Hi,
I recently applied for the Strategy and Planning associate position in ZS and received an invitation for phone screen. I was wondering what is the overall hiring process for this position in ZS? Would there be an online assessment following the phone screen? What questions should I expect during phone screen? Thank you.
Hi there,
First, good luck!
You need to be really clear on "Why consulting" as well as "why the company". You should also be ready with a resume walkthrough. More than that, you should be ready with questions of your own and be ready to talk through really any experience on your resume. Finally, be ready to play "tag"! I.e. try and get the recruiter to put you in touch with someone else at the company.
Generally FIT answers are longer and more in depth. "Why consulting" would be 1 min in an interview and 20 seconds on a screening call. Additionally, you need to have personal stories prepared for the FIT interview but not for screening
You should be prepared to 100%. Will it happen for sure? Can't say. Should you be prepared? Absolutely.
For the fit / behavioral side, take a look at my Behavioral Interview Course.
Hey there :)
The process can vary by office, but the phone screen is usually focused on your CV, motivation for ZS and the Strategy and Planning role, and your relevant experience. You may also get a few basic business or problem solving questions.
Some candidates have an assessment or case interview afterwards, but I wouldn’t assume there will be a separate online test. I’d prepare a clear answer to why ZS, why this role, and a few examples of your achievements, teamwork and problem solving. You can also ask the recruiter about the remaining steps at the end of the call.
Best, Alessa :)
I would not assume a fixed global sequence for the Strategy and Planning associate process. ZS changes the steps by office and role, and your invite is the only reliable map.
On a first phone screen, expect questions on why you applied, whether your CV matches the seat, and how you talk through a simple business problem. Some screens stay conversational. Others add a short structured prompt. An online assessment can follow, but I would not tell you that it will until the recruiter says so.
Reply to the person who booked the call and ask what it will cover, and whether an assessment is part of this process. Before the screen, rehearse a tight walk-through of your CV and do one timed chart or maths drill. That work still helps if the call stays light.
Honestly, the only person who can answer this question accurately is the recruiter.
The process does differ from firm to firm, office to office, and role to role. Sometimes there are changes from one season to the other. So go straight to the source, prepare some question and get a clear idea of what you should expect. That will help you tailor your prep going forward. You can also reach back to this forum and we might be able to help you with more targeted suggestions.
Best,
Cristian
The process is usually very clear on the website or in your invitation. So check that out to be prepared.
Prepare yourself to have a conversation about you as a person, your goals, where you see yourself in the future, why you want to work there.
