KPMG
Sources being replaced Professional Services

KPMG Assessment & Interview Preparation

Transforming Small Businesses, Delivering Outcomes & Launch Pad

Guide country context: Netherlands · Consulting / Professional Services

Hiring processes can vary by country, role, business unit, and year.

KPMG uses an immersive, blended assessment strategy combining situational judgement, numerical data analysis, video responses, and a collaborative assessment centre called the Launch Pad. The process tests analytical skills and alignment with KPMG's Leadership Principles.

ℹ️ This preparation guide is independent and is not official KPMG material. It summarizes public candidate guidance from KPMG Careers and helps you practice similar skills and interview formats. Always follow the instructions in your own invitation email.
⚠️ KPMG strictly demands integrity and authenticity throughout its process. Do not use generative AI tools during live assessments unless explicitly permitted.
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📋 Hiring Process

  • 1
    Online Application official
    Submit application through KPMG Careers portal with CV and motivational questions
    → Research KPMG service lines and tailor application to chosen division
  • 2
    Transforming Small Businesses official
    Immersive online assessment blending SJT, numerical, and verbal reasoning in a single untimed session (~90 minutes). Candidates analyze rich data sources including emails and voicemails.
    → Practice analyzing complex information formats and ranking situational responses logically
  • 3
    Delivering Outcomes official
    Secondary assessment requiring recorded video responses and drafted written tasks based on fictional projects
    → Practice video responses and concise business writing under moderate time pressure
  • 4
    Launch Pad Assessment Centre official
    Half-day event comprising group exercises, e-tray/written analysis task, and interviews. Candidates assessed on 1-to-5 scoring matrix.
    → Practice collaborative group exercises and written analysis tasks
  • 5
    Offer & Checks official
    Successful candidates receive conditional offers subject to background checks
    → Respond promptly and complete any required documentation

📝 Assessments

Transforming Small Businesses blended sjt numerical verbal

An immersive, untimed online assessment (~90 minutes) where candidates analyze rich data sources including emails, voicemails, and spreadsheets to make business decisions for a fictional small business client. Blends SJT, numerical reasoning, and verbal reasoning into one seamless scenario.

Measures: Situational judgement, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, data analysis, decision-making under complexity

  • Take your time — the assessment is untimed
  • Read all data sources carefully before answering
  • Practice ranking responses logically rather than going with gut instinct
  • Think about KPMG's client-focused approach when evaluating options

Common mistakes

  • Rushing through without reading all the information
  • Not using the data provided to justify rankings
  • Ignoring the client impact of decisions
Delivering Outcomes video and written

Candidates record video responses and draft written tasks based on fictional client projects. Tests communication skills, business writing, and ability to present recommendations clearly.

Measures: Communication clarity, business writing, presentation skills, logical structuring of recommendations

  • Practice speaking to camera naturally
  • Structure written responses with clear headings and conclusions
  • Keep answers concise and focused on outcomes
  • Show awareness of KPMG's values in your responses

Common mistakes

  • Rambling without structure in video responses
  • Not proofreading written tasks
  • Failing to connect recommendations to business outcomes
Launch Pad Assessment Centre assessment centre

Half-day event featuring group exercises, an e-tray/written analysis task, and interviews. Candidates are assessed on a 1-to-5 scoring matrix across multiple competency dimensions.

Measures: Collaboration, leadership potential, analytical writing, interview performance, alignment with KPMG Leadership Principles

  • In group exercises, invite others to contribute — KPMG values inclusive collaboration
  • For the e-tray task, prioritize and structure your written analysis clearly
  • Research KPMG's specific Leadership Principles before attending
  • Be authentic — KPMG explicitly values genuineness

Common mistakes

  • Dominating group discussions without listening
  • Writing unfocused e-tray responses
  • Not demonstrating awareness of KPMG's values

🎤 Interviews

Launch Pad Interview

Structured interview at the assessment centre assessing alignment with KPMG's Leadership Principles through behavioral examples and scenario-based questions.

Format: Competency and values-based, approximately 30-45 minutes

What interviewers look for

  • Evidence of Deliver Impact
  • Evidence of Seek Growth
  • Evidence of Inspire Trust
  • Authentic self-awareness
  • Client-first thinking

Focus areas to practise

  • Tell me about a time you delivered impact despite obstacles
  • Describe how you sought growth outside your comfort zone
  • Give an example of inspiring trust in a team setting
  • Prepare STAR stories mapped to each Leadership Principle
  • Show genuine enthusiasm for KPMG's work
  • Be ready to discuss why you chose your specific service line
Group Exercise

Candidates work together on a business scenario, making decisions as a team. Assessors observe collaboration, leadership, and communication.

Format: Collaborative group task, approximately 30-45 minutes with 4-6 candidates

What interviewers look for

  • Inclusive behavior — inviting quieter members to speak
  • Building on others' ideas
  • Clear, structured contributions
  • Willingness to compromise while maintaining quality

Focus areas to practise

  • Collaborative problem-solving
  • Time management as a group
  • Balancing assertiveness with inclusivity
  • Don't dominate — facilitate
  • Acknowledge others' contributions before adding your own
  • Keep the group focused on the task objective
  • Summarize progress periodically

🧭 How this differs by role

The process is not the same for every role. Find the closest match to the job you applied for — the assessments and interviews below are the ones reported for that role family.

Graduate / Vacationer

Assessments

  • Transforming Small Businesses
  • Delivering Outcomes

Interviews

  • Launch Pad group exercise
  • Launch Pad interview
  • E-tray written task

Audit / Tax / Advisory

Assessments

  • Transforming Small Businesses
  • Delivering Outcomes

Interviews

  • Launch Pad (division-specific scenarios)
  • Technical questions on audit/tax principles

Technology / Consulting

Assessments

  • Transforming Small Businesses
  • Delivering Outcomes
  • Technical assessment (role-dependent)

Interviews

  • Launch Pad
  • Technical competency interview

Experienced Hire

Assessments

  • May bypass game-based elements

Interviews

  • Intensive technical interview
  • Partner interview
  • Competency-based interview

🏛️ Values & Framework

KPMG Leadership Principles

KPMG evaluates candidates against its Leadership Principles, which emphasize delivering meaningful results for clients while growing personally and maintaining the highest integrity standards.

Deliver Impact Seek Growth Inspire Trust Drive Quality Foster Innovation Build Collaborative Relationships Champion Inclusion
  • Connect your examples to specific Leadership Principles
  • Show how you delivered measurable impact in past experiences
  • Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn
  • Emphasize integrity and ethical decision-making in all responses

⏱️ Preparation Plans

  • Read KPMG's Leadership Principles (Deliver Impact, Seek Growth, Inspire Trust)
  • Complete one SJT practice set focusing on ranking-style questions
  • Record yourself answering one video practice question
  • Review the format of the specific stage you're facing tomorrow
  • Complete 2-3 full SJT practice sessions with complex scenarios
  • Practice numerical reasoning with data interpretation questions
  • Record 3-4 video responses and review for clarity and structure
  • Research your chosen KPMG service line and current projects
  • Prepare 3 STAR stories aligned to KPMG's Leadership Principles
  • Complete daily SJT, numerical, and verbal reasoning practice
  • Practice analyzing complex multi-format information (emails, data, charts)
  • Record 6+ video responses covering different question types
  • Practice written business analysis tasks under time pressure
  • Prepare 5+ STAR stories covering all three Leadership Principles
  • Research KPMG news, recent projects, and industry trends
  • Practice group discussion skills with peers if possible
  • Build strong foundation across SJT, numerical, and verbal reasoning
  • Complete multiple full-length practice assessments simulating Transforming Small Businesses
  • Perfect video interview technique with extensive recording and review
  • Master written analysis format for e-tray exercises
  • Develop deep knowledge of KPMG's service lines and market position
  • Prepare comprehensive STAR story bank (8+ stories) mapped to Leadership Principles
  • Practice group exercises with friends or study groups
  • Conduct mock interviews focusing on competency questions
  • Review and refine all preparation areas based on weakest points

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Transforming Small Businesses assessment timed?
The assessment is described as untimed, though it typically takes around 90 minutes to complete. Candidates can work at their own pace, but should plan to complete it in one sitting.
What happens at the Launch Pad?
The Launch Pad is KPMG's assessment centre event. It typically includes a group exercise, an e-tray/written analysis task, and a competency-based interview. Candidates are scored on a 1-to-5 matrix across multiple dimensions.
How important are KPMG's Leadership Principles?
Very important. KPMG explicitly evaluates candidates against Deliver Impact, Seek Growth, and Inspire Trust throughout the entire process. You should be able to connect your examples to these principles.
Does the process differ for experienced hires?
Yes. Experienced hires may bypass the game-based assessments (Transforming Small Businesses) and instead face intensive technical interviews and Partner-level interviews focused on expertise and client delivery.
What should I do in the group exercise?
KPMG values candidates who invite others to contribute and build on the group's ideas. Focus on inclusive collaboration rather than dominating the discussion. Assessors specifically look for candidates who facilitate rather than lead aggressively.
Can I use a calculator in the assessments?
KPMG's immersive assessments typically provide on-screen tools where needed. Always follow the specific instructions in your invitation email.

📚 Sources & verification status

3 sources · 2 from the employer or another primary publisher · 1 being replaced

We are still verifying parts of this guide

  • Source 'Assessment structure and naming conventions' has no URL, so it cannot be inspected (data rated it Unverified)

Until that is done, treat the details below as reported rather than confirmed. If you have an invitation, the Assessment Decoder will identify your specific test from its wording.

See each source and how far it goes
  • Employer site KPMG Careers - Application Process Primary source, published by the employer
  • Employer site KPMG Careers - Competencies Primary source, published by the employer
  • Candidate reports Assessment structure and naming conventions Could not be checked — being replaced — Aggregated candidate reports; no single citable source. Cannot support a definitive claim.

Confidence is calculated from each source, not assigned to the page. A source that cannot be opened, or that does not describe what we cited it for, cannot support a claim here regardless of how it was previously labelled.

✍️ How this guide was put together

Published by Job Tests Portal. It is compiled from the public sources listed above and has not been independently reviewed by a recruitment or assessment specialist. We are not affiliated with KPMG and this guide is not endorsed by them.

We label where each statement comes from, and we would rather say “we could not verify this” than state something we cannot show you the source for. Hiring processes change often and vary by role, country and year, so treat everything here as a starting point and let your invitation be the final word.

Source links last checked automatically 25 days ago. This is an automated link check, not an editorial review.

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