A successful start to your career: Tips from recruiter Lucrezia

Lucrezia, recruiter at Deloitte, gives job starters tips for a successful interview. Find out how you can best prepare yourself!

  • July 09, 2024
  • 5 Min. reading time
  • Sponsored by:   Deloitte

6 tips to those starting out their career – Answered by Lucrezia, a recruiter at Deloitte

Lucrezia, a Deloitte recruiter, answers 3 common questions asked by graduates and 3 tips when interviewing and applying for your first job.

Deloitte believes that building strong relationships with their candidates is key to helping them achieve their career goals. That is why we have asked their experienced recruiter Lucrezia to share her insights and answer commonly asked questions about Deloitte’s hiring process. By combining the expertise of a recruiter with the questions and concerns many recent graduates have, we hope to provide you with some tips to navigating the recruitment process. Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Deloitte is here to help you succeed.

3 common questions I get asked by recent graduates


1) Can I apply to work in Audit, Tax or Consulting even if I do not have experience?

Lucrezia: Absolutely, you can apply for entry roles in Audit, Tax or Consulting even if you don't have prior experience in these areas. At Deloitte, we value diversity and believe that it is our strength. We have many colleagues in these fields who began their journey here without a specific background in these areas. It's the blend of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that truly drives innovation and makes a difference in our work.

Deloitte invests in your development to support your personal and professional growth from day one. Whether through bootcamps, to exciting client assignments, dedicated learning programmes for each grade or learning from your leaders and peers.

2) Can you work at Deloitte while pursuing further education? If yes, does Deloitte offer any support?

Lucrezia: Absolutely, it is. Deloitte offers flexibility in terms of work activity level, ranging from 80% to 100%. Depending on the nature of the job, some roles might even accommodate a lower activity level. If you wish to pursue further education or studying, you can request a reduction in your working hours, subject to the approval of a Partner. Deloitte also provides financial support for role-relevant external training, certifications, and language courses. We firmly believe in the value of continuous learning and encourage our employees to seize opportunities that make them future-ready.

3) Do you recruit from other countries?

Lucrezia: Indeed, we do. Deloitte Switzerland is open to applicants from all countries. However, we must adhere to Swiss migration regulations, which means we follow the guidelines set by the Swiss migration office when determining the eligibility of a Swiss work permit.

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Top 3 tips from Lucrezia

Interview tips – my three top tips for acing an interview at Deloitte

· Preparation is Key: Before the interview, thoroughly research Deloitte, our culture and values, and be ready to answer questions about the role you are applying for. This will help you tailor your responses and show your interest in the role and in Deloitte. Moreover, doing your study prior to the interview, will show the interviewer that you are genuinely interested and motivated.

· Demonstrate Enthusiasm: As a graduate, you might be concerned about your lack of professional work experience. However, remember that experience is not all at entry level roles! Enthusiasm can definitely set you apart from other candidates. Show your passion for the role and the company. This can be demonstrated through your knowledge about Deloitte, asking insightful questions, and expressing excitement about the role.

· Ask Insightful Questions: during interviews, certainly the company is assessing whether you are a good fit. But be mindful that it is also the moment for you to assess whether the company is a good fit for your career! So, you must be ready to ask thoughtful questions at the end of the interview. Questions could be about the company culture, expectations for the role, learning and development or opportunities for future professional growth.

How to best prepare for an interview when you are yet to get professional work experience

Remember, everyone starts their professional journey without work experience. Show your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and how your unique experience makes you a strong candidate. Even without professional experience, you can demonstrate relevant skills acquired from your academic life, internships, or extracurricular activities.

We are interested in getting to know you beyond what is listed in your CV. Perhaps you have achieved something that illustrates your ability to handle stress or tackle challenges, especially if you are still in the early stages of your professional journey.

To sum up: thoroughly research the company and role, practice responses to common interview questions, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your understanding, initiative, and genuine interest.

Not sure what career path is right for you?

It is completely normal to be uncertain about your career path, especially early on. Our first suggestion is to research potential roles and industries that align with your interests. Gain insights through informational interviews and practical experience, for example with internships. Consider seeking advice from a career advisor and remember that it is completely normal to explore and change your mind along the way - career paths often evolve over time. The key is to stay curious, flexible, and proactive in your career exploration. Deloitte also organises and hosts numerous career fairs and recruiting events, remember to sign up! This is a great chance for you to have the opportunity to ask questions and meet your potential future colleagues.

Find out more

Do you want to develop and grow? We want that, too. At Deloitte, you can grow through the exciting and challenging work you do or by connecting with your inspiring leaders, peers, and clients.

We are proud of our open, inclusive and flexible working environment, helping all our people to develop their full potential. You will benefit from many advantages, such as flexible working arrangements, learning opportunities and health initiatives.

Want to join us? Explore what makes us unique and learn more about our available opportunities at Deloitte.

In our teams you will never stop growing, and get a chance to future proof your career.