Application Process & Interviews at Philip Morris Australia

Initial phone call with the recruiter, followed by an in person assessment centre & online testing

I did an online interview where I recorded answers to questions, I liked this because I think it gave more of a glimpse into my personality than a resume would.

The hiring process was quite lengthy but would say it's similar to other companies. Interview process included online interview, psychometric testing and full day assessment centre. Assessments on the day wasn't too difficult and got the insight into the company, which was great. Hearing back after the interview didn't take long either.

Had a Recruitment ay with all other University Grads with different challenges and Questions

The Interview process was quite straightforward and not unlike other processes I have gone through. The assessment center was a good opportunity to showcase my skills and knowledge and a good learning opportunity as well.

This interview process is very similar to other Melbourne-based firms hiring interns and graduates. The process began with the submission of a resume along with information about my studies and citizenship status. From here candidates are selected to complete a one-way interview, where questions are shown for a couple minutes before you are required to record a 2-3 minute response per question. Candidates then proceed to online assessments and if successful, will be called notifying them they have made it to an Assessment Centre. This Assessment Centre is conducted on-site where you participate in activities by yourself and also in teams. A member of the People and Culture team will then give you a call within the next 3 weeks following the Assessment Centre as to whether you have been selected or not as a graduate/intern.

What are your future aspirations, previous experience?

I was asked a lot of questions. I was asked about the biggest challenges I've faced, what risks I've taken and how they paid off, how I work with people different from myself, what I want for my career and what interests me about PMI.

Why Philip Morris? How do you deal with difficult situations? Strength & Weakness.

Describe a situation where you showed leadership and how could you have improved on your experience

In the interview process I remember being asked mostly about my work style and career aspirations, while in the assessment center we were given real business cases to see how with think and work to solve real problems, individually and as part of a team.

I was asked about varying situations I have managed challenges either in work, school or my personal life, as well as situations in which I displayed certain qualities (leadership, collaboration etc.). I was also questioned on my interest in the company and why I chose to apply for the role.

I would say coming straight from university, I didn't feel I should be myself. I love to meet new people, chat and make jokes and that is celebrated at PMI so I don't need to act the way someone at uni might think you have to act when working in a corporate position. I would say prepare by doing your research about PMI, knowing why you want to work here and be yourself in the process of applying

Be yourself. Be genuine. Don't be afraid to apply even if what you've studied is far off from what you think the corporate needs.

Be humble , be genuine

Just be yourself and ask lots of questions, it's not necessarily about what you know going in but how you think and your capacity to overcome obstacles that will help you succeed.

I would recommend that candidates remember to simply be themselves. Especially in the Assessment Centre, it becomes very obvious when someone is looking to play a part to stand out rather than simply working as they would in any other situation. In addition, for the one-way interview I would recommend candidates use the best quality microphone and camera available to them whilst undertaking this interview in a quiet room. It is much more difficult than you think for an employer to hear and understand you through a screen!