candidates.

Those passing the aptitude tests will be invited to analyze and pres­ent a company case to a manager. Candidates' analytical, presentation, and problem-solving skills are all assessed. Candidates will then have a one-to-one interview with the manager. The final round of the selection process is a second interview, where shortlisted candidates meet with a partner. Questions about the candidate's background, extra curricular activities, and current affairs are discussed. Competency-based behav­ioral questions may be included. Possible questions include: "Can you give me an example that demonstrates your leadership ability?" and "Can you share an experience about how you overcame difficulties?" Competencies such as team spirit, effective verbal communication, for­ward thinking, passion, and motivation in developing a career with the firm will also be assessed.

Thanks to these rigorous selection tools, KPMG manages to employ at a ratio of 1:9 (candidates hired to the number of applicants) in its graduate recruitment exercise each year, exhibiting the effectiveness of its selection procedure.

Questions

6-20. Nowadays, the online application form is a popular initial selection method. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this method.

6-21. Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of KPMG's selection process and methods.

Sources: Margaret So, Director of Human Resources, KPMG Hong Kong; KPMG China, 
www.kpmg.com/cn/en/pages/default.aspx, accessed November 2011