KPMG "Above and Beyond" Question 2027: STAR Example

KPMG "Above and Beyond" Question 2027: STAR Example

KPMG "Above and Beyond" Question 2027: STAR Example

For KPMG's above and beyond question, use STAR: the situation that needed more than the minimum, what extra you chose to do, and the difference it made. This question is commonly reported by candidates. Pick a moment of genuine discretionary effort — interviewers can tell the difference between real initiative and just doing your job.

What Your Kpmg Went Over And Beyond Must Prove

This tests work ethic, initiative, and ownership: do you do more than required when it matters? Interviewers look for voluntary effort beyond the brief, the judgment to see what was needed, and a real impact — not just longer hours. The example reveals your standards when nobody is watching.

How to Build a Strong Kpmg Went Over And Beyond

  • Situation: set up what was expected of you and why the moment called for more — a deadline at risk, a client need, a team gap.
  • Action: detail the extra you chose to do voluntarily — the initiative, the extra mile, the problem you solved unprompted. Emphasise choice, not obligation.
  • Result: the concrete difference it made, plus one line on what it taught you about your own standards.

Example line: "During my internship, our month-end pack was at risk because a colleague was ill, so I volunteered to rebuild their section on top of my own work and stayed late two evenings to keep us on schedule — we delivered on time, and it taught me I would rather over-deliver once than let a team miss."

Common Mistakes

  • Describing normal job duties as ‘above and beyond’; the extra must be genuinely discretionary.
  • An example with no real impact; effort that changed nothing does not answer the question.
  • Sounding resentful about the extra work; pride in the effort is the right tone.

Everyone claims a strong work ethic — without a concrete example of discretionary effort, the claim is empty.

Keep Reading

FAQ

Does it have to be from paid work?

No. University, volunteering, or societies count — the question says ‘at work’ loosely, and initiative anywhere is valid.

What if my example is small?

Small and real beats grand and vague. A genuine extra mile with clear impact is enough.

Should I mention the hours I worked?

Mention effort in service of impact, not as the point. Hours alone do not prove anything; the difference made does.

Is this common in KPMG interviews?

It is commonly reported by candidates; formats may vary by role and region. Check the official careers page.

Preparing for KPMG's interview? Our 2027 KPMG Online Assessment and Video Interview Tutorials has practice questions and answers — $79 one-time, instant download.