DS Smith Graduate Program Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 12 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at DS Smith.
DS Smith
Graduate Program
Entry Difficult Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Technical Other
First, I had to do a test screening before being accepted for an interview. The screening included two tests: an academic/IQ test and a personality test. The academic test had three parts: reading comprehension, numerical reasoning, and an IQ-style test with shapes and patterns. Each section had a limited time, often less than the number of questions, like 8 minutes for 12 questions. Not finishing in time meant moving to the next section. I felt the time wasn't enough, as I hadn't done this type of testing before. The personality test was standard, asking which option best described me. The total testing took an hour. After that, I was invited for a phone interview, but after confirming and waiting for it to be scheduled, I never heard back. I was ghosted before the interview, which was worse than just being rejected.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- Reading comprehension in English
- Numeracy test
- IQ/Pattern test
DS Smith
Graduate Program
Entry Average Neutral experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
I applied online and then got an email to move to the next stage, which was a Skype interview with a recruiter. The recruiter was super nice and made me feel really comfortable. They asked me general questions and then asked if I had any questions. They told me about the position but didn't know much about what happens next. After that, I got a questionnaire for the next stage. I filled it out and sent it back, but then I didn't hear back for about a month. I had to email them to see if they had made a decision. They said they found someone more relevant for the job, but didn't give any negative feedback.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What's your strategy for persuading others to align with your objectives?
- In group projects, what kind of leadership role do you typically take?
DS Smith
Graduate Trainee
Entry Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Technical screen Recruiter call Group Presentation Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral Group Presentation
We had online tests, two kinds. Then an online meeting with HR and the Hiring Manager, which was a normal interview. After that, an online assessment day with an individual interview and group activities. We were given a group task, and an individual project scenario where we had to create a presentation. Then there were some final interview questions to complete.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Describe how you would approach a given task.
DS Smith Graduate Program Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from DS Smith interview reports.
“What are your thoughts on how Brexit might impact our company?”
Read reports →“What is your best advice for someone preparing for an interview?”
Read reports →“What makes you interested in DS Smith?”
Read reports →“Where do you envision yourself in the next five years?”
Read reports →“What's your strategy for persuading others to align with your objectives?”
Read report →“In group projects, what kind of leadership role do you typically take?”
Read report →“What is your understanding of our company?”
Read report →“Could you share some life obstacles you've encountered and how you navigated them?”
Read report →“What is your motivation for this role?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 12 DS Smith interview reports.