I applied online. I interviewed at Essence (London, England) in Nov 2015
Interview
Online test, telephone interview, interview at Essence. The case study was awful and unrealistic. The original person who was meant to interview me was not available, so they sent someone else in which was fine. When the person finally came after a bit of a wait, she came in, sat down and just blurted out the questions. For the non mathematical ones this was alright, but it was rather difficult to take in all the information for the mathematical ones. I understand that this was meant to test my maths skills and reaction to the situation, but the situation was rather unrealistic as I cant imagine someone coming up to me in any job and then blurting out a questions about market shares, percentages and sales price on the spot and then stare at me and time me whilst I do it. Whats more, half way through the interview, her friends came in and ask if she is ready to go to lunch, which made me felt like I was holding her up as I was still trying to figure out the answer. I did not hear from Essence for over a month afterwards and it wasn't until a month later when I decide to make contact to follow up that I got a response.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why Essence, What do you know about the industry, your experience, Friendly chat really.
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Essence (London, England)
Interview
1. Online test: some maths and critical thinking questions. 2. Telephone interview: why you want to join the firm, what are you looking for? 3. Assessment centre one: group activity, behavioural interview, doubles ping pong game (they take this seriously here), case study interview (discussion around a set topic, maths problems, deductions, evaluation - they want to see how you think and approach problems. 4. Assessment centre two: another similar behavioural interview, probably within a team that you might be suited for, another case study interview (similar to previous one but different business scenario, and sat in by two people instead of one last time round). 5. Informal half hour 'chat' with future line manager. Hats off to Essence for being thorough in screening for the right candidate. I enjoyed meeting so many people from the company, hearing about the culture, they're very open to answering any questions you have for them. The interviews can get challenging but I felt like they wanted to show me if I would enjoy working there. Some general advice: be open to new situations, ask lots of genuine questions that interest you, don't panic when things appear tricky.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you market an ice cream business on the internet?
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Essence (New York, NY) in Apr 2014
Interview
Interview Steps –
1) Process first started with a phone screening interview with a recruiting coordinator in London. Basic questions, it was really meant to see how you present yourself on the phone and why you are applying to the job. Took about 30 minutes.
2) Aptitude test: basic SAT type math (ratios, quick calculations) which took 20 minutes
3) Two rounds of in-person interviews and case-studies at their NYC office. Both rounds were very similar. The interviews were very much behavioral in style, and can be either 2-1 or 1-1. Standard questions were asked, such as why digital media, why Essence, name a challenge/how did you cope with said challenge, talk about this experience on your resume, etc.
The case studies were very similar in nature as well. Each took 45 minutes and were meant to test how you approach a problem and think through calculations. Basic math is required (they give you a calculator). They want to hear you ask questions and be able to work through the problems out loud.
4) Offer, negotiation of compensation, acceptance.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
why digital media, why Essence, name a challenge/how did you cope with said challenge, talk about this experience on your resume, etc.