I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Direct Line Group (London, England) in Jul 2016
Interview
DLG Graduate Programme:
First round telephone interview: standard behavioural questions, easy to answer using STAR framework for answering behavioural questions. It feels very scripted and generic which is a downside, but it presents an opportunity for you to highlight unique experiences and skills that you can relate to the programme.
If successful at the telephone interview, then the next stage is an assessment centre. The assessment centre is very small scale and involves only 3-5 candidates. I was quite surprised as most other assessment centres involve 10+ people, so it was much easier in this case to demonstrate capability and understanding, and not feel overshadowed by 'loud' people competing for attention. The assessment centre is well structured and gives everyone a chance to contribute.
The assessment centre includes a 45 minute solo analysis task, followed by 20 minute presentation with Q&A in front of two assessors. After that there is a group exercise in which the task involves some form of discussion and decision making, followed by a brief presentation of the team's rationale. Finally, there is a 1-to-1 interview with two assessors (someone from HR and a manager from another business area) in which you can talk about your past experiences.
Overall, the assessment centre was a very positive experience and the entire process was quite fast in comparison to many others (communication was very prompt).
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why DLG?
Why the business function/area you have selected?
What sort of challenges do you expect to face on the graduate programme?
I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Direct Line Group (Bromley, England) in Jul 2016
Interview
First, you submit an online application, then you take an online psychometric test. If successful, you will be invited for a telephone interview. Successful candidate will then be invited to an assessment centre.
I applied through a staffing agency. I interviewed at Direct Line Group (Bromley, England)
Interview
Assessment Centre:
1) In-Tray excercise:
I found this very challenging simply because of the amount of items and the time pressure.
2) Group Presentation
Each member is presented with an initiative which they have to promote and try push through.
It's not necessarily about getting your project through but the teamwork skills you show during discussion
3) Competency Interview with 2 Senior employees
Questions looking to see how you work and how well you fit DLGs values.