Nationwide Recruitment Process, Online Assessment, Interview, Assessment Centre 2024. Practice Guide.

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SUMMARY

Interested in applying for Nationwide’s 2024 internship or graduate programs? Or have you considered exploring professional opportunities with Nationwide? Then this guide is for you.

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

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.

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for Nationwide assessments? 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.

IN A NUTSHELL

How to prepare for the Nationwide assessment process and tests to get the job?

1. Complete your Nationwide Online Application

• Fill in your Nationwide job application form
• Attach your CV and ensure it relates to the job description
• Align your application and answers with Nationwide’s values and missions

2. Practice for Nationwide Online Assessments

Nationwide uses several online assessments for their recruitment process. These include:

• Situational Judgement Test
• Personality Assessment
• Verbal Reasoning Test
• Logical Reasoning Test
• Numerical Reasoning Test

These tests sift out 50-80% candidates at this stage. The only proven way to get to the next round is to practice.      

3. Prepare for the Nationwide Assessment Centre exercises

Nationwide makes use of a virtual assessment centre to find the right candidate. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises including:

• Group Exercises
• Final Interview

Prepare for your one-on-one final interview with a senior manager from Nationwide. Expect and practice for competency-based questions. Hone your technique for your final Nationwide interview to showcase your skills and values.

For this final interview, use the video interview platform and record yourself answering the technical questions using the STAR+R technique.

Continue reading to get answers to critical questions:

1. What is the Nationwide recruitment process?
2. How can I prepare for the Nationwide online assessments?
3. How can I prepare for an interview at Nationwide UK?
4. What do I expect in the Nationwide assessment centre?

Looking into assessments with Nationwide, simply click in the table below to practice assessments relevant to your assessment process!

Before we go into details on Nationwide’s recruitment process, let us find out more on who Nationwide is.

Who are Nationwide?

Nationwide Building Society, mostly known as Nationwide, is a British mutual financial institution founded in 1884. With their headquarters in Swindon, England, Nationwide is the seventh largest cooperative financial institution.

Nationwide is the second largest household savings, consumer banking solutions and mortgages provider in the UK with about 250 different building societies and over 15 million members. 

What Careers are there in Nationwide?

Nationwide has four major career areas which come with a wide range of job opportunities and roles. They include:

Throughout your application to any of these areas, it’s important to understand Nationwide’s values. Let’s take a look at these below.

Nationwide Core Values

What are Nationwide UK’s values?

Nationwide embraces their PRIDE, which is their set of values, beliefs and behaviours that define their culture. It is how they work together to support their mutual heritage while ensuring the best services to their members.

What does Nationwide PRIDE values mean?

1. Putting members and their money first: At Nationwide, members are kept at the centre of decision and purpose with the finest possible service.

2. Rising to the challenge: In the financial industry, there are many obstacles in ensuring good service, however Nationwide prides in facing all challenges with determination.

3. Inspiring trust: Nationwide builds positive relationships in terms of their services to help build confidence and safety.

4. Doing the right thing in the right way: For every action, there is always a notable accountability in place

5. Empowering each other: Nationwide encourages an environment where everyone is able to be their best.

Being a part of Nationwide can be a dream to so many. If you are one of the aspiring applicants, it is important to do well at every stage of the application process.

What are the Nationwide recruitment process stages and what can you do to succeed? Keep reading to find out!

Nationwide Recruitment Process

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

Good to know bonuses:

5. Nationwide Early Careers
6. Nationwide Recruitment Process FAQs

Get your pad and paper ready as we jump in!

Nationwide Online Job Application Form

What is the Nationwide job application form?

The Nationwide job application form is the first step in your Nationwide recruitment process which is used for reference relating to your skills, experiences, and education history. Ensure to fill in all the required details accurately and attach your CV as required.

To ensure your CV stands out during the shortlisting process, below are tips that can help you create a good CV.

4 Key Tips to Consider When Writing Your Nationwide CV

1. Tailor your CV to the job description: Customise your CV to fit the specific position you apply for at Nationwide, emphasising on relevant skills and experience.

2. Include an executive summary: Write a concise and clear summary, highlighting your key skills and accomplishments.

3. Keep it concise: A good CV should not exceed more than 2 pages. Include only relevant information where needed.

4. Proofread: Go over your CV for spelling errors and grammar mistakes. Your CV is the first thing the Nationwide recruiter sees, so give a good first impression by presenting a polished CV.

Take a break and watch this short video below on how to prepare for your Nationwide job application form:

Nationwide’s job application form contains a ‘more about you’ section, so take your time to fill in your details accurately so as to make it to the next stage: the Nationwide online assessments.

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Nationwide Online Assessment Tests

What are the Nationwide online assessments?

After submitting your application form, you may be reached out for the Nationwide online assessment test. These tests are provided by Sova, a psychometric test publisher. 

Depending on the role you apply to, the assessments may include:

1. Nationwide Situational Judgement Test
2. Nationwide Personality Questionnaire
3. Nationwide Verbal Reasoning Test
4. Nationwide Logical Reasoning Test
5. Nationwide Numerical Reasoning Test

1. Nationwide Situational Judgement Test

What is the Nationwide situational judgement test?

The Nationwide situational judgement test is used to assess your ability to choose the most appropriate actions in realistic work-place scenarios. It is a means to measure your judgement and decision making skills in work-related situations.

Each of the scenarios represents situations you are likely to encounter while working at Nationwide. Therefore, you are required to choose what seems right to you, as there are no right or wrong answers.

Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video, about the situational judgement test questions you may encounter during Nationwide’s situational judgement test.

5 Top Tips to Ace Your Nationwide Situational Judgement Test

Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare and pass situational judgement questions:

1. Practice before taking the test. Make sure to take situational judgement practice test questions to familiarise yourself with the commonly used scenarios and preferred answers.

2. Reflect on Nationwide’s PRIDE values, culture and competencies when making decisions. Reviewing these values before the test can give insight into the responses they are looking for.

3. Read books and articles on competencies and behaviours related to the role you have applied for. Consider why specific behaviours are preferred over others for the same competencies.

4. Read the scenarios carefully and try to understand the situation from the information provided before selecting your response.

5. Focus on teamwork. Situational judgement tests assess your ability to collaborate and work in a team. Therefore, consider how every action affects the team. 

After your situational judgement test, you may expect a personality questionnaire to help them know more about you. Here is all you need to know about your Nationwide Personality Questionnaire.

2. Nationwide Personality Questionnaire

What is the Nationwide personality questionnaire?

The Nationwide Personality Test is a self-assessment tool used to evaluate your preferred work-style and work-related behaviours. It measures how your personality aligns with Nationwide’s PRIDE values, and competencies of the role you applied for.

Want to know more on what the Nationwide personality test measures? Find out in this short video below 

How to Pass the Nationwide Personality Questionnaire

1. Practice personality tests: Before the Nationwide personality test, practice using a personality questionnaire to familiarise yourself with the test format.

2. Understand the questions asked: Read the questions carefully to understand the traits that are being measured.

3. Be honest: Honesty is key during a personality test. Allow your answers to reflect who you really are and be honest with every question asked. If you have no answer, choose an answer that closely reflects you.

4. Be consistent: Make sure to be consistent in your responses throughout the questionnaire, as personality assessments are often made to detect inconsistencies.

5. Focus on the job requirements: While being honest, keep in mind the competencies needed for the role you are applying for.

For many roles, you may be required to complete a blended Nationwide cognitive ability test which includes verbal, logical and numerical reasoning test questions. 

Let’s find out more about each of these below, starting with the Nationwide verbal test section. 

3. Nationwide Verbal Reasoning Test

What is the Nationwide verbal reasoning test?

The Nationwide verbal reasoning test is used to assess your verbal communication, comprehension skills, and your ability to analyse and interpret written information. 

Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video about the verbal reasoning test you may come across at Nationwide.

Now that you know all about what to expect in a Nationwide verbal reasoning test, how do you pass the test?

6 Top Tips to Ace the Nationwide Verbal Reasoning Test

1. Build your vocabulary: Improve on your spoken English and writing ability by reading books, articles, and vocabulary-building apps.

2. Practice regularly: Before your verbal reasoning test, practice verbal tests everyday. This will help to improve your verbal reasoning skills.

3. Seek feedback: After taking a practice test, go over your results and identify areas for improvement. At GF we provide reports after each practice test to help analyse your performance.

4. Understand the test format: Verbal reasoning questions go beyond basic ‘word and opposite’ questions. Pay attention to the format and question types on each question. 

5. Pay attention to details: Make sure to go over each question carefully. Focus on how the sentences are phrased and the information provided before you answer.

6. Check your answers: Make sure to review your answers based on the instructions provided within the test. Be on the lookout for errors or overlooked details.

Are you prepared for your assessment? Have a go at the example Nationwide-style verbal reasoning test question we’ve developed below!

Nationwide-Style Verbal Reasoning Test Question Example

Did you get the answer right? Check the answer at the bottom of the page.

Practice more Nationwide verbal reasoning questions with our in-depth video of verbal reasoning questions and worked solutions: 

The next assessment you may take is the Nationwide logical reasoning test. Let’s go right into details.

4. Nationwide Logical Reasoning Test

What is the Nationwide logical reasoning test?

The Nationwide logical reasoning test is commonly used by employers to evaluate your critical thinking and logic in solving questions that require identification of patterns, sequences and relationships. 

Take a break and watch this video below to learn more about the Nationwide logical reasoning test.

5 Top Tips to Pass the Nationwide Logical Reasoning Test

1. Understand the test format: Before the assessment, it is key to understand the types of questions, time limit and requirements Nationwide uses for their logical tests.

2. Practice: Practice with syllogisms, analogies, logical puzzles and develop your pattern recognition skills using logical reasoning practice tests provided by GF.

3. Be aware of logical rules: Understand the principles governing logic tests and relationships within each exercise. Take note on how the sequence changes with each question.

4. Stay focused: Stay calm by taking one question at a time to ensure you are focused. If you are unsure, take an educated guess and move onto the next question.

5. Check your internet connection: Sova recommends using the latest version of Google Chrome or Safari for the test to avoid interruption during tests.  

Practice for your Nationwide logical reasoning test with our example logical reasoning test question below:

Nationwide-Style Logical Reasoning Test Question Example

Got the answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page.

Practice solving Nationwide logical reasoning questions with this in-depth video with 5 logical reasoning questions and worked solutions: 

For those applying for an early career finance role, you may also be required to complete a Nationwide numerical reasoning test. Let’s explore the details below.

5. Nationwide Numerical Reasoning Test

What is the Nationwide numerical reasoning test?

The Nationwide numerical reasoning test is used as part of a blended assessment and individually for finance-related roles. The Nationwide numerical test is used to assess your ability to interpret and analyse numerical data, and solve mathematical problems. 

Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video about the Nationwide numerical reasoning test:

5 Top Tips to Ace Your Nationwide Numerical Reasoning Test

1. Review relevant maths concepts: Brush up on basic maths concepts such as percentages, ratios, fractions, averages ahead of the assessment.

2. Practice: Use sample numerical reasoning questions and take mock tests from GF to enhance your Nationwide numerical test practice.

3. Practice timed questions: Further improve on your accuracy and speed by practicing mental maths questions and analyzing numerical data under timed conditions.

4. Read instructions carefully: The instructions are there to guide you, so read all instructions carefully. Do not assume the question will be the same for every section that has the same or close numerical data.

5. Cross-check your answers: You can never be too sure during a numerical assessment. Go over your questions and answers to ensure you followed the right instructions and your answers are accurate.

Nationwide-Style Numerical Reasoning Test Question Example

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

Brush up on your numerical reasoning skills ahead of your Nationwide numerical test with these 5 further example questions with answers:

If you are successful with the Nationwide online assessment, you will receive an invitation to the Nationwide video interview.

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Nationwide Video Interview

What is the Nationwide video interview?

The Nationwide video interview comes right after the online assessment. This is a 1-on-1 interview done virtually using Microsoft teams where you will be asked competency-based questions depending on the role you apply for.

Check out the short video below to understand more about video interviews and how Nationwide use them in their recruitment process:

6 Top Tips to Pass the Nationwide Video Interview

1. Understand Nationwide’s values and culture: Familiarise with the PRIDE values and reflect them in your answers with respect to the role.

2. Practice your answers: Prepare answers to common questions and practice with a friend, family member or our practice video interview tool to develop your technique.

3. Prepare your environment: Ensure your environment is quiet, use noise-cancellation headphones to minimise distractions and check your background is clear. 

4. Use a good internet connection: Ensure you have a good internet connection and your microphone and camera are working perfectly.

5. Use the STAR+R technique: Structure your answers by describing the situation, your task, actions carried out, the results and what you learned from the situation.

6. Stay calm and show confidence: Non-verbal communication plays a big role during your interview. Speak in a clear and calm tone to show confidence.

Once you have aced your video interview, you will be invited to the last stage of the process: the Nationwide assessment centre.

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Nationwide Assessment Centre

What is the Nationwide online assessment centre?

If you are successful with the video interview, you will be invited to the Nationwide virtual assessment centre, where you will be required to take on a number of tasks. The two common tasks are:

1. Nationwide Group Exercise
2. Nationwide Final Interview

Keep reading below to find out more about these exercises during your Nationwide graduate assessment centre.

1. Nationwide Group Exercises

What is the Nationwide group exercise?

Nationwide often uses group exercises as part of its recruitment process. Nationwide group exercises are a way to assess candidates’ teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

5 Top Tips to Ace the Nationwide Group Exercise

1. Understand the task given and determine what is expected of you and your team. Consider the aim of the exercise and the skills needed for the role.

2. Collaborate with team members and support the ideas of others. Ensure everyone on the team contributes to the task, and build on each of their points to come about a conclusion.

3. Communicate effectively and ensure your thoughts and ideas are properly articulated to pass the right information in a concise and clear manner.

4. Embrace feedback from others and accept constructive criticisms. Reflect on your overall performance and learnings from the exercise.

5. Keep up with the time given as the tasks are usually timed. Ensure to work together with team members to manage the time allocated for the tasks effectively.

Check out this video on group exercises to discover more tips on how to pass your Nationwide group exercise: 

2. Nationwide Final Interview

What is the Nationwide interview?

If you are successful in the initial stages of your Nationwide recruitment process, you will be sent an invitation to the Nationwide final interview. This interview is based on a number of set skills and behaviours needed for the specific role you apply for.

During the Nationwide competency based interview, you will be assessed against a set of 16 competencies.

What are the Nationwide 16 Competencies?

How can you prepare for your Nationwide competency interviews? Watch this short video on how to answer your Nationwide competency based questions.

Let’s put these tips to the test with the following commonly asked Nationwide interview questions.

Nationwide Interview Questions and Answers Examples

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU HAD TO DEAL WITH A DIFFICULT CUSTOMER

Good Answer:

• Situation: While working as a customer service representative at an ecommerce company, I had a case where I received a call from a customer about a defective product they had purchased.

• Task: I was to find a way to calm the customer down and come up with a solution to resolve the issue in a way that would please the both of us. 

• Action: I listened to the customer carefully to understand their issues and let her know she was being heard. After this, I started by apologising for the inconvenience and explained our return policy and offered to replace the product or to issue a refund.

• Result: The customer was ultimately satisfied with the outcome and left a review on the website after getting her new package.

• Reflect: I was able to learn how active listening and effective communication can be of importance while dealing with customers, as we should help people in the best way possible for customer support.

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU HAD TO RESOLVE A CONFLICT WITHIN YOUR TEAM

Good Answer:

• Situation: In my previous role, during the audit process, we worked on a tight deadline to create complete and accurate reports. Tensions were high which led to a conflict between two members regarding the division of tasks.

• Task: My goal was to address the problem and find a way for both members to continue working together effectively and proceed with the reports whilst maintaining the team’s productivity.

• Answer: I spoke with both parties to understand their perspectives, allowing them to express their concerns. I highlighted their respective importance and encouraged them to find common ground and split the tasks based on their expertise and interests.

• Result: After addressing the conflict, the team members reconciled and started working together more effectively. The project was completed on time, meeting all the objectives and exceeding the audit results from the previous years. 

• Reflect: I was able to discover the disadvantage to conflicts and how it can have a negative impact on the team’s output. I used interpersonal skills to resolve the issues between both parties and promote teamwork and collaboration.

Check out our short video below for another example answer to a common Nationwide competency interview question.

Follow up with these key tips on how to pass your next Nationwide interview.

4 Top Tips to Ace Your Final Nationwide Interview

1. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the Nationwide competencies: You will be provided with every information needed before the interview. Therefore, take your time to research and align your skills with Nationwide’s values and competencies.

2. Practice before the interview: Practise aligning your answers with common competency based questions to help improve your delivery. You can also do this before friends or family to monitor your body language.

3. Dress appropriately: In Nationwide, most workers dress in business casuals, however they advise interviewees to dress in a professional manner as this also counts during your interview.

4. Ask questions: This is a chance for you to know more about Nationwide. Preparing a set of questions before your interview also shows your interests and passion for the role and organisation.

Watch this video below to learn about questions to ask your interviewer at the end of your Nationwide interview.

Congratulations! You are now done with your final interview and should hear back within a few weeks. Prepare your support documents for when you get the job such as your ID card, drivers licence, and others.

Find out more interesting facts about the Nationwide recruitment process with their top opportunities for graduates and students to kickstart their career at Nationwide.

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Nationwide Early Careers

What are the Nationwide early careers?

Nationwide offers a wide range of opportunities depending on if you are new to the employment world, or are just considering a career change. They provide early career programmes to increase your skills, knowledge and networks to help jumpstart your career.
Depending on your area of expertise, Nationwide has a programme for you. They include:

1. Nationwide Industrial Placements
2. Nationwide Graduate Careers
3. Nationwide Apprenticeships

Find out more about each of these below.

Nationwide Industrial Placement

What is the Nationwide industrial placement?

The Nationwide industrial placement is a programme offered to undergraduates to gain hands-on experience in the banking and finance industry. This programme runs for an entire academic year with the aim to equip you with the knowledge and experience before you graduate.

Nationwide Technology Industrial Placement

The Nationwide technology industrial placement is a 12-month placement for undergraduates with interests in security and resilience or data and analytics. This programme also serves as a head start into the Nationwide accelerator technology development programme if you want to further pursue a career with Nationwide.

Application deadline: November

Start date: September

Nationwide Industrial Placement Requirements

1. You must be enrolled in the university
2. You must take this programme as part of your degree
3. Have the right to work in the UK
4. Studying a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Other Nationwide industrial placements will be open for application in November. So, keep an eye out on their official website.

Nationwide Graduate Schemes

What are the Nationwide graduate schemes?

At Nationwide, you are given the opportunity to grow your skills, expertise and learn new things with the 2-year graduate programmes. With no limitations regarding your subject or classification, you have a variety of offers to give you a broad understanding of your area of expertise in Nationwide.

Status: Nationwide offers accelerator programmes you can consider as a graduate. They include:

1. Technology Development Programme
2. Change Development Programme

NATIONWIDE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

What is the Nationwide Technology Development Programme?

If you are looking to start a career in tech with Nationwide, then this programme is for you. The technology development programme offers you 18-months of intensive training and experience to help you project your career in technology.

You can apply for specialist roles in: 

• Software engineering 
• Infrastructure engineering 
• IT operations
• Data & Analytics
• Security & Resilience

Application deadline: November

NATIONWIDE CHANGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

What is the Nationwide Change Development Programme?

In this 18-month extensive programme, you will have the experience of change initiatives with different strategic themes. The Nationwide change development programme covers a wide range of opportunities in business analysis and project management.

Application deadline: November

Start dates: The programme offers two intakes, May and September with roles as Business analyst and Project manager 

Nationwide Graduate Scheme Requirements

1. You should be a recent graduate or someone considering a career change
2. Have an interest in growing a career within technology 
3. Have a background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
4. Have the right to work in the UK

Nationwide Apprenticeship

What is the Nationwide apprenticeship programme?

When pursuing an apprenticeship programme in Nationwide, you have a chance to grow in your career and become part of a network, with expert minds to collaborate with. Nationwide apprenticeship offers a variety of levels and disciplines depending on your interests.

The levels and areas offered are changed every year, as these are real-time jobs.

Nationwide Apprenticeship Requirements

1. You must be of age 16 and above
2. Have the right to work in the UK
3. Minimum requirements differ based on programme you apply for

Want to know more about the Nationwide application process? Discover more insights to help you during the hiring process with our Nationwide FAQs section below.

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Nationwide Recruitment Process FAQs