I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at IBM in Mar 2017
Interview
After several days I received an email asking me to complete a very thinly-veiled IQ test. This test takes roughly 90 minutes and you can only really take a break of any kind in the middle between the two parts. I felt like I done pretty well on it but found it very offputting all the same.
Two days after completing the test, I was told I had passed and would be forwarded to the next stage, the day after that I was told that I didn't match the requirements (this is presumably due to the gap since I graduated, during which time I was doing an internship, there isn't really anything else that didn't fit the role).
It's pretty hard to not be negative about a company who automatically asks you to complete a fairly time consuming challenge before they even glance over your resume.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The first half is largely pattern recognition (e.g. something like 'guess the next number: 1, 4, 4, 7, 28, 10, 280, 13' except more complicated).
The second half is more just rapid fire calculations, "calculate how much interest is paid on this load in x years" type stuff. There's enough time to do them out by hand but unless there are two very similar options, you're best off estimating which choice is best
I applied online. The process took 6 months. I interviewed at IBM (Hursley, England) in Mar 2017
Interview
I sent off my CV and detailed IBM-specific application form, and subsequently completed the IPAC test. I was then invited to an assessment centre at IBM Hursley. The assessment centre was composed of several group exercises, two solo interviews, a short presentation, and a programming aptitude test (similar to an IQ test, no previous programming experience required).
I was told I passed the assessment centre next day, and that while this was not an offer of employment, or even a guarantee that IBM would like to continue with my application (this was made clear at the assessment day, should we pass it), that I was now in a pool of potential candidates. However, two months after the assessment centre (with no communication since) I was told that there were no positions available at this time, and that my application would not be considered any further. A very long waiting process for a very unsatisfactory result.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe a time where you've come up with a solution and persuaded others to use it.
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at IBM (London, England) in Oct 2016
Interview
I filled their own unique application form (questionnaire) and sent the online application. A few days later I was invited for their online IPAT test. It was very tough, but then I received an email the next day that I have scored above the minimum score so now they will review my CV and application and will let me know whether I get promoted to the next stage or not. A few days later, I received an email saying I have cleared the CV clearance stage and now I am invited to the Assessment Centre Day. I was to send a confirmatory email regarding my attendance for the assessment centre day. Then they sent an email briefing the details about the assessment centre day and asking me to send the presentation file 7 days ahead the assessment centre day.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Assessment centre day presentation topic: Information Technology. What it means to you? and Why do you think you are a good candidate for Graduate Software Development Programme?