BDO application process

Check out our jobs

From applying to signing – here’s how you make it count

1) Apply online

Head on over to our online portal and apply for the job that matches your interests and skills. You’ll hear from our HR colleagues within the same week.

Interested in a career at BDO, but not yet sure what you would like to do? Plan a coffee call with one of our campus recruiters Emma Lynn (NL) or Lulu (FR). They gladly tell you how you can make your career count at BDO.

2) Let’s get to know each other

Applied? Great! Now you meet with one of our HR colleagues as a way of introduction, but more importantly: you get to know our personal way of working and can ask all your questions about the job! This conversation takes about 30 minutes and can be online or in person.

3) Take a few tests

We’ll ask you to fill out a couple of online HR tests, focusing on your personality, reasoning skills, social skills… Of course, we’ll share the results with you. No need to come to our office, you can just fill in these tests from home. These take about 15-20 minutes

4) Meet our colleagues – Business Interview

For this interview, you’re more than welcome at our offices. You meet with one or more colleagues who will potentially become your new colleagues. This conversation focuses on the job content, but also on your technical knowledge, personality, your motivation and your cultural fit. You’ll be in the office for around 1h-1h30.

5) Review your offer & sign the contract 

Smooth sailing throughout your application process? We’re more than happy to make you an offer you can’t refuse. The only thing you have to do: check your contract, sign it and count down the days until you can start making your career count!

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Get to know each other

Tests

team

Sign contract

Be yourself. From your very first conversation.

Applying at BDO? Efficient, personal and straightforward. We work smoothly, but take the time to really get to know you. So you can feel if it clicks - and we can see who you are. Because we grow best with people who can be themselves.
Discover BDO's personal culture

Tips

1) Get ready for your interview Interview

Read the job description from front to back and link your skills & interests with those asked in the vacancy. Find concrete examples to support your answers, this always makes things more tangible. And don’t forget: practice makes perfect, so prepare yourself for different types of questions at home.

3) Take active part in the conversationConversation

Listen to the interviewer and answer clearly in a structured way. But make sure to also ask questions yourself. After all, it’s important for you to have all the information you need to make a well-thought decision afterwards.

 2) Check your hardware & software

Nothing so horrible as an unplanned update or sudden error. Check before the interview if you can log in and if your headphones are connected to your computer.


4) Most importantly, be yourself.Yourself

It’s only natural you want to look at your best, we all do. But to discover if we would be a good match, it’s important to just be yourself. 

FAQ

  • By uploading your CV via our platform. You can easily create an account yourself and manage your current applications there. An HR colleague will give you feedback on your application within a week. Of course, you can also send your CV to one of our campus recruiters after an event, via e-mail or LinkedIn.
  • It’s not mandatory, but many hiring managers still appreciate it. For specific business practices, it can make you stand out in a pile of CVs. Make sure this letter is not just a written version of your CV though. Explain why you like to apply at BDO and why you are the right person for the job. And be sure to link it with your personality, skills and the job description. 
  • You are contacted within a week of your application by a campus recruiter. Within 14 days of your first contact with HR, your process will ideally be finished. Just so you know: this may take slightly longer during holidays and exam periods. 
  • During your conversation with colleagues, you’ll get more into detail about the job content, expectations, how the team works, types of clients, sectors and projects. With room for all your questions.
  • During your introduction to HR, we’ll talk about your academic track and soft skills in more detail. Besides this, we take care of some practical matters to optimise the rest of your process (e.g. location, fleet, language skills, etc.). You’ll also get more clarification about our DNA, culture, flexibility… Of course, there’s room for all your questions.
  • Each business practice has different business cases. You are always allowed to work on the case individually. You have one hour to prepare your case. Afterwards you’ll discuss it during the business interview. 
  • Not sure yet? Request a Virtual Coffee Call with a campus recruiter. They gladly help you by discussing your interests and skills, and linking them to our open positions. You can contact Emma Lynn for a call in Dutch or English and Lulu for a call in French.
  • You’ll receive feedback on your interviews and/or business case from your recruiter within 14 days.
  • Participate in business cases organised by schools and student associations. This will give you a first experience of how these cases work. If this is not an option, you can find some tips and tricks or practice cases online. 

  •  It’s important to listen carefully during the instructions and be sure to ask any questions before starting the case. In preparation, be sure to refresh your knowledge from past study years (e.g. problem-solving or presentation skills).

  • Culture: you will join a family of experts who encourage respect, diversity and teamwork. You work in an open culture, so feel free to speak to anyone, at any level
  • Development: you decide the direction of your career, and we support you where necessary. Our BDO Academy provides a whole range of training courses to help.
  • Impact: from day 1 you will be given responsibility, with support from your team.
  • Network: you can work on different projects and clients, across business practices.
  • Flexibility: you choose where you work with flexible working hours.
  • Wellbeing: your physical and mental health is important to us.
  • Salary: you receive a competitive salary package with interesting benefits such as a net expense allowance, company car, mobile phone plan, health insurance, etc.
  • Sustainability: you work within a company with an integrated sustainability policy.
  • You can find all our internships on our job portal.
  • Every internship lasts for at least 4 weeks, which allows you to discover the ins and outs of a job as a consultant at BDO. Depending on your planning, the length of the internship and the number of days per week can change. We prefer internships of 6-8 weeks for 3-5 days a week. As we like to create tailor-made internships, we’ll always start by listening to your requests.
  • Absolutely! The goal of an internship is for you to get to know us better and so we can show you what we do on a day-to-day basis in our jobs. Our internships are mainly for final-year students so they can stay (or return after the summer) after a positive experience. Of course, an internship is not a must to secure a job after your studies, but it’s a nice start nevertheless.
  • Accessibility, respect and most importantly: a personal approach. That’s what it all comes down to at BDO. Feel free to talk and learn from everyone, no matter their function or level. You’ll get to bring your own personality to your job and create a sustainable impact. Giving you the chance to grow together with your colleagues and clients. Hence why are slogan is ‘Let’s Grow Together’. Find out more about our values and the BDO Dna here.
  • As with any interview, online or offline, you should be presentable. Make sure to have a well-groomed appearance and to have a neutral background for your camera. Above all: be yourself, wear something comfortable and professional.
  • Our advice on an outfit: casual chic. You don’t have to wear a full suit or fancy dress. We want to get to know the real you, so above all: be yourself and show up looking neat. 
    Examples of good outfits: a shirt with some decent pants, a dress or blouse with a blazer, clean shoes and a neat appearance. Avoid dirty, worn-out clothes and footwear. 
  • Our recruiter and HR officer will keep in touch with you. We’ll take care of all documents to draft your contract. During a short virtual meeting, we’ll go over the contract together. This is also the time to ask any final questions. Once your contract is signed, you’ll hear from your campus recruiter and new colleagues about updates or any events you’re more than welcome to join.