Pass the BDO Interview: Comprehensive Guide
Over 57,000 people applied for BDO in 2022. To pass the BDO interview, preparation is key. This blog will guide you through the most common interview questions and give insights into BDO’s core values and what makes them unique.
BDO is the fifth largest professional services firm in the UK, known for serving companies in the AIM market and high-growth startups. The firm has grown significantly, expanding its workforce from six to seven thousand people recently.
Fast Facts
Before the interview, here are quick facts about BDO to help you prepare:
- 100% of BDO’s offices are carbon neutral.
- In 2022, BDO reported a revenue of over £650 million.
- BDO, its staff, and partners contributed over £300 million in taxes to HMRC.
- BDO Labs was created to develop digital products and streamline services.
- 24% of BDO’s partners are women, with a goal to increase this to 30% by 2030.
Common Interview Questions
Top candidates found these seven questions commonly appear in BDO interviews:
Why BDO? (Responsible, Genuine, Collaborative, Bold)
Your answer should relate to BDO’s core values: Responsible, Genuine, Collaborative, and Bold. Use specific facts and avoid vague statements. Specificity shows you’ve done your research and are truly interested in the company.
Why This Role and Service Line?
Having the job description handy is crucial. Explain how your skills and experiences fit the job requirements. Match your skills to the job and predict potential questions based on the job description.
How Would You Talk to Someone Who Has Rejected a New Technology?
Use a relatable example to explain your approach. For instance, how you would introduce a banking app to someone who prefers traditional banking. Emphasize removing fear and offering assistance.
What Approach Do You Take When Developing New Ideas?
This is a strength-based question. Describe your brainstorming process, how you seek out experts, and how you narrow down ideas to actionable ones. Provide an example using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
How Do You Handle Tight Deadlines and High Workloads?
Another strength-based question. Explain how you stay organized, plan your work, and manage your time. Provide an example from your experience where you balanced multiple responsibilities.
How Do You Communicate and Interact with Customers?
Discuss the value of listening, understanding customer concerns, and setting clear expectations. Emphasize building trust by delivering on commitments. Provide examples from your work or university experience.
Can You Tell Me About a Time When You Had to Balance a Workload and What You Did?
This is a competency-based question. Discuss how you stay organized and say no to new tasks unless they’re essential. Provide an example of a time when you balanced many tasks well.
Why BDO Instead of the Big 4
Choosing BDO over the Big 4 comes down to culture, transparency, and growth opportunities. Highlight these aspects in your answer. Discuss BDO’s growth, investment in training, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and innovative initiatives like BDO Labs and their open discussion of pay gaps.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you pass the BDO interview:
- What is the first stage interview process for BDO? It varies based on the role. Professionals may have an HR screener, while graduates and interns may face online job simulations, video interviews, and case studies.
- How should I prepare for the BDO interview? Research BDO’s core values, review the job description, and prepare specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences.
- What are BDO’s core values? Responsible, Genuine, Collaborative, and Bold (RGCB).
- How can I differentiate BDO from the Big 4 in my answers? Focus on BDO’s unique culture, transparency, and growth opportunities. Highlight their innovative initiatives and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the BDO interview and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
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