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 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.
I applied online. I interviewed at Direct Line Group (Bromley, England)
Interview
Online application process, which takes you through various online stages, interviews and assessments. If successful in each, an invitation to an Assessment Centre date is sent out, for you to attend, at one of the Direct Line sites. The assessment centre further consists of various stages and assessments, which then leads to a job offer if successful.
Although challenging in parts, the process was extremely simple to follow and overall an extremely positive experience.
I applied online. I interviewed at Direct Line Group (Bromley, England) in Jul 2016
Interview
After passing the application, psychometric testing and telephone interview stages candidates were invited to an assessment centre. At the assessment centre candidates were asked to complete a case study exercise, group exercise and an interview with two employees from Direct Line Group. The case study exercise was particularly challenging, especially if you didn't have a background in insurance or maths. The group activity and the interview were more straightforward. All members of staff were very welcoming and friendly. The culture at Direct Line Group also appeared very relaxed.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why do you want to work at Direct Line Group?
Give me an example of a time you have been innovative?