Careers
Our clients know we’re different in ‘what’ we do, and even more in ‘how’ we do it. To help them keep pace with change, we’re constantly adapting — empowering each other and working together to fuel our individual and collective growth.
At PA, our people set us apart. This is your chance to become one of them.
What you can do at PA
What guides us
Our approach to the use of AI by candidates during our hiring processes
We value transparency and authenticity in our hiring process. We want to use our interview process as a way to get know you, your skills and experience.
As such, we ask that no AI tools (including AI note takers, meeting assistants, and similar tools) are used by candidates during interview sessions. If AI tools are used during an interview, it could influence the outcome of your application.
Our hiring process
Whilst each career path at PA is unique, you can expect to follow these steps when you apply for a role with us.
Candidates who make it to final round can expect at least one in-person interview where possible. Your recruiter will provide you with all the necessary information and guidance.
Online application
The first step is to explore our current vacancies, and apply online for a role by creating a profile or submitting supporting documents (CV, Design Portfolio etc.). Our recruiting team will then evaluate your application based on the job you have applied for. If you are applying for a Design role, you will also be asked to submit a portfolio as part of your application.
Application materials
It’s important that the materials you submit accurately reflect your qualifications and experience. If there are any significant discrepancies, it may affect how we move forward in the process, so we encourage you to ensure your materials are an accurate and honest reflection of you.
Introductory call
If we feel like your skills are a good match for the role, you’ll be invited to have a call with a member of our recruitment teams, to discuss your fit for the role in a little more detail. This is also an opportunity for you to find out more about the role and PA as a business.
Phone and virtual interviews
We want to get to know the real you. We use AI in our daily roles as you’d expect, however we’ve chosen to prioritise everyone’s time in our assessment processes to understand your ideas, problem-solving skills and perspectives without AI usage in the session.
Assessments and interviews
You will then participate in assessments and interviews to evaluate your interest in, and your ability to do the role.
The exact structure and content will depend on the role you’re applying for. The hiring process could include a combination of online tests, technical assessments, assessment centres, case studies, group exercises or competency based interviews with the hiring manager and their team.
At least one of your interviews will be conducted face to face in your local office where possible. Your recruiter will provide you with all the necessary information and guidance
Take-home assignments
We are interested in your unique insights and problem-solving approach, not copied or overly generalized responses. While you may research topics in a way that suits you, any take-home assignment you submit should reflect your original thinking and analysis. Keep in mind that AI-generated content can sometimes lack specificity or depth, so we expect your final submission to demonstrate your own synthesis and perspective.
Live coding and technical assessments
Our coding assessments are done through HackerRank which uses a machine-learning based plagiarism detection model to characterize coding patterns and check for plagiarism and AI usage based on a number of signals. The model also uses self-learning to analyse past data points and continuously improve its confidence levels. More specific guidelines will be shared with you when you receive the test link.
Final Interview
Your final interview may be with a Partner or Lead for your function. We’ll keep in close contact with you to ensure you have all the details you need when you reach this stage.
The decision
If you’re successful, we’ll be in touch to confirm your start date and give you all the information you need to make a great start at PA – we look forward to welcoming you!
If you are unsuccessful at this time, remember that there might be other opportunities that would be a great match for you at PA.
Application tips
Applying for a new job can be daunting, so here are some tips to help you make the biggest impact with your application.
Your CV will be the first things we’ll look at to help us get to know you. Make sure that everything is up-to-date, factually correct and that your spelling and grammar are thoroughly checked. It’s also a great idea to include any achievements or hobbies that you are proud of to help your personality and ability shine through.
During any written assessments, the video interview and any interviews held in person, be sure to take your time. For written responses, read each question carefully and consider what you would like to say before you begin. For verbal interviews, take a pause before you begin your response – and ask your interviewer to repeat any questions if necessary.
For any interview, it’s always a good idea to plan a few questions in advance to not only show your curiosity, but also that you’re taking a serious interest in the position and the person interviewing you. You could ask questions about the role you’re applying for, or ask your interviewer about their experiences working at PA.
It’s cliché – but it works. We want to get to know the real you, not just to assess your capability, but to make sure we’re offering the right environment and opportunities for you to thrive. Showing us the real you will help us do that – and help you make the most of your career with us if you’re successful.
Benefits
Depending on your location, we offer a range of healthcare benefits, including dental, eye tests, and more.
Striking a healthy work-life balance is key for your success. When you join us, we’ll have an open discussion about what works best for you – including parental leave if you need it.
All our offices have competitive annual leave allowances to help you relax and unwind. You can also buy up to five extra days each year to ensure you get the break you need.
Learning never stops at PA. We offer a range of internal and external training programmes to allow you to take control of your career development and grow your skills your way.
Setting you up for future success, we offer all the sensible things, including company pension, life assurance, income protection schemes and PA shares.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of our Give as You Earn scheme or volunteer up to three days a year. Pick a charity close to your heart and give back to the community you care about.
At every stage of your career, we have active and firm-wide support communities in place to give everyone at PA perform at their best – if you ever need support, you’ll always find it.
Hybrid working
We embrace a hybrid working model. Our approach requires team members to be in the office or on client site for a minimum of two days per week. This ensures effective collaboration and engagement with both colleagues and clients.
However, the actual time you spend in the office or on client site may vary depending on your role or assignment. Some roles may require up to five days per week on a client site. We believe this flexibility allows us to meet the needs of our clients while supporting a balanced environment for our team.
Inclusion and equality
In an ever-changing world, our purpose – building a positive human future – is our constant. Alongside our values, our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. Our team of experts brings our purpose to life through the different ways they think, challenge, and innovate. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self.
We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward, and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or other by any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
Adjustments or accommodations
Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.
Explore life at PA
