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RBS NatWest Assessment Test, Interviews, Assessment Centre 2024. Practice. A Full Guide.

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Summary

Interested in applying for RBS NatWest’s 2024 internship or graduate programs? Maybe you’re exploring professional opportunities with RBS NatWest? Find everything you need for your RBS NatWest online assessment practice in this comprehensive guide.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate programs at RBS NatWest.

Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews and assessment centre exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process.

Check here for Free and Premium aptitude assessment tests and video interviews to practice and prepare for the RBS NatWest recruitment process.

If you are aiming to apply to RBS NatWest or you have an RBS test coming up, our text below is the best place to start. The information we provide in the text is applicable across the globe, including the UK and US.

Should you practice assessments and interview scenarios to prepare for the RBS NatWest recruitment process? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

A recent study found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers.

Bradley et al (2019)
In a nutshell

How do you prepare for RBS NatWest assessment tests and get the job?

  1. Online Application
  • Fill in your RBS NatWest application online
  • Match your application to RBS NatWest’s core competencies
  • Use their language/keywords from the job post in your resume
  • Tailor the information you provide with RBS NatWest culture needs (Read our text below to know what they are and where to find them).
  1. Practice For RBS NatWest Online Assessment Tests

There are a variety of RBS NatWest aptitude tests used in the application process. These may include;

You may get rejected already after your aptitude tests. These tests sift out 50-80% of candidates. The only proven way to get to the next round is to practice.

  1. Record mock video interviews of yourself

Practice answering questions that typically come up in interviews for banking jobs. Your answers need to flow and be timely. Avoid filler words. Your verbal communication should be convincing, and filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job.

Prepare for your RBS NatWest online video interview by running mock interviews and answering typical banking interview questions. For RBS NatWest interview practice, use the following:

Use the STAR method for your answers and practice each answer several times.

  1. Assessment Centre

RBS NatWest makes use of a variety of competitive exercises during the assessment centre to find the right candidates. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises including;

Hone your communication skill as best as you can before the exercises. Research online, prepare and practice presentation of as many business case studies as possible. 

Continue reading to get answers to the following important questions:

  1. What is the RBS NatWest Application Process and how do I prepare for it? 
  2. What is the RBS NatWest assessment centre? 
  3. What tests does RBS NatWest use in its recruitment process? 
  4. How do I prepare for a NatWest video interview?
  5. What roles, graduate programmes and internships can I apply for at RBS NatWest?

Looking to prepare for your upcoming RBS NatWest assessments? Simply click on the table below to practise similar tests relevant to your RBS NatWest application process!

Relevant Assessments to RBS NatWestPractice Now
Situational JudgementStart Practicing
Numerical ReasoningStart Practicing
Logical ReasoningStart Practicing
Video InterviewsStart Practicing
Assessment CentreStart Practicing

Go Premium to access all the assessments listed above and ace your RBS NatWest assessments first time.

Who are RBS NatWest?

The Royal Bank of Scotland, commonly abbreviated as RBS NatWest, is one of the main retail banking subsidiaries of NatWest Group Plc, together with NatWest and Ulster Bank.

The Royal Bank of Scotland has around 960 branches across the UK and employs around 92,000 people. Due to this, competition for jobs, graduate roles, and internships in RBS NatWest is very high.

Discover the range of roles available in RBS NatWest in the next section.

What Business Areas and Jobs are there in RBS NatWest?

RBS NatWest operates in various business areas and offers a wide range of job opportunities. Below are some of the key business areas and roles within RBS NatWest.

Retail BankingBusiness BankingCorporate Banking
Wealth ManagementInvestment BankingRisk and Compliance
Technology and DigitalSupport Areas

These are just a few examples of the business areas and job roles within RBS NatWest.

Given the intense competition for job roles at RBS NatWest, where candidates have outstanding academic records and impressive achievements, it is important to excel in every stage of the RBS NatWest recruitment process, including;

Contents

What is the selection process at RBS NatWest?

  1. RBS NatWest Online Application Form
  2. RBS NatWest Assessment Tests
  3. RBS NatWest Video Interview
  4. RBS NatWest Assessment Centre

Good to Know Bonuses:

  1. RBS NatWest Roles/Graduate Programmes
  2. RBS NatWest Assessment FAQs

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

RBS NatWest Online Application Form

What is the RBS NatWest online application form?

The RBS NatWest online application form is the initial step in the recruitment process for any role. Visit NatWest’s career website, select your desired program or position, and click on it to apply.

You will then be redirected to RBS NatWest’s workday environment where you will fill out the online application form, either by logging in if you have an existing account or creating a new one if needed.

You will be required to provide information that covers the following areas:

  • Personal information 
  • Education and qualifications 
  • Contact information 
  • Resume upload/Experience
  • Diversity, e.g. race, ethnicity, etc.
  • Additional information, e.g. disability information, need for sponsorship, etc.

Good to know: For some roles and Internships, RBS NatWest will not request a CV upload and would opt to use the application form alone.

Below, you can see a snapshot of what the RBS NatWest application form looks like.

RBS NatWest online application form
RBS NatWest Online Application Form
Source: NatWest Group Careers

When filling out your RBS NatWest application form, make sure you have extensively researched the role and then try to tailor your responses to it. The information you provide should not only reflect you as a person but also as the perfect candidate for RBS NatWest.

NatWest Application tip: When filling RBS Application form, try to showcase the values and competencies NatWest generally looks out for in your responses. RBS NatWest assesses all its candidates against its Critical People Capabilities.

What are RBS NatWest Critical People Capabilities?

All RBS NatWest assessment tests and jobs are evaluated based on the Critical People Capabilities. These are general competencies sought in all candidates, regardless of the role.

  1. Improver Innovator: Generating new ideas and improvements for customers. Using a digital mindset and previous learnings to do the best for your customers.
  2. Change Ready: Comfortable and actively engaged in change, with a focus on well-being and an openness to learning. 
  3. Critical Thinker: Uses information and insight to solve problems and make decisions that focus on benefit co-workers and customers.
  4. Connected: Highly effective team working through sharing knowledge, support and fairness. 
  5. Trusted Advisor: Building trusted relationships through high ethical standards, empathy and expertise to ensure the right outcome for customers. 

At this point, you may also be asked motivational questions. Some questions you will likely come across in the RBS NatWest application form include:

  • What makes you interested in taking on this role? Please share experiences that make you suitable for this role (200 words)
  • Have you been made redundant within the last 12 months or previously had your employment terminated? 
  • Are you able to work in the job location detailed in the job advert?

NatWest Application tip: Please ensure that your application is accurate as your recruiter will look into your information and will confirm all the details you provided during screening.

After completing your RBS NatWest Online Application Form, you will proceed to the RBS NatWest Online Aptitude Tests.

RBS NatWest Assessment Tests

For some roles at RBS NatWest, after submitting your online application form, you will be invited to a series of online assessments or technical tests. RBS NatWest’s aptitude tests are provided by SHL, a well-recognized and highly trusted assessment publisher.

Depending on the business area and role you are applying for, you might be required to complete one or a combination of the following:

Due to this, the allotted time for RBS NatWest’s online assessment ranges between 60 – 70 minutes.

So what are each of the tests about and how can you ace them properly? Let’s find out!

What is the RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment?

Also known as the RBS NatWest Situational Judgement Test, it is designed to test your behaviours in a job environment. The test will consist of behavioural questions which are work scenarios you are likely to encounter while executing functions in the role you applied for.

Good to know: The RBS NatWest work scenarios assessment tables real-life work situations in the form of a question to assess if you share the company’s values and your compatibility with the organisation’s ethics and culture.

Want to understand more about the RBS NatWest situational judgement test? Check out our short video below:

What are Situational Judgement Tests? (SJTs Explained) #shorts

What does the RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment measure?

The RBS NatWest situational judgement test will ask questions that probe for values and competencies that NatWest upholds in its day-to-day activities which we already covered under the organisation’s Critical People Capabilities.

Beyond this, the RBS NatWest situational judgement test will also likely assess you for the following values:

  • Inclusivity
  • Curiosity
  • Integrity
  • Problem Solving
  • Empathy
  • Responsibility

RBS NatWest situational judgement test tip: For each question asked, always remember to consider their Critical People Capabilities and values to know which skills the question is assessing.

Consider the tips highlighted in our short video below to help you nail your RBS NatWest Situational Judgement Test.

Ace the SJT! | 5 Situational Judgement Test Tips #shorts

Below, we have curated a few more handy tips to help you build confidence and adequately ace your RBS NatWest SHL situational judgement test.

Top 4 Tips to Prepare for the RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment

  1. Take note of the qualifications and abilities needed for the position you are applying for.
  2. Have a deep and in-depth understanding of RBS NatWest’s Critical People Capabilities and values.
  3. Practice situational judgement tests beforehand to get a feel for the format and what to anticipate from the questions.
  4. During the test, try to pick the answer that best solves the problem in the question or the answer that gives the best satisfactory outcome.

Get a glimpse of what a situational judgement test looks like, from the following RBS NatWest-style Situational Judgement Test sample question provided by GF.

RBS NatWest-style Situational Judgement Test Example

RBS NatWest situational judgement test free question example

Start your RBS NatWest-style situational judgement test preparation, sign- up for GF’s Situational Judgement Test package today to access real questions, live test reports, and progress charts!

After completing the RBS NatWest situational judgement test, the next assessment you will likely be headed for is RBS NatWest’s numerical reasoning test.

What is the RBS NatWest Working with Information Test?

In RBS NatWest’s Working with Information Test, you will be given a few tables, charts, and graphs. Your task will be to properly comprehend the information from the given charts and graphs and use that information to answer a few questions.

Also known as the RBS NatWest Numerical Reasoning Test, it aims to assess your fundamental numerical reasoning ability, to ensure that you have the basic aptitude to work for their prestigious banking group.

RBS NatWest Numerical Reasoning Test tip: You are not tested on difficult maths problems, but on how you can reason with the information presented in different forms (graphs, tables, etc) under time pressure. Time pressure is a very important factor here.

Check out the video to discover even more about how the RBS NatWest numerical reasoning test works!

What Is a Numerical Reasoning Test? #shorts

How to Pass the RBS NatWest Working With Information Test

Here are a few things you should be aware of before beginning the numerical reasoning test:

  1. Aim to develop a balance between speed and accuracy since time is a very crucial factor in this RBS NatWest assessment test. Don’t be in a rush to answer your questions but also try to not aim for perfection when solving a question.
  2. Revising basic maths covered at the GCSE or equivalent level usually helps in understanding and better answering the questions.
  3. Remain calm throughout the RBS NatWest numerical reasoning test and approach each question with a positive frame of mind. Take deep breaths and focus on one question at a time.
  4. Practice! Using the GF platform to practice numerical reasoning tests is proven to help you improve your speed and accuracy and overall, your score.

Good to know: Practice FREE numerical reasoning questions with GF and get a headstart today!

For more hints on how to pass the RBS NatWest numerical reasoning test, watch our short video below.

Top 5 Numerical Reasoning Test Tips and Tricks (2024) #shorts

Using the tips we provided above, take the opportunity to try an RBS NatWest-style numerical reasoning test question below!

RBS NatWest-style numerical reasoning test example

Did you get the correct answer? Check the bottom of the page to find out.

If you are looking for more RBS NatWest-style Working with Information Practice test questions with answers, worked solutions, progress tracking and professional score reports, including personalised tips based on your performance – then GF has you covered.

After assessing your analytical skills with the RBS NatWest numerical reasoning tests, RBS NatWest is also keen to understand your abstract reasoning through logical reasoning tests.

What is the RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills Test?

The RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills Test, also known as, RBS NatWest logical reasoning test, evaluates a candidate’s conceptual thinking, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills. It involves analysing diagrams with different shapes and spatial arrangements to identify patterns and determine the next sequence.

Good to know: The main difficulty is that there is no limit to how abstract these patterns and trends can be, and two- and three-dimensional shapes are likely to differ in size, arrangement, movements and colours.

Practising ahead of your upcoming RBS NatWest logical reasoning test cannot be overemphasised and our short video below explains why!

Why Logical Reasoning Test Practice is VITAL (LRT Pro Advice) #shorts

Practice for your RBS NatWest reasoning skills test with our free logical reasoning questions which assess similar abilities and further improve your logical reasoning skills today.

How to Prepare for RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills Test

Consider the following 3 tips to help you prepare for your NatWest reasoning skills aptitude test:

  1. Become better acquainted with logical reasoning test questions. Study and solve them. This makes it possible for you to know what type of questions to expect during the real test.
  2. For the RBS NatWest logical reasoning test, you need to be observant and patient enough to pay close attention to the details in the shapes and diagrams. Study each diagram and shape carefully to ensure that you understand the sequence well.
  3. During practice sessions, allocate a fixed time limit for each question to simulate the real test conditions. This will help you develop a sense of pacing and ensure you allocate enough time to each question.

Have a go yourself at practising a RBS NatWest-style logical reasoning test, with our sample question below designed by our expert team. 

RBS NatWest-style Logical Reasoning Test Example

RBS NatWest-style logical reasoning test example

In the example above, you will have ONLY around 45 seconds to notice that:

  • The arrow moves around the diagram.
  • The shapes change from triangle to circle to square and then repeat the same pattern.
  • the long line is either horizontal or vertical, and then to find the correct answer! 

Did you get the answer? Check the bottom of the page to find out!

Start your RBS-style logical reasoning test preparation by signing up for GF’s Logical Reasoning Test package today to access real questions, live test reports, and progress charts!

Keep your head held high, you’re doing great. At this point, you are done with the online aptitude tests stage, and will next face an RBS NatWest video interview.

RBS NatWest Video Interview

What is the RBS NatWest Video Interview?

The RBS NatWest video interview, unlike traditional 1-on-1 interviews, requires you to record video answers to a set of pre-recorded questions. These questions cover areas such as motivation, competencies, and scenarios, and it typically takes around 20 minutes to complete.

What does the RBS NatWest Video Interview measure?

RBS NatWest uses its video interview to gain an understanding of your motivations for joining the company and how your experiences make you the right person for the role.

However, while recording your answers, keep in mind that there is a time limit.

Watch our short video below to understand more about video interviews and how RBS NatWest use them in their recruitment process:

What is a Video Interview? #shorts

RBS NatWest Video Interview tip: The answers you provide to the questions are assessed against the NatWest critical people capabilities. Always ensure that you have reviewed these and tailor your answers accordingly to reflect them before recording your responses.

8 Top Tips to Pass RBS NatWest Video Interview

  1. Use the STAR+R model to answer competency-based questions. Describe the specific situation, the challenge you faced, the action you took, the outcome, and what you learnt from the experience.
  2. Understand RBS NatWest’s Critical People’s Capabilities and the values they uphold throughout the organisation. This helps you to be able to give answers that reflect RBS NatWest’s culture and values.
  3. Ensure your answers leverage your personal experiences. By doing this, you are not only able to give concrete and well-curated answers, but you are also able to showcase your unique expertise and skills.
  4. Dress Smart: The outfit you choose to wear is just as important as it would be in an in-person interview. You need to also make sure that the space behind you is clear of any distractions and looks professional.
  5. Watch the Time: Be mindful of the time limit for your answers and make sure, you close your answers well, it should be smooth and not abrupt.
  6. Use Body Language Effectively: Remember that your body language and voice say a lot about you and help set the first impression. Speak clearly, look directly into the camera and practice to sound both relaxed and confident.
  7. Use proper and appropriate hand gestures. These can help display confidence when speaking, but also be mindful to not use them in an excessive or distracting way.
  8. Remain relaxed and calm while giving your answers. Practising and reviewing your answers before you answer the questions always help in this aspect.

Watch our short video below for more body language tips you can learn and use during your RBS NatWest Video Interview.

Top 5 Job Interview Body Language Tips #shorts

Good to know: The STAR+R is the most effective formula to use when answering a competency or scenario-based question. Read our breakdown of the technique in our detailed guide here for a better understanding of it.

Below are a few examples of questions that could be asked during your RBS video interview. We also gave tips on how to properly answer these questions and added good answers to them.

RBS NatWest Video Interview Questions and Answers

Question: Why NatWest?

How to Answer: When answering this question, it is important to showcase your understanding of RBS NatWest, its Critical People Capabilities, its values, and how they align with your career aspirations.

Good Answer: NatWest stands out to me for its exceptional customer service, global reputation, and the organisation’s strong value system. I am drawn to the bank’s focus on customer-oriented services, innovation and technology-driven solutions. Understanding NatWest’s Critical People Capability behaviours have made me see that the organisation is the ideal environment for me to grow professionally and make a meaningful impact With my ever-growing skills, I believe I can contribute to NatWest’s continued success.

Question: What is your approach to risk like?

How to Answer: When answering this question, your understanding of what risk entails in businesses and how inevitable it can be should reflect. It is also essential to convey a balanced approach to risk that demonstrates your ability to assess and manage risks effectively. 

Good Answer: My approach to risk is a thoughtful and strategic one. I believe in taking calculated risks by thoroughly assessing the potential benefits and drawbacks before making decisions. I believe it’s important to strike a balance between embracing opportunities and managing potential challenges. 

I gather all relevant information and analyse the potential risks involved. During planning, I include contingencies for these risks and seek input from team members and managers to gain different perspectives. 

Question: Tell us about a time that you worked in a team.

How to Answer: When answering this question, it is important to structure your response effectively and highlight key elements of your teamwork experience. Consider using the STAR+R model to structure your answer.

Good Answer: 

  • Situation: In my previous role as a customer service representative, I worked in a team of four when we were assigned the task of streamlining the customer onboarding process to improve efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience.
  • Task: Our objective was to reduce the time it took for customers to complete the onboarding process while ensuring all necessary documentation and compliance requirements were met.
  • Action: As a team, we conducted a thorough review of the existing process, identified bottlenecks, and brainstormed potential solutions. We assigned specific tasks to each team member based on their strengths and expertise. My responsibility was to develop a new customer questionnaire to gather essential information more efficiently.
  • Result: We successfully redesigned the customer onboarding process and reduced the onboarding time by 20%. This improvement positively impacted customer satisfaction and contributed to an increase in the number of new accounts opened.
  • Reflection: This experience taught me the value of effective teamwork and the power of collaboration. I learned how to leverage the strengths of each team member, communicate effectively, and work towards a shared goal. It also highlighted the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness when considering different perspectives. 

Practice with our Video Interview Tool to get first-hand feedback that will help you master your body language and unlock the power of confident gestures and expressions in your NatWest interview.

RBS NatWest Video Interview Example

RBS NatWest video interview example

After submitting your recorded video answers, RBS NatWest’s recruiting team will assess them. You will receive feedback and notification of your success after this review process.

The final stage of the RBS NatWest application process is the RBS NatWest assessment centre and it is usually done virtually.

RBS NatWest Assessment Centre

What is the RBS NatWest Assessment Centre?

RBS NatWest virtual assessment centre is the final step towards securing your dream job with the retail banking giant. Conducted online using platforms like Zoom, it spans a full day and is filled with a variety of activities and tasks.

These evaluations assess your individual and collaborative work capabilities, providing an opportunity to showcase your skills, decision-making abilities, and aptitude for building strong working relationships with colleagues.

The exercises you will encounter and be required to complete in the RBS NatWest Assessment Centre are;

Read on to understand what each of these tasks entails, what they assess, and tips on how to navigate them.

Good to know: For some specialist job positions, such as coding roles, RBS NatWest may include a specialised coding test for the applicant to complete during its assessment centre. 

What is the RBS NatWest Group Exercise?

In the RBS NatWest group exercise, you will typically be grouped with other applicants and given a task or problem to solve as a team within a specified time frame. The exercise will assess your ability to prioritise, collaborate with others, and reach decisions as a team.

Throughout the exercise, you will be observed by RBS NatWest recruiters, so remember the following top tips.

7 Top Tips to Ace the RBS NatWest Group Exercise

  1. Understand the Objective: Ensure you have a clear understanding of the task or problem at hand.
  2. Actively Listen and Contribute: Pay attention to others’ ideas and actively listen to their perspectives.
  3. Collaborate and Support: Work collaboratively with your team members, building on their points and ensuring all members provide their thoughts.
  4. Communicate Effectively: Clearly articulate your own ideas and thoughts, ensuring that your communication is concise, clear and relevant.
  5. Time Management: Keep an eye on the time allocated for the exercise and manage it effectively to ensure you complete the task in time.
  6. Remain Calm and Professional: Stay composed and professional throughout the exercise, even in challenging situations. Avoid speaking over others!
  7. Reflect on Learnings: After the exercise, reflect on your performance and learnings.

Check out our video below to learn more about what to expect in your RBS NatWest group exercise!

Assessment Centre Group Exercises | How to Pass, with Example Task & Virtual Assessment Day Tips

Did you know? RBS NatWest also uses its group exercises to evaluate candidates’ leadership skills and potential. If the opportunity arises, showcase your leadership potential by taking initiative, organizing tasks, and guiding the group towards achieving the objective.

What is the RBS NatWest Roleplay Exercise?

The RBS NatWest roleplay exercise will ask you to simulate a real-life work situation. You will be assigned a specific role, usually a representative of RBS NatWest, and then paired with an assessor, who plays a client, colleague, or supervisor.

The role-play exercise aims to assess several aspects of your capabilities including your communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, professionalism, and customer-friendly orientations.

Remember the following handy tips during your RBS NatWest roleplay exercise.

6 Top Tips to Pass the RBS NatWest Roleplay Exercise

  1. Prepare and Understand the Scenario: Familiarize yourself with the role-play scenario and the objectives involved.
  2. Active Listening and Empathy: Pay close attention to the assessor’s cues and actively listen to their statements or questions.
  3. Effective Communication: Clearly communicate your thoughts, ideas, and responses during the role-play exercise.
  4. Gather and Analyze Information: Ask relevant questions to gather necessary information and understand the situation better.
  5. Customer Focus and Professionalism: If the role-play involves a customer or client interaction, prioritize their needs and demonstrate excellent customer service skills.
  6. Remember NatWest’s CPCs and Values: At the end of the day, this exercise is mainly conducted to assess if you truly understand and embody RBS NatWest’s CPCs and its values for you to be a good fit in the organization.

Good to know: For further understanding and more tips on how to pass your RBS NatWest’s Roleplay Exercise, read more on them here.

What is the RBS NatWest Group Interview?

Depending on the role or program you applied for, NatWest will conduct a final interview, either during the assessment centre or as a separate invitation. In this interview, the recruiter(s) assess competencies that align with NatWest’s Critical People Capabilities.

The questions asked will be a mix of competency, situational, motivational, and role-specific questions. Your answers to these questions will be recorded and evaluated by the interviewer to know if you have the necessary skills, competencies, and expertise to fill the role.

What questions will I be asked in the RBS NatWest final interview?

  • Can you describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with a diverse team to achieve a common goal?
  • Give an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to effectively interact with different stakeholders or team members.
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What risk is associated with the role?
  • How have you been able to manage a dissatisfied customer?

So how do we answer these RBS NatWest interview questions? Consider the following tips and strategies to answer such questions during your motivational interview:

  1. Personalize your answers. Try to ensure that your answers are about you and how you align with RBS NatWest and the role.
  1. Leverage your experience when giving your answers. Your answers are more effective when they are backed up with evidence. 
  1. Align your motivations with NatWest’s vision, mission, and core values. Consider what interests you about the company.
  1. Use the STAR+R model to structure your answers for competency and scenario-based questions.

Good to know: NatWest final interview can happen virtually or in person and some roles and programs may only require candidates to attend a final interview, skipping the other activities of the assessment centre.

5 Top Tips to Pass the RBS NatWest Group Interview

To ensure your success during your NatWest interview, here are some handy key tips for you to keep in mind:

  1. Practice Before the Interview: Always practice your answers before your interview. Practise your answers in front of a mirror or with friends until your flow and delivery are the best.
  1. Dress Appropriately: Dress professionally and make sure your appearance is neat and clean. Consider the company culture for hints at how to dress, though formal and smart is the typical dress code.
  1. Be On Time: Arrive early to the interview to allow time for any unexpected delays. Be careful not to arrive too early as this can also negatively impact your chances!
  1. Check Your Body Language: Use body language that demonstrates positive and professional behaviour, such as making relaxed eye contact with the interviewer and sitting up straight.
  1. Ask Questions: The final interview is a chance for both you and NatWest to assess compatibility. Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer to gain more insight into the company and the role. This also shows your interest in the company and the position.

Below are some questions you might want to consider asking your interviewer in your RBS NatWest final interview:

  1. What are some of the role’s challenges?
  2. How do you measure success and what are your expectations for the first 6-12 months?
  3. What do you enjoy about your job?
  4. Are there opportunities for professional development?
  5. Is there anything about my resume that concerns you?

Discover 5 more questions you could ask in an interview with our short video below:

5 Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview | Part 2 #shorts

And….that’s a wrap on the RBS NatWest application process! Once the assessment centre is done, you will hear the outcome of your performances within one week and if you are successful, a member of RBS NatWest’s team will contact you to take you through your offer.

While you’re still here…

Don’t miss the captivating range of entry roles and graduate programs that await you at RBS NatWest.

RBS NatWest Entry Roles/Graduates Programmes

RBS NatWest offers the following opportunities for candidates interested in kick-starting their careers with the organisation:

With these programmes, you will discover the perfect launching pad for your career, where boundless opportunities, growth, and learning await. Let’s delve into them!

NatWest Insight Graduate Programmes

RBS NatWest’s graduate programmes are the perfect way for recent or soon-to-be graduates to begin their careers. It is a 2-year programme that prepares you to handle responsibility and exposure from the get-go with several support systems and learning mechanisms you would need.

RBS NatWest graduates programmes offers entry into many departments of the organisation including;

  • Commercial Banking
  • Data Analytics
  • RBS International
  • Internal Audit
  • Financial Crime
  • Software Engineering

Eligibility Criteria for RBS NatWest Graduate Schemes

  • Education: Graduating this academic year or a graduate with a 2:1 or above CGPA and for the majority of NatWest’s roles, your education could be in any degree program.
  • Experience: You don’t need to have any experience. NatWest is looking for your knowledge about the organisation, its operations, and your passion for the programme. However, for some programmes, a CV and cover letter are required.

Locations: RBS graduate programs are available for many branches in the UK, India and Europe. 

Good to know: The programmes will remain open until NatWest has received enough applications to complete its hiring. When that happens, the programmes will be closed to new applications. So apply early!

Start Date: Graduate Programmes open in September

NatWest Insight Internships

The RBS NatWest Internship Program offers a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience and insights into the banking industry. The program typically lasts between 2-3 months, during which interns are immersed in a specific department or business area within RBS NatWest.

The program aims to provide a hands-on learning experience across different departments including:

  • Internal Audit
  • Human Resources
  • Data Analytics
  • Software Engineering
  • NatWest Markets

Eligibility Criteria for RBS NatWest Internships

You need to be in your penultimate year of study to be eligible for NatWest internships (this includes finalists who are going on to do a master’s degree next year or students in the first year of a two year masters course).

Location: NatWest Summer Internship programmes are only available in the UK.

Application Deadline: Each internship programme has a different application deadline. Be sure to read through the job description to know the deadline for applications.

NatWest Insight Apprenticeships

RBS NatWest’s apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative to further education. You get to learn new skills that you will use in real-world situations from day one and you get paid while at it too!

The program offers a unique pathway for individuals looking to kickstart their careers in the banking industry and offers entry into several departments including;

  • Digital and Technology
  • Data and Insights
  • Customer Service
  • Relationship Management
  • Business Admin and Project Management
  • Specialist Business Support

Good to know: NatWest also offers degree-level apprenticeships that give you the chance to earn a qualification that is equivalent to a university degree at the end of it.

The period for NatWest’s Apprenticeships can range from a few months to five years depending on the level or type of apprenticeship you are accepted into.

Eligibility Criteria for RBS NatWest Internships

Education: You will need a GCSE-level qualification.

Location: UK

Good to know: The programmes will remain open until NatWest has received enough applications to complete its hiring. When that happens, the programmes will be closed to new applications. So apply early!

Start Date: Annual intake is in October and you will be informed of your start date following successful completion of the assessment process.

NatWest Insight Insight Experiences

This program is also known as Insight Experience for Women. The program is specifically curated by RBS NatWest for women to increase the representation of women at senior levels in financial services.

This program has also aided in improving the gender balance in RBS NatWest with the organisation having 40% of its senior roles filled by female leaders, which is above the industry average, and NatWest is still aiming to achieve a full gender balance by 2030.

Below is every key detail you need to know about NatWest Insight Experience:

  • It is a two day event.
  • The only requirement is that you are due to graduate in 2025.
  • It gives you the chance to get a taste of what it is like working with the retail banking giant.
  • After completion, you get an invite to the RBS NatWest assessment centre, where you will be able to apply for a position in one of the internship programmes.
  • The Insight Experience is scheduled to happen on September 4th and September 5th, with the first day happening live at NatWest’s London and Edinburgh offices while the second day will take place virtually.

Eligibility Criteria for RBS NatWest Insight Experience

Education: To be eligible, you can be studying any degree programme, but need to be graduating in 2025 and on track to achieve a 2:1 and above.

Location: UK 

Good to know: The Insight Experience will remain open until NatWest has received enough applications to complete its hiring. When that happens, the programmes will be closed to new applications. So apply early!

And with that, we’ve covered all you’ll need to know about RBS NatWest’s Assessments, recruitment process, and roles/programs you could potentially apply to.

But wait!

Before you go ahead and begin your RBS NatWest application and assessments, check out our FAQ section below to find even more answers to frequently asked questions concerning RBS NatWest tests and assessments.

RBS NatWest Assessment FAQs

Is the NatWest interview easy?

The difficulty level of the NatWest interview varies depending on various factors such as the position you applied to, your experience, and your preparedness for the interview. To pass the NatWest interview, research the company, role, and practice diligently.

How many rounds are there in the NatWest interview?

Different roles may have different interview processes. While some candidates go through two rounds of interviews, others might participate in group discussions and psychometric assessments.

What to bring to the RBS NatWest final interview?

RBS NatWest recruiting team will communicate what you will be required to bring to this interview. However, keep in mind that you might need to bring your National Insurance Number and your proof of right to work in the UK.

What are RBS NatWest assessment tests?

These are online aptitude tests conducted by RBS for its candidates to know if they fit the role they applied to and the organisation as a whole. These online tests include:

Are NatWest and RBS the same?

In 2000, NatWest was acquired by RBS, otherwise known as Royal Bank of Scotland Group along with their other banking subsidiaries. Following this, the Group was rebranded to the NatWest Group in 2020.

Practice and Register with GF to get your job with RBS NatWest first time

Do you want to pass your NatWest assessment tests first time? Take numerical, logical, verbal reasoning and situational judgment practice tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 100 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.

Practise with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.

Correct answers to example questions:

Numerical Reasoning Test: C

Logical Reasoning Test: C

VIEW OUR TEST OPTIONS

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JP Morgan Online Test, Interview, Assessment Centre 2024. The Ultimate Practice Guide.

Reading time: 22 minutes

GFI Group Ltd. is not associated with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank. We provide preparation materials for J.P. Morgan Chase Bank candidate assessment.

Summary

Applying to JP Morgan’s 2024 internship or graduate programs? Maybe you’re considering a professional job opportunity at JP Morgan? Find all the answers you need in this comprehensive guide.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment and preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate programs at JP Morgan in the UK and US.

Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessments tests, interviews and assessment centre exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process. 

Click here for Free and Premium aptitude assessment tests and video interviews to practice and prepare for the JP Morgan recruitment process.

If you are aiming to apply to JP Morgan or have a JP Morgan online assessment test coming up, our text below is the best place to start.

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for the JP Morgan tests? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

A recent study found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers.

Bradley et al (2019)
In a nutshell

How to prepare for the JP Morgan assessment test process to get the job?

  1. Complete your Online Job Application
  • Fill in your JP Morgan application online
  • Match your application to JP Morgan’s Business Principles
  • Research the company and use the key words from the job post in your resume and application
  • Answer questions honestly and apply as early as possible

2. Practice for Online Aptitude Tests

There are a variety of JP Morgan tests being used. These may include:

You may get rejected already after your numerical reasoning tests and SJTs. These tests sift out 50-80% candidates. The only proven way to get to the next round is practice.

3. Record mock video interviews of yourself

You should practice answering questions that typically come up in interviews for banking jobs. Your answers need to flow and be timely. Avoid filler words. Your verbal communication should be convincing, filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job.

Prepare for an online video interview by running mock interviews answering typical banking interview questions. For JP Morgan interview practice, use:

Our video interview practice platform contains predefined competency and industry questions for banking and emulates experience you will have in platforms used for employers’ interviews (HireVue, Pymetrics, Sonru). Always record your answers and watch them to develop your interview technique, timekeeping and words used. Repeat recordings until you feel satisfied.

Use the STAR method for your answers and practice each answer several times.

4. Prepare for the JP Morgan Assessment Centre exercises

JP Morgan makes use of a variety of competitive exercises during the assessment center to find the right candidates. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises including:

Sharpen your communication and teamwork skills and keep an eye on the time. Research online, prepare and practice presentation of as many business case studies as possible. Be aware; not many get to this stage. The competition is very fierce.

 5. Final Interview

Review your CV/Resume to prepare for your series of one-on-one interviews. Expect and practice for behavioural and competency-based questions.

Aim to stand out. They have interviewed dozens or hundreds of candidates at this final stage.

Refine your technique for your final KPMG interview to showcase your:

  • deep knowledge 
  • understanding of the role
  • business acumen
  • passion
  • critical thinking and ability to think on your feet

For your final interview, use the video interview platform and record yourself answering the consultancy questions.

Continue reading to get answers to these critical questions:

  1. How do I prepare for JP Morgan?
  2. What online assessments do JP Morgan use?
  3. What questions do JP Morgan ask in an interview?
  4. What is the JP Morgan assessment centre?
  5. What is the JP Morgan CodeVue assessment?

Look into and practice assessments relevant to the JP Morgan assessment process by simply clicking on the table below!

Relevant Assessments to JP MorganPractice Now
Situational JudgementStart Practicing
Numerical ReasoningStart Practicing
Video InterviewsStart Practicing
Assessment CentreStart Practicing

Practice all the above for your JP Morgan online assessments with our Go Premium package.

Do not miss this opportunity. Enjoy the learning and best of luck!

Before we proceed into the details on the JP Morgan selection process, let us find out a little about JP Morgan.

Who is JP Morgan Chase & Co.?

JP Morgan Chase is an American global banking and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. At the time of writing, it was the world’s most valuable bank by market capitalization. 

It is a major provider of various investment banking and financial services for consumer and small businesses. From recent statistics, JP Morgan employs over 200 thousand employees and offers exceptional development opportunities across over 100 countries.

Every year JP Morgan receives hundreds of thousands of job applications. In 2022, over 270,000 applications were received for 4000+ positions. Unfortunately for applicants, there are a limited number of openings at JP Morgan and so the competition is extremely tough. 

Did you know? In order to streamline the recruitment process, JP Morgan aptitude tests are used. These often reject more than 60% of candidates, depending on the business line. 

If you plan on pursuing a career path with JP Morgan, there are several roles you can apply for depending on your field of study or area of expertise such as:

Business AreaRoles
Investment Banking– Product manager
– Markets technology auditor
– UI designer
Real Estate Finance– Real estate manager
– Incentives and tax associate
– Computer-aided designer
– Treasury sales associate
Customer service– Customer service specialist
– Lead associate operations
– Salesforce developer
– Software engineer
Marketing/Communications– Community manager
– Product communication lead
– Content design lead
Data & Analytics– Analytics solution associate
– Data scientist
Technology– Technology operations
– Java and Cloud software engineer
– Cybersecurity

Before we dive into the application process, it’s key to know the key values of JP Morgan. You may be asked motivational questions as early as your application form!

What are the JP Morgan Business Principles?

JP Morgan refer to their core values as their Business Principles, which can be summarised under 4 key pillars:

  • Exceptional Client Service: Focussing on the customer, operate at the local level and building long term franchises and investments to serve clients 
  • Operational Excellence: JP Morgan aims to set the highest standards of performance using discipline, skills and internal governance to create and maintain efficient systems.
  • Commitment to Integrity, Fairness and Responsibility: JP Morgan aims to strengthen the community through respect, inclusiveness and fortitude.
  • Great Team and Winning Culture: Building a loyal team through honest and clear communication in order to develop good leaders

Now that we know about the company, what should you expect in the JP Morgan recruitment process?

JP Morgan Application Process

The JP Morgan hiring process comprises four different stages, each assessing your analytical abilities, cognitive and critical thinking, written skills and your overall personality skills as well as, requiring you to do your best and outperform your competitors if you want to land your dream job.

Despite the number of different areas and levels within JP Morgan, most JP Morgan selection processes follow a very similar path.

What is the JP Morgan application process?

These are the four steps of the JP Morgan selection process:

  1. JP Morgan Online Application
  2. JP Morgan Aptitude Tests
  3. JP Morgan HireVue/CodeVue Video Interview
  4. JP Morgan Assessment Centre

With the plan in order, let’s head right in!

JP Morgan Online Application

JP Morgan’s Online Application is the first part of the JP Morgan recruitment process and your first chance to set a good impression and stand out from your competition. The online form will ask you to provide details of: 

  • Your education and academic results
  • Work experience  
  • Motivational questions, varying depending on the business area you apply to.
JP Morgan online application form
JP Morgan Online Application Form
Source: JP Morgan Careers

 

JP Morgan Application tip: Apply as early as possible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and so by doing so you increase your chances of progression to the next stage of the recruitment process.

You will also be required to upload your CV/Resume, therefore take your time to tailor your CV to amplify your achievements and list relevant experiences tailored for the role you are applying for.

JP Morgan application CV upload
JP Morgan Application CV Upload
Source: JP Morgan Careers

What are examples of JP Morgan motivational questions?

JP Morgan’s online application stage will very likely include some motivational questions, such as:

  • Why are you motivated to work at JP Morgan?
  • Why do you want to apply for this particular role?

How to answer JP Morgan Motivational Questions?

These motivational questions should be answered by considering these following points:

  • Be precise throughout your responses.
  • Refer to unique facts about JP Morgan that motivate you to work there, such as special awards it has received, CSR projects, etc.
  • Focus on JP Morgan’s reputation; They care about you understanding their achievements
  • Mention the core skills required for the position; When you are describing why you want to apply for this specific role
  • Utilise previous experiences and personal interests by matching these to the core skills for the role

Watch this quick video below to find out even more tips on how you can ace your JP morgan job application form:

How to prepare for a job application form | Job Application & CV Tips #shorts

Now, you’re on top of your JP Morgan online application, however, this is where the hard work really starts. The next step of your application is the JP Morgan aptitude tests

We know you’ve got this!

JP Morgan Aptitude Tests

What are the JP Morgan aptitude tests?

The JP Morgan aptitude tests can be expected after you complete the application form. You may be invited to one or a combination of the aptitude tests provided by SHL. Depending on your line of business, the aptitude tests used may include:

Good to know: The difficulty level of the JP Morgan tests will depend on the business area and role you applied to, so be sure to carefully read all the information in the aptitude test invite email.

Let’s check out what to expect in each JP Morgan online test below, starting with the JP Morgan situational judgement test!

What is the JP Morgan Situational Judgement Test?

The JP Morgan Situational Judgement (SJT) assesses your ability in making right decisions in work-related scenarios and evaluates your JP Morgan competencies. You will be provided with a number of scenarios that you are likely to encounter when working at JP Morgan.

It will require you to identify the best and worst course of actions from different possible options. This test usually lasts for about an hour, but will only take around 30 minutes to complete.

For even more depth on the JP Morgan situational judgement test, have a thorough review of our video below.

What is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT)? | 2024 Candidate Guide (PwC, Deloitte, Accenture)

How to Prepare for the JP Morgan Situational Judgement Test

Here are 3 things you must do ahead of your JP Morgan online assessment to give you the best chance of succeeding.

  1. Do your Research: Understand what these tests are really about. What JP Morgan competencies are being assessed? Check the job description of the role and their values to understand what key skills are required.
  1. Develop the skill of showing competencies: practice situational judgement test questions and focus not only on the answer, but also think about the competency being measured by each question. 
  1. Stay Relaxed: As with all JP Morgan online assessments, Situational Judgement Tests are challenging, but do not let anxiety cloud your judgement. Take deep breaths and  consider the pros and cons of the options presented.

Check out our sneak peek example of a SJT question designed by our experts below to get an idea of what your JP Morgan situational judgement test may look like.

JP Morgan-Style Situational Judgement Test Example

JP Morgan-style situational judgement test example

Get a headstart in your preparation with our own practice Situational Judgement Tests and gain lifetime access to real SJT questions, live personalised test reports and progress charts.

The situational judgement test is just one of the JP Morgan online assessments you will be required to take. The next, don’t forget, is the JP Morgan numerical reasoning test.

What is the JP Morgan Numerical Reasoning Test?

The JP Morgan Numerical Reasoning Test is used to assess your numerical skills and your ability to understand and interpret data from tables and charts. Your JP Morgan numerical test questions will require you to perform basic maths calculations including ratios, averages, percentages, profit and loss, etc.  

Did you know? At GF, we provide FREE numerical tests questions similar to JP Morgan assessment tests, sign up today and practise a FREE Numerical Reasoning Test!

So what can you do to ace your JP Morgan Numerical Reasoning Test? Brush up on your maths of course! But also the following…

Top 4 Tips to Pass the JP Morgan Numerical Reasoning Test 

  1. Make sure you practice numerical tests. Develop an understanding of the typical numerical questions used and find a good balance between speed and accuracy by using timed practice tests.
  2. Ensure to have necessary tools close by during the test, such as a pencil, scale, rough sheet and a calculator.
  3. Divide your time. You need to manage your time in order to solve the question efficiently. Spread out the allocated time evenly across each question to ensure you have time to attempt every question.
  4. Do not spend too much time on a question. If you are not able to solve the question in maximum 45 seconds, then move to the next question. This test does not only check your numerical skills, but also your speed.

For more hints on how to pass your JP Morgan numerical reasoning test, don’t miss this short video below:

What is a numerical reasoning test? #shorts

Now that you know all about Numerical Reasoning Tests and how to crack them, practice with the numerical reasoning test example below!

JP Morgan-style Numerical Reasoning Test example

JP Morgan numerical reasoning test example

Solved it? Check the bottom of the page for the answer.

Super eager to get started with your JP Morgan numerical test prep? Don’t miss our 5 step by step example question and answers in this video below:

Numerical reasoning test practice questions and answers (2024) 5 worked solutions and tutorials!

Looking for more JP Morgan-style numerical reasoning tests with answers, worked-solutions and professional score reports including personalised tips based on your performance? We’ve got you covered.

Good to know: If you have applied for a technical role that requires coding skills, you may be invited to take a coding assessment at this stage. 

What does the JP Morgan coding test involve? Let’s find out!

What is the JP Morgan Online Coding Assessment?

The JP Morgan online coding assessment test is used to assess the coding skills of developers. It is used for tech-related roles, such as software engineering. During this test, you will be required to complete 2 or more questions within 30-90 minutes, depending on the level of expertise.

Therefore, you do not need to worry about this JP Morgan test if you are not applying to a role that needs knowledge of coding. 

How do I ace my JP Morgan Online Coding Assessment Test?

  1. Research examples of coding questions: Although the questions differ in most cases, researching examples of questions will give you an insight on the area and style of coding questions JP Morgan focuses on.
  1. Practise your coding: Practice, practice, practice. This will help you prepare properly for your JP Morgan online assessment. Refresh the basics to help you prepare.
  1. Choose a programming language: If you code in C++, you should stick strictly to it without adding unused variables. This shows the recruiter your proficiency level in coding.
  1. Practise writing well-structured codes: A quality code is important, therefore it is imperative for you to practise writing well-structured and well-formatted code with good methods and variables.

Once you’ve aced your JP Morgan tests, you will be invited to the next stage of the JP Morgan hiring process

Keep reading to find out more about the next step: the JP Morgan video interview.

JP Morgan HireVue/CodeVue Video Interview

What is the JP Morgan Video Interview?

The JP Morgan HireVue interview is the next stage after the JP Morgan aptitude tests. JP Morgan provides two video interviews based on the role you apply for:

  1. The JP Morgan CodeVue interview for technical programs
  2. The JP Morgan HireVue video interview for every other program. 

Your JP Morgan video interview will consist of around 3-5 questions, with 30 seconds to read and analyse the questions that you are presented with. 

Good to know: Some lines of business may also involve more traditional first-stage interviews, and these are conducted over-the-phone. 

You will be permitted 2 minutes to record your answer to each question. There may be written response questions which will have a word limit. Make sure you brush up on your writing skills as well as your speaking skills.

Gain further key insights in this under 1 minute video of what employers look for in an interview that you may find at JP Morgan.

What do employers look for in an interview? #shorts

Top 6 Tips to Pass the JP Morgan video interview

  1. Understand the role: Research the specific role you’re applying for at JP Morgan and understand the skills and experiences they are looking for.
  1. Practice with sample questions: Look for sample interview questions online and practice answering them in a clear and concise manner. 
  1. Prepare STAR+R answers: The STAR+R method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is useful to help answer JP Morgan’s behavioural interviews questions. 
  1. Show confidence: Speak clearly and in a calm tone to demonstrate confidence in your answers. 
  1. Pay attention to body language: Maintain good eye contact by looking directly at the camera. Sit up straight, maintain a confident posture, and use subtle hand gestures appropriately. Non-verbal communication is important even in a video interview.
  1. Show enthusiasm and ask questions: Display genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to work at JP Morgan. If given the opportunity, ask thoughtful questions about the company, the role, or any specific projects or initiatives you’re interested in.

Practice for your JP Morgan HireVue video interview and gain the real experience to familiarise yourself with recording answers and improving your JP Morgan interview question responses using our Video Interviewing Platform

JP Morgan Video Interview Graduate Questions Example

JP Morgan video interview graduate questions example

 

Let’s now explore an example of top banking questions that could pop up in your JP Morgan HireVue Video Interview, and some sample answers you can use to think about your own answers.

JP Morgan-style Banking Interview Questions and Answers

QUESTION: What do you feel are the most important skills for a banking professional to have?

Answer: 

I believe that there are many different skills that are crucial for a banking professional, and they can change depending on the role you are working in. However, the key skills in banking I would say are strong analytical skills, time management, team working, and good mental maths generally.

Meanwhile in a customer facing role having good patience and critical thinking with a positive mindset when interacting with customers to improve their satisfaction through strong communication skills.

This example showcases that the candidate has a good understanding of the skills required for the role they have applied for but also that there are other important relevant skills to the company.

QUESTION: Tell us about a situation where you had to use effective time management and achieved success.

Answer:

  • Situation: While working on a project for a major client as a team lead, two of the team members resigned from the organisation. 
  • Task: With the unexpected resignation of two team members, I and the other team members had to step up and take on additional responsibilities to complete the project on time.
  • Action: I had a meeting with the manager and team members where we agreed to take on the responsibilities of the team members who left the organisation. To assist with the manager, I reviewed the work schedules and assigned new responsibilities based on availability, and worked on the project for an extra hour, after work hours, every day.
  • Result: We were able to come up with an effective business strategy for the client based on our market research which we showed to the client during our presentation.
  • Reflect: This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and effective time management. It also reinforced the value of regular communication and teamwork in achieving successful project outcomes.

For more commonly used interview questions that may appear in your JP Morgan interview, don’t miss the following short video:

5 Most Common Interview Questions #shorts

Remember, 2 minutes to record answers is not a long time, so make sure that your responses are precise and clear!

Have a JP Morgan video interview coming up soon? Ace your next interview with our video interview practice tool – featuring 39 unique employer interview sets to boost your interview technique with practice.

You’ve got this far, so don’t stop the pace now. We head forward into the final stage of your JP Morgan application, the JP Morgan Assessment Center.

JP Morgan Assessment Centre

What is the JP Morgan Assessment Centre?

The JP Morgan Assessment Center is the final stage of the recruitment process where your performance and behaviours are evaluated based on real-life work environment. Depending on the role you apply to, you will be assessed by:

What is the JP Morgan Group Exercise?

The JP Morgan Group Exercise will examine your ability to work as part of a team. Throughout this task, various JP Morgan employees will observe you and how you solve problems, when required to work with others.

Watch this video to understand more about group exercises used by employers such as JP Morgan at an assessment centre:

Assessment Centre Group Exercises | How to Pass, with Example Task & Virtual Assessment Day Tips

Top 6 Tips to Pass the JP Morgan Group Exercise

Here are a few things you have to keep in mind when going in for the JP Morgan group exercise are: 

  1. Speak clearly, in a mild and calm tone. Avoid getting aggressive or emotional. You should also avoid speaking over your fellow candidate by raising your voice or arguing.
  2. Remember names. If you remember the names of teammates and address them by their names every time it looks professional and shows you are paying attention. 
  3. Involve the whole team. Bring in the quieter or less active candidates into the discussion by asking them for their opinion.
  4. Volunteer to present your ideas on the white board in front of your teammates. 
  5. Appreciate the fellow candidate for their suggestions. 
  6. Ask relevant questions. Demonstrate that you are thinking ahead and are taking a considered approach to the task

Practice JP Morgan-style assessment centre Group exercises with GF. Make use of industry standard mark sheets, to see what JP Morgan is looking for in your performance.

Now you are ready to go and ace your group exercise! After the group exercise you’ll be tasked with something less conversational, the JP Morgan written exercise.

What is the JP Morgan Written Exercise?

The JP Morgan Written Exercise will ask you to prepare a response to a previously unseen case study problem. It will be provided in the candidate brief given to you. 

Our top JP Morgan written exercise tip is to start by skimming through all the information in the candidate brief and then plan your response quickly. You should not start to answer before you form a clear idea for your response. Always check your spelling and watch the time!

How to Pass the JP Morgan Written Exercise

  1. Practice in-depth: Written Exercises can be tricky and can be pressured by time. So, take the time to read more about this style of exercise. 
  2. Communicate Effectively: Ensure that your written language is as good as your spoken language. They’ll be looking to see that you can clearly put across your thoughts on paper too.
  3. Keep an eye on the time: WIth the pressure that comes with written exercises, you need to be ultra organised. Understand how much you have to do, and organise your time carefully. 

Don’t forget that you can prepare any time using GF’s example written exercises prepared by expert psychologists, with decades of experience in the field.

Now, you’ll be ready to succeed in written exercises. As such, it’s about time we investigate and spill the beans on your next JP Morgan Assessment Center Exercise – the JP Morgan role play exercise.

What is the JP Morgan Role Play Exercise?

The JP Morgan Role-play Exercise will ask you to analyse a set of information around a scenario. You will be given around 20 minutes to work in a pair and consider the information provided and prepare with your partner a response. 

Once this initial understanding is complete, the second part will involve your interviewer playing the role of a client and you will be representing JP Morgan. 

How to ace your JP Morgan Role Play Exercise?

The JP Morgan role play exercise will be assessed by one or more of the JP Morgan team, and so you will need to demonstrate certain things to succeed. You will need to demonstrate:

  1. Negotiation 
  2. Teamwork
  3. Analytical thinking
  4. Communication 
  5. Leadership 
  6. Assertiveness
  7. Problem-solving

Practice assessment centre exercises and boost your confidence in these areas ahead of your JP Morgan assessment day by preparing with our complete sample assessor marking guidelines and expert guidance to help ace your assessment centre tests.

You’re doing great! We’ve covered almost the whole JP Morgan recruitment process through this article guide. 

As you may have anticipated, we approach the end of the recruitment process with the JP Morgan final interview.

JP Morgan Final interview

What are the JP Morgan final interviews?

The JP Morgan final interviews are the final stage of the recruitment process and will consist of a number of one-on-one interviews with directors or senior managers from the business area you wish to join. 

These will be a mixture of competency based, technical and situational-based questions and will be a final chance for you to demonstrate your passion, skills and enthusiasm to work for JP Morgan.

By this point, you should have already done extensive research about the company as well as: its place in the market, recent developments, technological changes – as well as learning as much as you can about the role you applied for.

6 Important Tips to Ace the JP Morgan Final Interviews

  1. Review your CV before the interview. This is a must. You may be asked for the details of your academic and work experiences during your final interviews. 
  2. Prepare examples of situations where you demonstrated the core competencies sought by JP Morgan. Check your research to understand what these are.
  3. Consider JP Morgan’s culture and values and reflect them in your answers. As well as skills, it’s important to understand how well you align with these principles. 
  4. Use GF Video Interviews to practice answering common banking and consultancy questions, as well as competency-based questions.
  5. Keep your answers clear and to the point. This will allow for good time management. Using the STAR method for competency questions can help with this.
  6. Ensure to ask your own questions. This helps show your interviewer that you have genuine interest in the company and the role you are applying for. 

Top JP Morgan Interview tip: At the end of the interviews, you will be given a chance to ask questions. You must definitely use this opportunity! This is a way of showing that you are interested and motivated, so prepare some thought-provoking and interesting questions beforehand. You can also ask your interviewer about their career path.

But what questions can you ask? Here are our top 5 questions you can ask your JP Morgan interviewer:

5 Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview #shorts

We’re right by your side to help take your interviewing skills to the next level. Discover what top employers such as JP Morgan, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley and Barclays commonly ask candidates with over 39 employer interview sets with our video interview practice platform today.

Now you’ve done excellent to reach this stage! You should hear back within a couple of weeks of your final interview. Regardless of the outcome, you should be extremely proud of coming this far. Congratulations!

But wait, before you go!

Continue reading to discover the top opportunities for graduates and students to kickstart their career at JP Morgan.

JP Morgan Student & Graduate Careers 

JP Morgan offers a wide range of opportunities to students to help prepare them for life beyond the classrooms. Every year, they accept 3000+ interns and apprentices, helping them gain work-life experiences and learn new skills

Find out more about some of these JP Morgan internship and apprenticeship opportunities below:

JP Morgan Internships

InternshipDescriptionDurationLocation
Corporate Analyst Development ProgramWork during summer with our industry experts to improve processes and identify opportunities that support our global businesses. 10 weeks– United States of America
– Australia
– India
– Hong Kong SAR 
– China 
– Philippines 
– Singapore 
– United Kingdom
Global Private Bank InternshipLearn skills while working with clients to contribute to our investment solutions or integrated teams with research, analysis, portfolio management and product development 9 weeks– France
– Germany 
– Hong Kong SAR
– China 
– Luxembourg 
– Singapore 
– Spain
– Switzerland 
– United Kingdom
– United States of America
Securities Services Leadership ProgramGain relevant project management and leadership skills while developing the foundation for a career in Securities Services.2 weeks– United States of America,
– United Kingdom
Asset Management InternshipAnalyse investment strategies, build models and help to create innovative solutions for our industry-leading clients.10 weeks– United States of America,
– Canada,
– Hong Kong SAR,
– China,
– Singapore,
– Taiwan,
– China,
– United Kingdom,

At JP Morgan, they require specific skills and qualities before considering you for these opportunities. Some of which are;

  1. Motivated leaders
  2. Problem-solving skills
  3. Communication and interpersonal skills
  4. Analytical skills
  5. Presentation skills

JP Morgan School Programs and Apprenticeships

ProgramDescriptionDurationLocationRequirements/skills
Technology Degree ApprenticeshipEarn a degree while working with industry experts in technology within financial services4 yearsUnited KingdomUCAS equivalence of 1A and 2B grades at A-level
Apprenticeship programWork in the financial services industry while gaining broad business knowledge through global projects1 yearSingaporeHighly motivated with interests in financial services, interpersonal skills
Work Experience ProgramLearn about JP morgan operations through seminars, presentations and case studies, and hone your skills1 weekUnited KingdomEnthusiastic students from age 14 – 18
Technology Graduate Level Apprenticeship programBegin your career in technology and earn your degree in BSc Software Development. You will learn in a hands-on environment while working with a team and developing new technologies.4 yearUnited KingdomMinimum of BBBB at scottish higher level including maths, computer science of physics

There are several other opportunities on the career page on the official JP Morgan website. Visit today and begin your journey with JP Morgan.

JP Morgan Early Insights

JP Morgan offers other programs and events for students as an opportunity to work within their organisation.

  • Code for Good 
  • Proud to be MBA Programs 
  • Winning Women Undergrad Programs
  • Inside the Industry Programstrai
  • JP Morgan Private Bank Challenge
  • Advancing Black Pathways Fellowship Programs
  • Advancing Hispanic and Latinos Fellowship Program

Uncover more about these opportunities on the JP Morgan website and register your interest in these exciting programmes today.

Now, we have come to an end with the complete guide to a successful selection process with JP Morgan. Discover more insights with our quick JP Morgan FAQs section below.

JP Morgan Recruitment FAQs

How to apply to JP Morgan?

  • Visit the JP Morgan official website
  • Search for available job opportunities
  • Apply by filling the online application form
  • Make sure to submit a CV/resume that stands out

Does JP Morgan have student programs?

JP Morgan has several opportunities for both undergraduates and graduates. You can apply for their apprenticeship programs, pre-internships or internships. Ensure you meet the requirements and apply based on location and availability.

How long is the JP Morgan hiring process?

The JP Morgan hiring process involves four general steps: explore, apply, interview and decision. Depending on the role you applied for and the number of candidates received, it can last for as long as 1 to 8 weeks.

What is the JP Morgan hackathon?

JP Morgan hosts a program known as ‘code for good’. This program is a series of hackathons hosted in their global technology centres. During this event, participants are to spend about 12-24 hours with JP Morgan employees, developing creative solutions to help nonprofits tackle real world problems.

What qualities does JP Morgan look for in candidates?

JP Morgan looks for these qualities in their employees:

  • Great communication and interpersonal skills
  • Great presentation skills
  • Strong academic background
  • Enthusiastic about financial and technology services
  • Analytical skills

Practice and Register with GF to get your job with JP Morgan first time

Do you want to pass your JP Morgan online assessments for the first time? Sign up for tools offered by GF, the only aptitude practice test experts that provide tests for students for 150+ universities in the UK, Asia and continental Europe.

Go to GF now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer FREE practice aptitude tests and a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgment tests, assessment centre exercises and more). Buy with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.

Correct answers to example questions:

Numerical Reasoning Test: C

VIEW OUR TEST OPTIONS

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How do SMEs recruit Grads?

Written by:
Brandon Shah BA
Junior Consultant


Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) differ from big companies due to their size and stature, with SMEs having up to a maximum of 250 employees. SMEs play a massive part in the UK economy with over 5 million businesses in operation – a nation in itself, with diverse small businesses operating in every sector. With the growth of SMEs, they surprisingly employ significantly more staff than the large UK companies that dominate the job market including opportunities for graduates.

In this blog, we will discuss the recruitment and application of graduates into roles within SMEs, the current challenges graduates face to enter graduate roles, and how graduates can stand out in the application process.


What do SMEs offer Graduates?

SMEs most often do not follow the traditional entry-level and rigid structure of graduate programmes. Rather, they are particularly interested in finding out if the candidate is the right person for the job, if they are willing to become part of a dynamic team with early responsibility and whether they have the potential to add tangible value to the organisation. Additionally, while bigger companies often place more emphasis on the specific qualifications the candidate has achieved, SMEs show less interest in the candidates’ qualifications and more on their individual characteristics, personality, and potential for growth.

There are also several benefits of being part of an SME which include:

  • SMEs offer a clearer communication network from colleagues to senior managers for advice and development.
  • SMEs are known for having fast and easy promotion prospects and job satisfaction for graduates.
  • There is a prominent level of responsibility with a mixture of teamwork and independent working.
  • As you progress in the company, you are gradually more exposed to having a higher profile.

These benefits present when working for an SME overlay the potential negatives of not offering a clear graduate scheme or programme for training which a graduate would obtain when working for a larger company. However, even this potential negative has limitations as this process with larger companies brings high demand and increasing levels of competitiveness, which may not be a suitable or comfortable environment to work in.

Challenges Impacting the Application for Graduate Roles

Traditionally SMEs have been hesitant hiring graduates for roles in their company due to the concerns over finances involved with training and guidance. This becomes a concern when the graduate is joining the company short term, purely to gain this experience to move forward in their career outside of the company.

However, Covid has had a significant impact creating new limitations not only regarding the number of roles available but also the high number of current applicants at the time of writing. According to the Financial Times, nearly a third of graduates from the past year in the UK lost their jobs, and over a quarter lost internships or had job offers rescinded/deferred.

These changes have had a subsequent impact on the number of applications per vacancy, across all sectors and roles. The ISE recorded the highest recent growth of number of applicants per vacancy since 1999. This high density of applicants has created a greater need for graduates to stand out in the recruitment process.

SMES’ Graduate Recruitment Process

Most small, medium-sized businesses recruit candidates by advertising on-job boards and social media channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.  SMEs face a strong challenge in the form of other conventional recruitment processes. These more conventional ways of recruiting graduates are recruitment fairs, internships, placements and promoting programmes through universities

This process is very time consuming and costly when the purpose is to recruit a graduate for a single job role. As a result, SMEs find it difficult to go through this process as they can’t put out the average cost of recruiting many graduates like big companies can, who spend around £900 million per year attracting the best and brightest graduates. This limits the range and potential talent of applicant for their roles.

To replace the more conventional recruitment process, all SMEs have their own specific process for finding the right hire for the proper role at the right time. To get a positive result, some make use of an assortment of some of these processes.

  1. Identifying the hiring needs
  2. Preparing a job description
  3. Attracting qualified candidates by posting job ads to job search sites
  4. Filtering, screening, and shortlisting applicants
  5. Online Assessment
  6. Interviewing selected candidates
  7. Making a job offer
  8. Onboarding new hires

Of these processes the most common and notable hiring methods for SMEs include CV submission and Interviews, this is due to how these processes supply SMEs who commonly utilise smaller HR teams and resources the opportunity to make informed decisions. This recruitment strategy builds a solid talent pool of potential hires which can be utilised for identifying and hiring individuals for future positions. However, for SMEs this strategy offers more than just finding potential new hires, it is also a cost-effective method for improving employer brand awareness and expanding their network into a more streamlined and direct system.

How a Candidate can stand out in the Recruitment Process

This more streamlined and direct recruitment process used by SMEs implies an importance of making sure that an application catches the attention of the company over the other prospective candidates. To accomplish this, there are certain characteristics that should be made evident in the applicant’s description that will increase attention.

What are they looking for?

  • Individuals that are flexible with work and are all round
  • They possess good critical thinking skills.
  • They can work independently and work in teams.
  • Fast learners and work through a task with a short deadline

Concluding Remarks

While SMEs may not use the more conventional methods for hiring graduates, they do look to hire graduates into working roles and with a strong focus on collaboration, communication and development opportunities for the future. The increasing number of applicants to roles has brought an importance for graduates to ensure that their application stands out from the rest. By using the criteria stated, the graduate will be able to accomplish this and be one step ahead of the competition for the foreseeable future.

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Video Interviews and the Role Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plays

Written by:
Fern McCann LLB
Graduate Consultant


As the pandemic began, there were changes in the way we work, and some of these ways seem likely to stick around. Remote work and virtual recruiting are among them, meaning that your next interview may take place online. Video interviews have become a new way for businesses to employ and assess candidates. With many of us working from home, video interviews present an opportunity to continue hiring; but at what cost? In this article we give the lowdown on video interviews, and why they are effective. We then move onto assess the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video interviews and its pros and cons. We will then close with top tips to give candidates the best chance to ace their video interviews!

What is a Video Interview?

You may think of video interviews simply as a job interview that takes place remotely and that use video technology as the communication medium. There are two main forms of video interview: automated video interviewing and live video interviewing. Both are alike your typical interview in the way that questions are asked of candidates, all designed to probe and discover whether you should be hired for the job at hand. As you may expect, they help interviewers address any concerns from previously in their application, to assess if the candidate can do the job well, and importantly if they would mesh with the existing team.

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In automated video interviews on the one hand, candidates are typically given a set amount of time to answer a series of pre-determined questions. There is an allocated time for each response, often with the opportunity to have multiple attempts at recording the answer. Once completed, the recruiter receives the recording and can play back the interview responses. Examples of such software include Assess Candidates and HireVue. In live video interviewing on the other hand, the interview is simply conducted live between the candidate and interviewer using platforms such as Skype, Microsoft Teams or Zoom. These will often be recorded for later reference, and always involve real interaction with a member of the employer’s team.

Now, with an understanding of Video Interviews in place, we investigate why they’re so commonly used by employers in their hiring processes.

Why are Video Interviews here to stay?

There are various reasons why companies use video interviews. We’ve already seen that Covid was the catalyst for their increased use. In the section, we are going to outline three key reasons why video interviews are effective and hence continue to be used. We will discuss three key areas: their effectiveness, the benefits to the employer and the benefits to the candidate.

Video Interviews are Effective

The first reason why Video interviews continue to be popular is their effectiveness, which can be broken down into three components.

  1. Provide consistency
    • Video interviews are typically structured in nature. All questions are prepared in advance and remain consistent for all candidates. Candidates have a clear timeframe for accessing the interview, and for sitting the interview. This consistency ensures that all candidates are assessed fairly.
  2. Reflect today’s working environment
    • Video interviews are very reflective of current-day technology, especially during the recent pandemic. People are talking online on a daily basis. This means that candidates may feel more comfortable doing a video interview as covid has forced them into this way of working for at least the two years prior.  For example, some candidates each day in their current role or place of study will be communicating online or over a screen. Should a candidate show they are comfortable when doing an online interview, it suggests they are ready to use online software and communicate virtually during that particular role.
  3. Help to maintain clear records
    • Online interviews most often record what candidates have said. This means that the essence of their answers will not be lost. One potential risk of face-to-face interviews may be the varying depth of candidate notes on which to make hiring decisions. This makes video interviews effective as it ensures interviewers don’t forget about a certain candidate or what someone may have said as it will all be easy to access online. The questions asked are both monitorable and trackable, which means all interviews are assessed in their entirety, to ensure applicant are more likely to be assessed fairly.  

Video Interviews Benefit the Employer

Video interviews certainly have their benefits for the employer when on a recruitment drive.

  • Social distancing: When social distancing rules were introduced because of the pandemic, it made it almost impossible for companies to interview people in-person. By having interviews online, employers can continue with their hiring process, while also making their hiring process more accessible to candidates.
  • Video interviews save time: Video Interviews allow employers to hire candidates more easily, by conducting interviews more quickly and efficiently, because arranging face-to-face meetings or even phone calls can be a lengthy process. Also, because the interview is online, it will be saved and easily accessible to employers at any time to review. This has the added benefit of being less time consuming because they won’t have to find and sift through their notes on how a particular candidate answered a certain question.
  • Increased Applications: Video Interviews have increased application; more people will be able to apply and attend the interview because they won’t have to worry about how far they live from the business. More and more employers are willing to hire from further afield, recognizing that the same work can often be achieved when working from home. According to an ISE student recruitment survey, up to 93% of employers were hiring online in 2021. It is expected that this trend will continue despite the dwindling effect of the pandemic.
  • Save Money: Another advantage for the employer is that it allows recruiters to expand their reach at a fraction of the cost of the traditional recruitment model. Face-to-face interviews are extremely expensive, largely due to travel costs, interview wages, and accommodation. This is exactly where video interviews can help employers improve their recruitment process, while also making it more cost-efficient.

Video Interviews Benefit the Candidate

There are also benefits of the use of video interviews for candidates applying.

Firstly, candidates will have less worries about being late for their interview due to traffic or public transport delays, simply because they won’t need to leave their house to do it. They’ll just have to worry about setting their alarm!

Secondly, video interviews are more low cost for candidates than in-person interviews as they won’t need to spend money on travelling expenses, food and lodging. Some job opportunities may also be based from home, which is an advantage if the candidate is a good fit for the role but lives far away. The ISE student recruitment survey outlines that 13% of employers said employees don’t need to live near to the workplace, suggesting they will rarely need to venture into the office, if at all.

Also, candidates can go back to their regular activities as soon as they are done with their online interview, which means it doesn’t get in the way of anyone’s productivity in their current role for example. If the candidate is employed and looking for a new job, it will make it more convenient for them as they may be able to conduct the online interview on their lunch where normally they would have had to take a day’s holiday. Alternatively, if they are currently unemployed, they’ll have a choice of doing the interview in the comfort of their own home. This will ensure, they won’t face the stress of visiting a new place for the first time in the way that you would if you were having an in-person interview.

We have discussed many of the benefits of video interviews both to the employer and candidates. In the next section we will give your more of an insight to how artificial intelligence is used in video interviews, as well as the pros and cons that come with it.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Think a human is reviewing your video interview? Think again. If you’re being interviewed by a large company, it is very possible that your performance could be assessed by artificial intelligence before ever interviewing with a human. Artificial intelligence is the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as virtual perception, facial expression recognition, speech recognition, decision making, and translation between languages. The use of artificial intelligence has become increasingly widespread in recruitment over the last few years. Candidates are often asked to complete video interviews or online tests without any awareness that an algorithm will be the first assessor of their application.

Major companies such as Hilton, HSBC and Unilever have used AI interview software. These interviews allow companies to interview large numbers of potential candidates even more efficiently than they otherwise could, AI- enabled hiring software can quickly scan interviews with hundreds of applicants. When a video interview is using AI, it can’t infer what applicants might be applying

It may seem on the face of it that the use of artificial intelligence in video interviews are a good thing. However, it will be explored in the next section how there are many different positives and negatives to this certain type of interview.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence Video Interviews

In this section, we will now explore the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence (AI), we will explain both why AI makes our lives easier and why it can hinder the interview process.

Advantages:

  • On the face of it, AI-powered video interviews create fair chances for each candidate to succeed, making the application process as unbiased and as objective as possible. (See the last disadvantage for the reverse perspective!)
  • AI systems lower human error rates. Interviewers may lose concentration or forget what the interviewee has said after asking a lot of candidate’s questions. AI has the potential to provide a more accurate result and can be revisited by the interviewer if needed.
  • Manual data analysis is time consuming; Al-systems can process and analyses massive amounts of data at remarkable speeds. They can quickly find relevant information, identify trends, make decisions and offer recommendations based on specific data.

Disadvantages:

  • Many applicants feel that being assessed by AI is even further impersonal than a person reviewed online interview. Some candidates feel uneasy about how their data is being used.
  • We should all remember that people are more attracted to employers who value their skills and want them to join. Without interaction, we must ask ourselves whether one-way video interviews really help.
  • Many people who are excellent in the workplace but can be terribly camera shy. Others who are relaxed with videos can feel greater pressure with scrutinising eye contact. This may suggest, the AI video interviews may unfairly judge people who would otherwise be good for the job.
  • Some have brought into question the use of AI video interviews as unbiased tools. Many suggest that when creating the parameters for AI, certain biases creep into the system, and can be reflected in the results. For example, it was found in a Harvard business review that facial analysis technology in AI video interviews, has higher error rates in minority women.

Employers have to weight up these advantages and disadvantages of AI video interviews to decide whether to utilize this technology when interviewing candidates. In fact, 83% of the respondents in an ISE student recruitment survey highlighted they need to work on diversity moving into 2022, in particular improving racial diversity in their company. This focus and importance placed on diversity highlights the need to seriously consider if AI interviews are a good fit for their values.

It is all well and good knowing about artificial intelligence, but if candidates don’t know the steps they have to take whilst undergoing the video interview, it can be a barrier to success.  In the next section, we are going to discuss some useful tips to help you pass the interview with flying colors.

3 candidate tips to give them an edge when doing Video Interviews:

Video interviews are becoming increasingly difficult with more companies using them instead of in-person interviews. Here are 3 tips to help candidates prepare for a successful job interview.

  1. Be prepared before the interview
    • We advise that candidates plan well in advance before they do the interview. Even though, the interview is online, we suggest candidates still think of it as their first day of work. Generally, the kind of appropriate attire is a suit jacket or a shirt/blouse. Candidates may be at home but there are still things that can go wrong. Use a quiet location, where noise and people won’t disturb. Make sure the room you choose is tidy and use a clean and simple background so that the recruiter is focused on nothing else. Candidates need to also think about the lighting, if there is no natural light, use a lamp. Furthermore, close anything on the computer that may play notification sounds and switch all devices to silent, so there are no distractions. Another tip is the use of hand gestures whilst answering questions, for example: movements such as touching your fingertip, clasping palms and moving your hands as you speak are signs of honesty and openness.
  2. Use Positive body language:
    • When doing any type of interview, it is best to avoid slouching or fidgeting too much. We suggest making good eye contact with the camera, listen and take an interest in what they’re saying. For pre-recorded answers candidates should imagine they’re speaking to a real person. When taking an interview, if you’re nervous, ensure you speak carefully and clearly and be careful not to interrupt.
  3. Get technical:
    • Test the computer a few days before, as well as the camera and software to ensure the picture is clear and quality is good. Ensure everything is fully charged. Also, we suggest if you’re having a problem on the call, tell the interviewer, technical difficulties may happen and it’s not the candidate’s fault if you checked everything the day before – it may be easily fixed, or the interviewer might ask to redial. To prevent this from happening, ensure you have a backup, have another device set up so you can swap if needed.

These 3 tips will help any candidate have a successful video interview and will be sure to relieve nerves, as this can be an unfamiliar experience.

Conclusion

Video interviews continue to be used by many organizations across the globe. As discussed, video interviews have many benefits and drawbacks. At GF we have focused solutions to help candidates prepare when applying to their dream role. Practicing these can help ensure you are even more effective at completing online interviews, it will reduce the chance of error, such as technical issues and unfamiliarity with the assessment type itself.

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NEW Law Video Interview

Written by:
Peter Thornton MA
Consultant


We’re delighted to announce that due to feedback popular demand, we’ve added a new Law Video Interview to all our partner’s portals.

As you probably already know, the GF team take suggestions extremely seriously, and are always looking to do our utmost to help students in their career journey.

Your students now have the opportunity to practice and record a typical law interview, based on 9 of the most common questions in the field.

In line with our range of Video Interviews, students and graduates interested in pursuing their career in Law can review, share and receive feedback on their performance to ensure they meet their true potential.

Live now under the Video Interviews tab!

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NEW Gamified Assessment – PassCodeâ„¢

Written by:
Peter Thornton MA
Consultant


As GF look to continue our game assessment repertoire, we are delighted to introduce to all of our existing partners a new addition to their portal: ‘PassCode™’. This means that candidates can be even better prepared for the game technology being harnessed by the top employers.

Some examples of notable employers that have utilised this assessment include PwC, HSBC, and Tesco. This game is used by top employers alongside other game assessments, in order to form a more rounded picture of applicants from technical ability to competence and personality.

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PassCodeâ„¢ is out now

This most recent addition to our game assessments available for practice measures a candidate’s ability to attend to information and be resilient in failure. We know that this ability to attend and focus on the task at hand underpins many of the game assessments that are being used across all industries. The aim of PassCode™ is to fill the missing passcode on the mobile presented. Only when the coloured number is highlighted can the candidate input the number. Failure to press fast enough, or over-eagerness to press early, will result in the candidate being taken to the start of the assessment.

It can very much be likened to the assessments created by game publishers Pymetrics and Arctic Shores. Some of the games used by these publishers include Stop, SkyRise City’s Security Door game and Cosmic Cadet’s Rocket Launcher. Using our PassCode™ game, candidates can grow familiar and increase their chances of success with this style of game-based assessment.

Students can head to the ‘Games’ tab today on the GF portal to start their PassCode™ practise.

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What is it like being a Grad in a post-Covid world?

Written by:
Eru Osia BA
Graduate Business Psychology Intern


Note: As part of this piece, I interview a number of graduates to help provide further insight into their experiences and how their concerns may best be remedied going forwards.


There is no doubt that COVID-19 was an impactful experience for all graduates. As a graduate, you often have little time to process the situation of being a new grad and often need to move quick to the next stage of securing a job. This changed with the pandemic.

In my experience, those in their final years, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, were fearful. One can only empathise with how scary the prospect was of uncertainty around your safety and security in both health and in working life. As cases continued to increase, so too did the feeling that the whole covid pandemic would never reduce or eradicate.

How was this at the start of the pandemic?

Following a spike in cases towards the start of the pandemic, things turned around pretty quickly for students, with most ceasing to come onto campus. At the first sign of the virus, many talked about superstitious beliefs about the virus and struggled to find accurate information. Some ideas included 5G, and how this leads to the virus in addition to ways of curing the illness. Many students relied less so on the news, but increasingly relied on social media where often they found a myriad of conflicting ideas.

After the government issued the lockdown, a lot changed. All students were told to switch to online classes. Some placement students were told to stop working, many were told to finish their placements early, and only some had previous experience working from home. The hardest part of it all was that some students could not go to their families because of the restrictions, and they had no other choice but to stay by themselves because they had no one around. While so many other students lost some of their loved ones to the virus, they were not permitted to see them or say their goodbyes.

It was a difficult time. Graduates (myself included) must now find a way to overcome the stress and uncertainty left about by the pandemic. The country has bounced back well with things returning to normal. Students and graduates now have the opportunity to meet up with their friends and families again. Nevertheless, everyone has a story to tell about how this virus has affected them. I interviewed some graduates to tell us more about their experience and how things have changed for them as graduates of 2020 and 2021.

Interviewing grads in a post Covid world

A lot of frustration came out from interviewing graduates across different universities. I thank them for voicing their concerns.

Engineering Graduate (he/his)

He felt a lot of his interest in things had waned given the pandemic. A primary concern he raised was how the pandemic has affected his job search as a fresh graduate.

The graduate had applied to over 200 jobs with no success. He expresses his pain by saying he is not looking for a rewarding career but a stable job that can help him build his experience over time and pay for his bills. When asked to describe the application process, he says that the procedures of constantly drafting a personal statement and needing to complete an online assessment were complicated, and that submitting his application became exhausting.

Furthermore, not getting feedback didn’t help as he feels he is not too confident speaking on camera. The whole process has been nothing but time-consuming and very challenging for him. He mentioned that sometimes he asks, “What’s the whole point of applying?” when you only receive an automated rejection after trying your best.

In the end, he decided to do a Master’s (MSc) to give himself a break from applying.

Business Graduate (she/her)

She explains that this experience will stick with her, as it became exhausting to motivate herself to attend online classes, which she found far less engaging than the face-to-face experience. It was particularly difficult as she could not make new friends and communicate with her peers.

Additionally, she highlighted that everyone became more reserved given the pandemic, and kept to themselves. Studying became harder as she had to use her face covering in the library, which was uncomfortable for longer periods. She could not focus, so she borrowed books and studied at home instead.

Before the pandemic, she had the freedom to walk into her lecturer’s office. During the pandemic, there was no option but to wait for drop-in sessions online, and it was uncomfortable to voice concerns and ask questions with everyone else present.

With regards to the job search, she had received roughly 20 rejection letters for entry-level positions. To her, it felt like “the coronavirus pandemic has had both beneficial and negative effects on the economy and social mobility“. Even though it was an exhausting experience, she has still managed to secure a job and is pleased that the hard work has paid off.

Economics Postgraduate (he/his)

An international student with a lot to say about the process of being in the UK and experiencing the lockdown.

He explains that this was a tough experience as he had no family around him. His parents panicked, and he could not go home as the borders were closed for a while. He was troubled when he would go to the supermarket. Everyone was panic buying, and he feared going out because he did not know what he could touch given safety concerns. Thankfully, he managed to overcome this by getting used to the best supermarkets to visit for his needs. Indeed, it was a stressful period for him.

With regard to studies, he finished his Master’s in the first few months of the pandemic, so he did not experience much online learning. However, like many, he experienced issues in applying for jobs. The issue worsened as he needed a company that would sponsor his visa.

In the end, he decided the best route was to seek a Doctorate (PhD) as he had a bit more time to process his admission. When asked if he felt forced because of the circumstance, he said Covid-19 made things hard, but he discovered a desire to expand his knowledge in Economics and getting a postgraduate could help him improve his job search and advance his career. “I had a unique perspective on what education and research entailed, and as a result, I discovered my job path and life objective. I would never have pursued a doctorate and found my true purpose in life” he says, adding that he had not meant to do a PhD, but the whole pandemic helped him discover his true passion.

Closing Remarks

From conversing with these individuals and considering my own experiences, it seems Covid has had a lasting impact on the lives of some graduates.

It is inspiring to hear how these graduates continue to find ways to motivate themselves and overcome the situation, whether it be securing a role or progressing to further education.

Educational institutions have a role to play in continuing to educate students about their future prospects and provide tools for how to apply for jobs. Perhaps through online workshops where they can practice, train, and prepare for online tests and video interviews.

Ultimately, we need to recognise the influence covid has on graduates and their career development prospects. Improving access to university tools and resources is essential, and should help graduates develop their employability and related skills further.

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How has getting a job changed for grads?

Written by:
Eru Osia BA
Graduate Business Psychology Intern


Covid has caused a negative push in the job market for all graduates. Most of the 2020 and 2021 graduates have found it challenging to cope with the pandemic and the lockdown. Stress and confusion about their current and future plans have increased because of the global crisis. There were no directions, guidance, or other measures to support recent graduates in getting a job. Of course, graduates were not the only ones put in this position. The nation and countries worldwide were challenged with this new virus Covid-19. The virus affected the economy’s productivity and, with the restrictions set in place to avoid the spread of the virus, caused a negative shift in the economy’s growth. As a result, everyone was on lockdown, people lost their jobs or redeployed, some companies went bankrupt or had to shut down.

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But where does this leave graduates?

The research figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows that the unemployment rate for graduates in the labour market was high and peaking at 12.0% in the third quarter of 2020. This indicates that the pandemic has had the most significant impact on recent graduates in terms of unemployment. The information suggests that unemployment is still rising for forthcoming graduates and those who graduated in 2020 and 2021. However, with that being said, the economy is getting back on its feet and there is a progressive impact of companies recovering from the pandemic’s economic hit. Meaning the unemployment rate for graduates could take an upturn, although recruitment will most likely slow rather than completely stall.

Graduate Job Market and Covid

Before Covid, final year students could attend a face-to-face job fair at their universities, and there were more graduate jobs available. The new normal requires less physical appearance with virtual appearances expected to continue. This change has compelled many companies to cut costs, reduce the number of stores available and the number of staff. Ultimately, this has influenced the 2020-2021 academic year and the forthcoming 2021 graduate recruitment cycle.

Furthermore, the crisis has made it difficult for employers and the economy to make decent decisions. The economy not only faced a high unemployment rate, but the pandemic pushed the UK economy into recession. This recession was unlike the previous downturn the country has faced. The recession was the biggest drop on record, affecting the nation greatly. However, some employers still employed new workers and published more jobs online, seeking skilled workers that know their way around.

Where are we now?

Not all was doom and gloom. The economy started properly recovering after the lift in the lockdown. Although the 2020 graduate faced a big drop in the number of people being recruited, it is one of the most significant drops since 2009. In addition to this, it made the graduate jobs fall below the progressive line on unemployment level in the UK in the year 2020. However, there has been room for recovery in the job market.

The lift in restrictions and a higher vaccination rate has helped put the economy back on track, encouraging companies to slowly make it back to their usual activities. Despite the disruption the pandemic caused, researchers pointed out that the year 2021 has displayed a modest rise in the number of graduate vacancies on offer.

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To back this up, there are now more available vacancies for graduates, although in specific key industries and business sectors. Graduate jobs or graduate schemes are still lower compared to 2019, however this is a marked improvement to where we were. Improving industries and business sectors include accounting, professional service firms, engineering, industrial companies, investment banks, and public sector employers have increased their recruitment targets for graduates.

What’s the leading industry for graduates?

The Office of National Statistics reveals that the highest recruiter of new graduates in 2021 is the public sector as they have been more impactful than other large industries. The public sector offers a considerable entry-level of over 5,400 jobs for graduates in different civil service organisations, Tech First and Police Now.

What’s changed for graduates applying?

Anxiety

Graduates are concerned about their future in the post-pandemic economy. A survey done by the National Union of Students found out that over 10,000 graduate students expressed fears about the impact of the coronavirus on the economy and were concerned about their careers. This challenge has cost some their work placements, internships, and graduate schemes. Some sectors, like travel, retail, and hospitality, struggle to recover, while technology, finance, and health care are faring reasonably well.

Additionally, many feel the anxiety of constantly applying to different vacancies, being rejected, and sometimes not getting a response or feedback from companies.  The level of competition adds to this worry, with top UK employers and other medium to small businesses are hoping to recruit more graduates from this recruitment wave.

Career switches

Many graduates have seen the importance of switching to some of these sectors, and so they have seen that it will take time for most businesses to get back their standard job offers. Furthermore, many graduates were obliged to shift their job trajectories because of the uncertainty of how long the pandemic would extend. It’s all about rethinking the strategy and making use of the chances that are accessible. For some graduates, nothing feels certain right now, even though many employers are virtually continuing their graduate schemes. Some companies have stopped accommodating graduate schemes, whilst others have deferred graduate job start dates by a year.

Virtual vs Face-to-Face

The pandemic has had an impact on how employers and employees collaborated within the organisation. The restriction of face-to-face contact to reduce Covid 19 cases led companies, schools, and other sectors to go into lockdown and start working from home. This resulted in many workplace changes that made companies adopt online platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. This new strategy of working from home or remote working has changed how recruitment processes are to be carried out.

Many organisations had to start moving their interviews and assessment centres entirely online. This falls in line with the graduate recruitment process. As technology is constantly advancing, the pandemic prepared many people to get used to the new norm and learn new ways of working from home via media platforms. However, this way of working was already in place but not as rampant as it became in 2020 and 2021.

The application process became more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective for both the organisations and employees. Some companies realised these benefits and are currently combining both online and face-to-face methods. Virtual recruitment allows applicants to spend less time travelling and more time preparing for a video interview, making it easier for those living outside of major cities.

Currently, for graduates, nearly all interviews, assessment centres, and psychometric tests are conducted online. To get a job, graduates have to get used to this process to avoid any health risks. Having a face-to-face interview is very different compared to an online interview, as some graduates are not too comfortable or used to talking professionally on cameras. In my interviews with graduates, it was clear that they found it hard to express themselves on camera.

Where do graduates go from here?

The best decision for graduates is to start getting used to this new process, as it will continue for a while. Graduates should prepare themselves for this by doing a mock online interview. Graduates should familiarise themselves with the organisations to which they are applying. As a graduate, you should note that there is more competition for a specific job role, and you need to stand out from the crowd by building up your skills and LinkedIn profile.

You should note these changes as some recruitment agencies are already investing and upgrading their technology for high-performance video interviews and video conference solutions for their business. Many of these businesses have surveyed the impact of Covid 19 on remote jobs, and have adapted by identifying methods of contactless recruitment. For example, Aldi has also adapted this method of recruiting new graduates. Whereby their group assessment has been replaced with a one-to-one video interview. These are excellent opportunities for candidates to share their previous experience and showcase their fantastic skillsets.

To stand out in the job market, graduates need to enhance and update their skills. In which case, they will be able to update their CVs with something they are comfortable with, that will impress the evolving employers. In addition to this, a director of a graduate recruitment firm advised graduates to think about what they were good at and what they enjoyed during their course, work, life, and voluntary experience. It will help draw a wide range of experience, and it will assist them in becoming more employable.

Concluding Remarks

The National Centre for Universities and Business explains graduates are still highly employable and are more likely to work in sectors of the economy that have been less affected, such as health and IT. In other words, if some graduates keep improving their skills or switch to a different sector, there is a higher chance of them being employed.

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Updated Look

Written by:
Peter Thornton MA
Consultant


Over the last few weeks, you may have noticed changes to your landing pages, portals, and login pages if you are a member of our partnered cohort. Our team have been hard at work ensuring that your team and students have the most up to date branding for your institution. With the dawn of our new website, it only made sense for the branding to follow suit for the seamless and professional experience that our partners promise to students.

We strive to update branding automatically at least every two years as part of our continuing journey for an overall comprehensive and quality service that the team and our partners are proud of.

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NEW Gamified Assessment – MathBubblesâ„¢

Written by:
Peter Thornton MA
Consultant


The GF team are pleased to announce the latest in our range of game-based assessments: ‘MathBubbles™’. Now, your students can prepare for even more of the most common gamified technology harnessed by top employers globally.

Employers harnessing this style of assessment include the likes of P&G, IBM, and Unilever. As top employers continue to leverage this gaming technology, the more vital it becomes that GF assessments facilitate candidates to get familiar with the environments and tasks that they can expect to face.

Our research into game-based assessment has shown us that there are many types of game-based assessment used for hiring. Each game type can be defined by its objective i.e. what can it discover about the candidate? For example, some game-based assessments attempt to measure one aspect of a candidate’s personality such as risk and emotionality as measured by the BART or Balloon Game. Others, attempt to discover something above one’s competence in certain areas such as multi-tasking. The remaining have the objective to investigate a candidate’s basic levels of ability, fundamental to success in most workplaces.

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MathBubblesâ„¢ now available in your portal

‘MathBubbles™’ fits neatly into this latter category of game objectives. It delves into one key area of ability that employers are increasingly looking for in candidates as an indicator of future performance – mental arithmetic. In other words, MathBubbles™ measures how effectively and quickly a candidate can perform simple calculations in their head.

Similar to the assessments created by game publishers Pymetrics, Revelian, Aon, and HireVue, students can use MathBubbles™ to become prepared for this common style of assessment, and increase their chances of passing their mental arithmetic game assessments first time. Head to the ‘Games’ tab today on the GF portal to start MathBubbles™.