Online Application:
The first stage is an online application, relatively straightforward. This contains your CV, cover letter and a few questions.
Phone interview:
If the application is successful then you are invited to schedule a phone interview. This is also straight forward if you are prepared. I layed out all of my notes in front of me and this helped a lot. This consisted of roughly four competency questions and you are asked to answer in the STAR format. Also, I was asked what I knew about Caterpillar and why I wanted to work for them.
Assessment day:
If you pass the phone interview you are invited to attend an assessment day. Honestly, I enjoyed the day. From the start, the assessors ease the tension. They make jokes, introduce themselves and make you feel less stressed.
Group exercises:
I wont spoil much here, but they were both good fun. One was very fun and consisted of us building something as a group. The other was a little more technical and was still relatively straightforward. Both group exercises included presenting as a group after.
Individual exercise:
A brief individual exercise. Ranking things in order of importance. Relatively easy and lasted 30 minutes.
Individual interview:
I stressed a lot about this part, but it was quite relaxed and the two interviewers I had were very friendly and made me feel at ease. This consisted of about 7 or 8 competency questions, so make sure you have pre-prepared questions rehearsed that you can mould to the questions asked. One technical question asked but was very easy.