What Should I Expect From Deloitte’s In-Person Graduate Interviews?

Key facts

The specifics, before the explanation.

• Deloitte UK reinstated in-person final interviews for graduate hiring from September 2026
• Earlier stages remain online: application, immersive online assessment, and a recorded video stage for many programmes
• The in-person stage is typically a 45 to 60 minute interview, sometimes alongside a case study or group task
• Questions map to Deloitte’s published values: lead the way, serve with integrity, take care of each other, foster inclusion, collaborate for impact
• Deloitte UK typically recruits over 1,500 graduates and apprentices a year across audit, tax, consulting and technology

What this actually means

Deloitte’s decision to move final interviews back into its offices was one of the most visible reactions to the 2026 wave of AI misuse in graduate hiring. The firm had been running a fully virtual process since the pandemic. Now, after passing the online application, the immersive assessment and in most cases a recorded video interview, you are invited to a Deloitte office for the final stage.

The in-person interview is a structured conversation lasting around 45 to 60 minutes. The interviewer, usually a manager or a partner, works through a set of questions linked to the firm’s values and to the business area you applied for. You can expect why Deloitte, why this service line, a time you led or influenced, a time you dealt with an ethical issue, how you handle feedback, and a commercial question about a client sector or a technology such as AI in audit. Consulting and technology candidates may also face a short case or presentation.

The point of the in-person stage is to check that you can think without assistance. Interviewers now probe harder: expect two or three follow-ups on every example, asking what you specifically did, what you would do differently and what the numbers were. Prepare examples deep enough to survive that.

Practise by saying your answers out loud to another person, or recording yourself, and then having them ask you why and what next until you run out of detail. If you can hold five minutes on each example, you are ready. Arrive early, bring a notebook, and be prepared to talk to current graduates who are often part of the day and whose impressions are fed back.

What to actually do

Rules and figures move. Confirm anything time-sensitive with the official regulator before you rely on it.

• Prepare six examples deep enough to survive three follow-up questions each, with numbers where possible
• Rehearse your answers out loud with someone who will interrupt and ask why and what you personally did
• Research the specific service line and have one recent Deloitte client story or report you can discuss
• Treat the whole day as assessed, including conversations with current graduates and the reception desk
• Plan your journey to arrive 15 minutes early and bring the documents the invite asks for

Frequently asked questions

Are all Deloitte UK graduate interviews in person now?

The final stage is in person for the main graduate and student programmes from September 2026. Earlier screening stages remain online, and some locations or programmes may run hybrid arrangements.

Does Deloitte reimburse travel for in-person interviews?

Deloitte has historically covered reasonable travel costs for final-stage candidates. Check your invitation for the current policy and claim process.

How quickly will I hear back after the in-person interview?

Candidates typically hear within one to two weeks. Deloitte recruits on a rolling basis, so offers can be made throughout the autumn and winter.

Sources

Referenced for this guide:

• Institute of Student Employers