Smith and Williamson Online Assessment
Applying to Smith & Williamson (now part of Evelyn Partners) means facing a challenging but rewarding recruitment process. As one of the UK’s top ten accountancy and investment management firms, they attract thousands of applicants for a limited number of graduate and internship positions each year.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Smith & Williamson online assessment, interview questions, assessment centre, and how to prepare for success in 2025/26.
Smith and Williamson Online Assessment Reddit
Many applicants share their experiences on Reddit, providing candid insights about the difficulty of the aptitude tests and interviews. Common feedback includes:
- Time pressure in numerical and verbal reasoning tests.
- The importance of practising SHL-style tests.
- Competency-based interviews focusing on teamwork and client service.
- A demanding but fair assessment centre.
Browsing Reddit threads can help you learn from recent candidates, but official practice remains the best preparation.
Smith and Williamson Online Assessment Questions
The online assessments typically include:
- Numerical reasoning (SHL) – analysing data from charts, graphs, and tables.
- Verbal reasoning (SHL) – reading short passages and deciding if statements are True, False, or Cannot Say.
- Situational judgement tests (SJTs) – workplace scenarios testing decision-making.
- Application competency questions – 250-word responses to motivations, teamwork, and career goals.
Smith and Williamson Online Assessment Answers
There are no “official” answers. However, you can prepare effectively by:
- Practising timed SHL-style tests online.
- Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure competency answers.
- Aligning your responses with Smith & Williamson’s values: client service, teamwork, communication, commercial awareness, and organisation.
Smith and Williamson Online Assessment Interview Questions
After passing the online tests, you’ll be invited to a telephone interview. Common questions include:
- “Why Smith & Williamson over the Big Four?”
- “What do you know about our business areas?”
- “Describe a time you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal.”
- “How have you demonstrated commercial awareness in your studies or work?”
- “What are your long-term career goals?”
Later interviews may test technical knowledge (accounting, finance, or tax concepts) depending on the scheme applied for.
Prepare for Smith and Williamson Online Tests and Assessment Centre
The assessment centre is one of the toughest stages. It typically includes:
- Verification tests – paper-based numerical & verbal reasoning to confirm online scores.
- Group exercise/case study – analysing a business scenario and reaching a team solution.
- In-tray exercise – prioritising and managing tasks under time pressure.
- Presentation & interview – demonstrating communication and commercial awareness.
Key tips to prepare:
- Practise SHL-style tests under timed conditions.
- Revise business news and financial updates to improve commercial awareness.
- In group tasks, balance listening and contributing.
- Stay professional throughout lunch/networking sessions (they are assessed too).
Smith and Williamson Graduate Scheme
The graduate scheme offers opportunities in:
- Assurance & Business Services
- Business Tax Services
- Private Client Tax Services
- Forensic Services
- Valuations
- Investment Management
Around 40 graduates join annually, making competition tough. Early application is strongly recommended.
Smith and Williamson Internships
The summer internships follow a similar process:
- Online application and competency questions.
- Online reasoning tests.
- Telephone interview.
- Assessment centre.
- Final partner/manager interview.
Successful interns often receive return offers for the graduate scheme.
Why Does Smith and Williamson Use SHL-Style Assessments?
The SHL-style tests measure problem-solving, reasoning ability, and how candidates handle pressure. They provide a fair benchmark beyond CVs and ensure applicants can handle the analytical demands of client work.
Final Thoughts
The Smith & Williamson online assessment is designed to select candidates with strong analytical ability, teamwork skills, and commercial awareness. With proper preparation – especially practising SHL numerical and verbal tests – you can significantly boost your chances of success.
The 2025/26 recruitment cycle will be competitive, but candidates who prepare thoroughly for each stage (application, online tests, interviews, and assessment centre) can stand out and secure a role at one of the UK’s most respected professional services firms.
