It was an interesting experience. After submitting profile through Accenture website, I was invited for a 30 minutes HR screening. This went well and the HR lady found my profile suitable for capital market opening. She forwarded me for the next level and told me that there might be a HR situational interview that I need to take as next step. However, after a week, I received an invitation to visit the Accenture Boston office for a day long interview.
At Boston office, I was first interviewed by a senior manager from the capital market group. That was a fabulous discussion cut across all areas of the capital market - from current state to most effective strategy to form a wealth management organization. The interviewer was delighted and forwarded my case to the capital market partner. The partner was a very nice person. He straight away started the discussion with an appreciation note. He asked a few insightful concepts from capital market domain and re-validated the previous interviewer’s feedback. All went well and he finally acknowledged my responses to all questions and then almost verbally confirmed the success.
The day after, I was notified by the HR that the interview went well, but I need to complete the situational interview.
So far is so good.
A lady from a non- cap market background called me up and asked situational questions such as whether I resolved any conflict and whether I have developed any agreement in past.
As usual, I tried my best to cite examples from my recent engagements in Cap market projects. During my explanations, I could figure out that the lady was rapidly losing interest and finding it difficult to relate herself with the Cap market terms.
The very next day, I was informed by the HR that despite my excellent ratings in the final (!!) interview, I could not cross the barrier, as the situational interviewer did not find me suitable for the job!!! I was not surprised.
Although, I don't mind being not selected by HR, I appreciate the quality of the discussions that I had with senior manager and the partner. They were knowledgeable.
This might well be an exception. But, one's performance in situational interview heavily depends on interviewer’s attitude, exposure and knowledge level. So be careful …