Our Selection Criteria

Who we're looking for

At KPMG we are looking for people with a range of skills and abilities. As a result, we don’t just assess your application on any one factor. Instead we judge you on:

  • Your academic results
  • Your skills and abilities
  • Your career motivation

Our on line application means we can assess you on all these factors. You would not be automatically rejected on any one of the above but you need to be aware that competition is tough. We receive over 10,000 applications per year and over 50% are rejected at the application stage because they did not meet our basic requirements. As a general guideline, successful applicants would be expected to match our academic entry requirements below. In practice, the majority of successful candidates do achieve higher standards than these guidelines.

Entry GCSE Maths or equivalent GCSE English or equivalent A level points or equivalent Degree Result
KPMG Grade A for all entry routes (Grade B for Tax) Grade C 24 A level points 2.1 achieved or forecast

These are the standard entry requirements for KPMG however certain departments may have slightly different entry requirements. These will be displayed on the Graduate pages of the Careers Website or you can give KPMG Graduate Recruitment a call on 0500 664 665 to establish the entry criteria for the department that you are interested in.

Work Experience

At KPMG we place considerable value on your work experience. If you have had any work experience which is particularly relevant to working in a professional services firm you should certainly tell us about this on your application in your career motivation statement. Applications from graduate job changers are particularly welcomed.

Your commercial awareness and your understanding of how business operates are issues we will certainly explore at the interview stage and the experience you have to date should help you to answer these questions.

Our competency based approach to selection requires you to think about examples to illustrate you have the skills we look for and again your experience should be a major source of such examples.

KPMG Competencies

Drive and Resilience

Self motivated with a strong commitment to achieving challenging goals at work. Perseveres when faced with difficulties. Reacts positively to change and variety.

Building Relationships

Co-operates with others and contributes to a positive team atmosphere. Shares knowledge with others.

Making an Impact

The ability to express oral and written ideas clearly, convincingly and concisely. Influences others and can 'sell' ideas and concepts.

Leadership

Demonstrates the ability to motivate others to achieve common team goals. Provides clear direction for others. Seeks new responsibilities. Shows initiative.

Problem Solving

Is innovative, inventive and creative. Produces imaginative alternatives and embraces new ideas.

Task Management

Adopts an organised and structured approach to work. Prioritises effectively and can manage multiple tasks.

Career Motivation

Demonstrates a sound understanding and a personal commitment to a career within KPMG. Displays a commitment to learning and is keen to seek out development opportunities.

Business Focus

Demonstrates a broad understanding of business issues. Has a broad interest in business and how companies operate.

Establishes and maintains strong relationships with customers and clients. Adjusts own style when dealing with different people. Delivers high quality service and value.

Career Motivation

This is deliberately the only open ended question on the application form. If you are invited to interview we expect you to have:

  • A clear understanding of the career area you have chosen to apply to
  • A recognition of the demands involved in gaining a professional qualification
  • An understanding of KPMG and our position as a firm of global business advisers

You need to be able to demonstrate a clear interest in KPMG at both the application and interview stage. We would have expected you to have browsed our web site and, if possible, have attended one of our on campus activities.

If you believe you meet the criteria above we would be delighted to receive an application from you. If you are in any doubts about your qualifications and experience you can find further information at our web site: www.kpmg.co.uk or by calling our freephone Graduate Helpline on 0500 664 665.