Application Process & Interviews at Commonwealth Bank

Standard large corporate recruitment process, with 2 interview rounds, a fairly approachable group assessment, psychometric testing.

1. Submit application 2. Virtual assessment centre (testing) 3. Video interviews 4. Group assessment centre 5. 2:1 interviews 6. Line manager interview

I started with a video interview, and then received an invitation to a 1:1 interview and Assessment centre. A brief was sent prior to the assessment centre so that I had time to prepare. The assessment centre involved me working with a group to answer a brief and present, all in the space of 30 minutes. The entire process went smoothly, and I received a call about my acceptance a few days after completing the interview process.

- Very straight forward and comfortable. - Quick response. - Streamlined process with only 4 stages: Application, Psychometric assessment, Digital interview & Assessment centre.

Online pre-screening, individual and group assessment centre.

Pretty good process, timeline was quite slow tho. The assessments were pretty standard, but the group activity felt quite relevant and also very interesting

Interview process begins with the application, followed by a psychometric test. After this came a digital interview and then the assessment centre day. In the assessment centre day, we had a virtual interview with two staff members before a group activity with other candidates in which we were given a problem to solve in 30 minutes.

There was 4 stages to the interview; online assessment (pattern recognition and behavioural), Online pre recorded interview, 2:1 interview and a group interview/ activity. This is standard/ comparable to others I did.

It was pretty smooth you have a rapid fire rotating forum interview where 5 people from the bank come in and out of the teams meeting and ask questions to get to know you how you fit with the bank it was a really good experience. The group assessment is after this is where you are put into a team with 5 other candidates and you have to work together through the problem they will give you a brief before hand so you can prepare but in the assessment 5 mins to go they switch the prompt just to see how you react as a team as thats what the bank is Ultimately built on team work

One aspect of the interviews were a "speed interviewing" process where you would spend 15 minutes between 4 assessors and they would be able to ask you questions which keeps yours responses short and concise. There is also a group work process where you will be gathered as a group with other candidates to help answer a problem statement

The interview process involves a psychometric exam, digital interview, virtual interview, and assessment centre to complete. Although the entire interview process is online, there are many points of contact throughout the process to contact recruitment for any questions I had. The assessments were good in assessing behavioural and teamwork abilities, but did lack technical questions.

As a grad the process is quite standard across the industry. You submit your application which then prompts you to do an online aptitude test or some kind of assessment online. From there you do a video interview and then a face to face interview and then a group activity which is followed by a written activity. The process is quite rigorous.

Virtual Interview is a challenging obstacle as it is powered by AI and could miss a lot of high potential individuals.

The interview process was relatively straight forward. It consisted of an online assessment, a digital interview, and an assessment centre (which consisted of a group activity and written activity). I found their interviewers very warm and insightful. I didn't once feel uncomfortable or unwelcomed.

I was given an offer for the grad programme after my internship, however, they did not hold my offer as i was unable to finish my uni courses due to covid. They were still able to fast track me through to the last round interviews though. It was stressful but i understand that it was fair that way.

I personally enjoyed the interview process to enter the grad program. It was clearly tailored in a way to attract certain individuals that complemented the roles. Having the mix of 1:1 and group interviews is really important in selecting quality candidates as well as giving people the opportunity to succeed in different environments as not everyone has the opportunity to demonstrate their skill in group setting for example.

Interview process was smooth, however I remember it taking a while between some rounds

Written application + video interviews (8-10 questions which was quite alot) 2-1 interview with senior leaders & assessment centre for group activity.

The hiring process was a little lengthy but there was solid communication throughout. Firstly there was an aptitude test, followed by a virtual interview. Then the assessment centre involved a group activity and 4 x 15 minute interviews.

Smooth process but daunting through the group interview

Standard questions.

The virtual video interviews are about getting to know who you are as a person and what your personality is like, how you present and explanation of some prior experiences. The Group assessment centre you are given a problem statement with a select amount of time to solve it as a group. With the 2:1 interviews, there are two Leaders from the area you will be going into who ask questions relating to task specific circumstances and how you would handle yourself in certain scenarios. The last line manager interview is the last tick of approval before being successful; it is a good opportunity to meet each other face to face and ask any questions you might have.

I was asked quite a few questions, most notably about how I help others in a team, challenges I have overcome, my passions and reasons for wanting to join the bank.

Why CommBank? - Why did you apply for The chose stream? - Behavioural questions relating to team work, team communication, adaptability and project management. - Extra curricular commitment related questions

I can't remember - it was 2 years ago.

Generic behavioural questions, questions about technical background, interests, how you apply tech/programming skills to interests

What type of person I am and what type of person I want to become

I do not remember the questions I was specifically asked.

Mix of questions about me, previous experience and situational questions.

The main questions where more about yourself and why you want to be a part of the bank and the program they did ask a bit about your technical background but they were looking for mainly to see if your fit well into the program and were going to take full advantage of the oppertunity given

Questions based on experience, past work, duties in technical work at uni

Primarily behavioural questions, with some scenario based questioning on times when you have worked with a difficult colleague, received feedback, or had improved on a process in previous work experiences.

Behavioural questions. Those relating to times I have worked in a group or faced difficulties and how I overcame them. Also questions involving why I want to work at CBA over other places.

Quite a few boilerplate questions as you would expect. The more interesting questions I was asked were centred around the customer and my own personal experience.

I dont remember

I recall being asked some behaviour-based questions and why I was applying for the role. I was also asked if I was interviewing at other firms as well. I don't recall being asked anything that took be my surprise. Mind you, my background of study is Human Resources (company culture) and Data Science so my opinion may be biased as I am probably more educated in the hiring space than a candidate without that study.

General questions about my degree, why I wanted to pursue Analytics, different projects I've worked on, "tell me about a time when" type of questions.

Tell me a about a time where you went above and beyond for a customer? Describe a time when you identified a risk and how you mitigated it? Talk about a new technology that fascinates you. Tell me a time where you worked in a group and what role you played.

Cannot remember as I interviewed back in 2022 for the 2022/23 Internship

Asked to talk about my experience to date and talk through examples of how I overcome challenges. Was asked about how I could ensure customers privacy and data was kept confidential.

Be well researched, let your personality shine through, don't just say what you think they want to hear.

1. Have a personality, and dont be afraid to show it, assessors love interesting people with new perspectives on problems. 2. Be very prepared to articulate why you are applying, you are likely to be far more successful if you can clearly answer the simple question "so why CommBank?". 3. Research research and more research - have some interesting economic stories/trends to talk about and know what CommBank (the company) is going in the economy/community.

I would recommend candidates practice the 'STAR' method (situation, task, action, result) when answering questions, and to have an answers prepared. When receiving the brief, candidates should research the company values and current trends to help them bring value to the assessment centre and assist in presenting a strong idea. I would also say to be yourself! Personality shining through will help assessors understand the culture fit, and how they will best work in a team and at the company.

- During interviews, express how you demonstrated our core values (care, courage, commitment) in past experiences. - Echo what you're seeking from CBA, what value you can bring, and how CBA can help you grow.

Research the company, related markets and be YOU.

Make sure you research CBA initiatives and be prepared to talk about the intersection between tech and your interests

Be very genuine in who you are. Interviews are also for you to see if the company is a good fit for your personality at the time. Use it as an opportunity to see if it is the place for you

Speak from experience, use the SMART methodology to answer questions, be as honest and genuine as you can be, do not memorise answers

To best prepare I would recommend researching the company, understand their values and any recent initiatives they have launched that interest you and try to tie this into your answers.

Read the brief document provided to you by the talent team and learn about some initiatives the bank are involved with at the time. My biggest tip is to just be yourself enjoy the process by doing that you will be able to show your talents the interviewers

Ensure you try your best to show great behavioural skills along with your technical skills. As such, the most important characteristic for a grad would be their attitude, rather than their aptitude.

I would recommend studying CBA's suite of products and knowing how each of them 'build a brighter future for all' as our main slogan. Brush up on behavioural based questioning and using the STAR method with memorised examples

Knowing our core values of Care, Courage & Commitment and embodying them through the individual interview is a must. But also, be yourself and make sure you have great examples of when you have displayed our values.

Gain an understanding of the company's values and upcoming objectives and also the external banking/finance environment. Keep a customer-centric and risk mindset.

Be yourself! Get involved in group conversations. Preparation can be tough but if you get familiar with CBA's values and projects, you'll find it gives you a lens through which certain questions can be answered.

I would recommend that they reach out to someone who has worked for the company in a role they are applying for and ask them for feedback on the role. I do think some people get surprised by what banking actually entails when they start here if they are coming straight from uni. It's important to attend events and speak to people in the industry to fully understand what you are getting yourself into.

I think the biggest thing is to be passionate and show that you are willing to learn.

By yourself and know your experiences/past projects well because they'll ask you alot to draw from the past.

I think one of the best things you can do is review the company values and initiatives. If you can think of examples for each value, or intertwine them within your answers you will be setting yourself up for success. Be your authentic self and don't be afraid to show some personality. Don't stress too much about the technical side of things, that can all be taught. It's important to demonstrate you can work in a team and have a growth mindset.

Everyone in the group interview is just as nervous and is just as stressed out as you. Put the nerves aside and have fun with it