Online application, aptitude tests and interviews followed by an assessment centre (along with other applicants) at the location you have applied for. The assessment centre consisted of; 1. A written test (which was to be completed in your own time throughout the day). 2. A pre-prepared presentation (why you want join to Mercer working in the industry you have chosen). 3. A group exercise (given a case study and 10 minutes to prepare before discussing in detail with the other applicants how best cater to the client's needs) 4. A role play (given a case study on a company that wish to close their DB scheme, you have to then consult with two clients to find out what they want and explain to them about the services Mercer can offer. I would recommend brushing up on the different methods used by companies to close DB schemes and more specifically the services Mercer have to offer companies, in both the transfer of assets and the management of DC schemes. Although you're not expected to know everything, knowing about these services can really help this part of the assessment.) 5. Face-to-face interview (this is more about getting to know you, your experience, your career aspirations and your knowledge of the industry. Don't worry, there aren't any 'curve ball' questions here). Overall the assessment day is very enjoyable, you get the chance to talk to junior members of the team and there is a presentation on the company and the graduate programme by a Partner to finish the day. I would say that this is a demanding but fair assessment process. Anyone with a real interest in the role/company and with an appropriate amount of preparation behind them should stand a good chance of being offered a role.

The interview process was confined to a seven hour long assessment day which consisted of a variety of activities and tasks. There was a group of 11 graduates interviewing on the day I interviewed. Following a brief introduction by HR, we were sat in a room for the day where we worked on a writing assignment. The assignment tested English skills and was fairly straightforward. We were pulled out individually for our interview, presentation, and client role play, and pulled out in teams to tackle the group case study. I enjoyed meeting a variety of staff who had different roles within the company, all of whom were extremely friendly. We broke for lunch at 12pm for an hour where we had the opportunity to talk with junior employees, without any senior staff or HR present. We closed the day with a presentation from a director who outlined the graduate programme in sufficient detail and gave us the opportunity ask questions about the scheme. Overall, I feel that the structure of the day allowed candidates to make an informed decision about whether they wanted to work for Mercer. In particular, the final presentation was a well received addition to the day that gave a good overview of the graduate programme. If you are invited to interview, HR will send you an informational pack (at least they sent me one) that outlines all of the activities and their suggested preparation. Follow the advice within the pack and you will be well prepared for the interview day.