Two round process: First-round virtual interview with a partner asking motivational questions and basic commercial awareness. Second-round interview in their London office with two partners where you are expected to present three different presentations on different business areas (i.e. executive search, board advisory, etc.) lasting around 90 minutes. This was my first 'graduate job' interview and I approached it sceptically because of the generally negative reviews elsewhere on Glassdoor. The reviews seemed fair: the atmosphere seemed unfriendly, stuffy and cliquey. The interview was 'corporate' in the sense that the questions were professional, but for a firm that prides itself on consulting businesses on how to improve their leadership, there were numerous red flags. The questions seemed designed to catch candidates out. They did not offer to reimburse for travel expenses incurred getting to interview. I got the impression that the hours would be intense with micro-management. Lovely office near St James' Park, and a delightful receptionist, but there are better opportunities elsewhere.

I applied via a graduate recruiting company. My CV was submitted to Fidelio, and I was invited to the first round of a two stage interview. This was my first graduate job interview, and in retrospect there were numerous of red flags of poor management. First of all, I travelled across the country for a 15 minute interview at my own expense. Fidelio never offered to pay, and the conversation could easily have been conducted via Skype or telephone. Secondly, the interview took place in a semi-busy, off-premise business lounge. The interviewer had a very soft voice which was difficult to hear. Thirdly, I now realise that a lot of questions were inappropriate, and ought not have been considered when choosing candidates. The interviewer asked me to name all the companies and positions I had applied to. Comments were also made on my ‘Northernness’. I was rejected a few days later, because I’d ‘applied for other roles’ and demonstrated a ‘lack of commitment to executive search’. I’m aware of the importance of motivation and dedication to a role. But it was deeply unfair to reject me for having options, and frankly wanting to be financially independent. The intrusive questions were unprofessional, and I now use this as a blueprint for red flags in job interviews!