1. Introduction

Not sure if you should 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.

In a nutshell:

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

1. Complete your RBS NatWest 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

2. Practice For RBS NatWest Online Assessment Tests

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

• RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment
• RBS NatWest Working with Information Test
• RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills Test

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

3. Record mock video interviews of yourself

Practice answering questions that typically come up in interviews for banking jobs for your RBS NatWest video interview. During this RBS NatWest interview, your verbal communication should be convincing, and filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job.

For the RBS NatWest interview practice, use the following:

1. a smartphone to record yourself
2. Zoom or
3. Our reliable video interview platform

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

Our video interview practice platform provides a collection of ready-to-use questions that test your skills and knowledge in specific industries. It mimics the format used by popular employer interview platforms like HireVue, Pymetrics, and Sonru. 

4. Prepare for the RBS NatWest 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;

• Group exercises
• Role play exercises
• Interviews

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

Now, before we get into the Samsung recruitment process, let’s get to know Samsung first

Who is 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.

RBS NatWest Job Areas

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.

These are just a few examples of the business areas and job roles within RBS NatWest. However, before applying to any of the above job areas, make sure you are familiar with the RBS NatWest values. 

RBS NatWest Values

What are RBS NatWest’s core values? 

RBS NatWest’s core values include: 

Given the intense competition for job roles at RBS NatWest, it is important to excel in every stage of the RBS NatWest candidate assessment, starting with the online application.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the RBS application process!

2. RBS NatWest Online Application Form

What is the RBS NatWest online application form?

The RBS NatWest online application form is the initial step of your NatWest application process which allows you to submit your application through various modes including, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, reed.co.uk, etc. 

You may also complete this RBS application process directly through Totaljobs in which case you will be required to 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.

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

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.

What are the RBS NatWest Critical People Capabilities?

All RBS NatWest assessment tests and jobs are evaluated based on the Critical People’s Capabilities (CPCs) or the NatWest critical abilities. These are general competencies sought in all candidates, regardless of the role.

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?

After completing your RBS NatWest online application form, you will proceed to the RBS NatWest online aptitude tests for the next stage of your RBS hiring process.

3. RBS NatWest Assessment Tests

What are the RBS NatWest online tests?

The RBS NatWest online assessment tests involve a series of aptitude tests that aim at evaluating you based on your cognitive abilities, personality traits, and technical skills. SHL, a well-recognised and highly trusted test publisher, provides the RBS NatWest aptitude tests.

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

• RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment
• RBS NatWest Working with Information Test
• RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills Test

So, what are each of the tests about, and how can you ace them properly? Let’s discuss each of these starting with the RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment.

RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment

What is the RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment?

The RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment, also known as the RBS situational judgement test, consists of behavioural questions which are work scenarios you are likely to encounter while executing functions in the role you applied for.

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

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’s Capabilities. 

Top 5 Tips to Ace the RBS NatWest Work Scenarios Assessment

1. Know the Values: Research and understand the NatWest critical capabilities that RBS NatWest values in its employees. This will allow you to understand what RBS NatWest expects from its employees.
2. Practice Tests: Seek out practice tests specifically for this RBS assessment. This will help you get comfortable with the format and timing of the questions.
3. Read the Instructions Carefully: Pay attention to any instructions provided before starting this RBS NatWest aptitude test. Understand whether there is a time limit and how many questions you need to answer.
4. Be Honest and Consistent: Answer the questions honestly and consistently. This RBS NatWest online test includes similar scenarios presented in different ways to assess your consistency in responding.
5. Practice Time Management: Manage your time effectively because you will have a time limit during the RBS situational judgement test. For this, make sure you don’t waste too much time on a single question. 

Want to practice RBS NatWest-style situational judgement questions? 

After completing the RBS NatWest situational judgement test, the next assessment you will likely be headed for is RBS NatWest’s Working with Information Test i.e., the RBS numerical test.

RBS NatWest Working with Information Test

What is the RBS NatWest Working with Information Test?

During the RBS NatWest’s Working with Information Test or the RBS NatWest numerical reasoning 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 answer 10-12 questions.

What does the RBS numerical test measure? 

The RBS NatWest numerical reasoning test aims to assess your fundamental numerical reasoning ability, to ensure that you have the basic aptitude to work for their prestigious banking group.

To gain more information about your upcoming RBS NatWest numerical test watch the following short video: 

To help you pass this RBS NatWest candidate assessment, we have listed the following easy tips and tricks. 

Top 5 Tips to Pass the RBS NatWest Working with Information Test

1. Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure and format of this RBS numerical reasoning test. Typically, the test will present you with data in the form of tables, graphs, or charts, and questions based on that information.
2. Practice Numerical Skills: The RBS test will likely require basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and possibly more complex calculations. Practice these skills to ensure you can perform calculations accurately and quickly under timed conditions.
3. Familiarize with Financial Terms: Since RBS NatWest is a financial institution, the numerical test may include terms and concepts related to finance and banking. Make sure you understand these terms and their implications in numerical contexts.
4. Practice with Sample Tests: Seek out sample numerical reasoning tests similar to the RBS test online or through preparation books. Many websites offer practice tests specifically tailored to banking and finance numerical assessments.
5. Manage Time Effectively: The NatWest online test will ask you to answer 10-12 questions, and thus you must analyse how much time you have per question. If you get stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later if time allows.

RBS NatWest-style Numerical Reasoning Question Example

Got it right? Check the bottom of the page for the correct answer!

Want to practice more such numerical reasoning tests? We have got you covered with our numerical reasoning test questions to help you practice for the real RBS numerical reasoning test.

Next, let’s discuss another key RBS NatWest candidate assessment, i.e., the RBS Reasoning Skills Test. 

RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills Test

What is the RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills Test?

The RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills assessment, 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.

Discover more about your upcoming RBS NatWest logical reasoning test with our short video below: 

Now, let’s see what you can do to pass the RBS logical reasoning test. Read on to find some easy-to-follow tips and tricks to answer NatWest online assessment questions. 

Top 5 Tips to Pass the RBS NatWest Reasoning Skills Assessment 

Consider the following 5 tips to help you prepare for your NatWest Reasoning Skills Assessment:

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the typical format of the RBS logical reasoning test. This often includes multiple-choice questions that assess your ability to analyse information and draw conclusions.
2. Practice: Practice is essential for improving your logical reasoning skills. Look for practice tests online that simulate the RBS NatWest test format. This will help you get comfortable with the types of questions and the pace of the test.
3. Learn Logical Reasoning Techniques: This RBS NatWest assessment often involves patterns, deductions, and inferences. Study different logical reasoning techniques such as syllogisms, analogies, and deductive reasoning. This will help you approach the questions effectively.
4. Time Management: Manage your time effectively during the test. This RBS online assessment test is timed, so practice working through questions efficiently without spending too much time on any single question.
5. Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the details in each question and the provided information. Logical reasoning questions can be tricky, so make sure you understand what is being asked before choosing your answer.

To get an idea of our NatWest practice tests, look at the question our team has developed below and try your hand on it.  

RBS NatWest-style Logical Reasoning Test Example

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

Looking to test and develop your logical ability with even more NatWest online assessment questions?

Keep your head held high, you’re doing great. The next stage of your NatWest hiring process will be the RBS NatWest video interview.

4. 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 they typically take around 20 minutes to complete.

What qualities does the RBS NatWest Video Interview measure?

The RBS NatWest video interview aims 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 you get 2 minutes to prepare and 3 minutes to answer.

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

To be able to pass this stage of your RBS assessment process and answer RBS interview questions, you should practice a lot and consider the following tips for added assistance.

5 Top Tips to Pass the RBS NatWest Video Interview

1. Get Familiar with the Company’s Culture: Understand RBS’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.
2. Prepare Your Environment: Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your RBS interview. Ensure your internet connection is stable, and test your camera and microphone beforehand.
3. Use the STAR+R model: During this RBS NatWest interview, the interviewer will ask you competency-based questions. To answer these, use the STAR+R format, which will help your interviewer understand your thought process.
4. Watch the Time: Be mindful that you only have 3 minutes to answer a question during your RBS NatWest interview. Therefore make sure that you close your answers well and that it should be smooth and not end abruptly.
5. Demonstrate Confidence: If you get nervous before answering a question, take a second to breathe and then start your answer with full confidence. Practising and reviewing your answers ahead of the interview also always helps in this aspect.

Below are a few examples of the RBS video interview questions. We also gave tips on how to properly answer these questions and added good answers to them.

RBS NatWest Interview Questions and Answers

Question: Why NatWest?

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’s 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?

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.

Good Answer: 

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 hiring process is the RBS NatWest assessment centre and it may be held virtually or on-site.

5.  RBS NatWest Assessment Centre

What is the RBS NatWest assessment centre?

The RBS NatWest assessment centre will be based on your understanding of the NatWest CPCs, i.e., the NatWest Critical People’s Capabilities, as it spans a full day and includes a variety of activities and tasks. This stage of your assessment may be held virtually through platforms such as Zoom. 

What does the RBS NatWest assessment centre measure? 

The RBS NatWest virtual assessment centre assesses 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:

• RBS NatWest Group Exercise
• RBS NatWest Roleplay Exercise
• RBS NatWest Group Interview

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

RBS NatWest Group Exercise

What is the RBS NatWest group exercise?

In the RBS NatWest group exercise, you will typically be grouped together with other applicants at the assessment centre and will be given a task or problem to solve as a team within a specified time frame. 

What does the RBS NatWest group exercise measure?

The RBS group exercise will assess your ability to prioritise, collaborate with others, and reach decisions as a team. As such, your team working and communication skills will be also assessed.

Throughout this NatWest group assessment, RBS NatWest recruiters will observe your performance, so remember the following top tips.

5 Top Tips to Ace the RBS NatWest Group Exercise

1. Actively Listen and Contribute: Pay attention to others’ ideas and actively listen to what other team members have to say. Show adaptability and flexibility when someone else presents their idea. This will demonstrate that you are a team player.  
2. Collaborate and Support: Work collaboratively with your team members, building on their points and ensuring all members provide their thoughts during this NatWest group assessment. 
3. Communicate Effectively: Clearly articulate your ideas and thoughts, ensuring that your communication is concise, clear, and relevant so that the RBS NatWest assessors can understand what you exactly mean to say. 
4. Manage Time Effectively: Keep an eye on the time allocated for this NatWest test and divide larger tasks into smaller manageable ones to complete the task on time. Do not shy away from delegating these sub-tasks for time efficiency. 
5. Remain Calm and Professional: Stay composed and professional throughout the exercise, even in challenging situations. Avoid speaking over others, getting too emotional, aggressive, or excited.

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

Next, let’s talk about another key RBS NatWest virtual assessment centre exercise, i.e., the RBS roleplay exercise. 

RBS Role Play Exercise

What is the RBS NatWest role-play exercise?

The RBS NatWest role-play 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.

What does the RBS role-play exercise measure? 

The RBS NatWest 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.

Now, let’s see some easy-to-follow tips that can help you pass the RBS Natwest role-play exercise. 

5 Top Tips to Pass the RBS NatWest Roleplay Exercise

1. 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 NatWest bank values for you to be a good fit in the organization.
2. Prepare and Understand the Scenario: Familiarize yourself with the role-play scenario and the objectives involved pay close attention to the assessor’s cues and actively listen to their statements or questions.
3. Communication Effectively: Communicate your thoughts, ideas, and responses during the role-play exercise. This will allow you to make uniform decisions during this RBS assessment. 
4. Gather and Analyse Information: Ask relevant questions to gather necessary information and understand the situation better.
5. Customer Focus and Professionalism: If the RBS NatWest role-play involves a customer or client interaction, prioritize their needs and demonstrate excellent customer service skills.

Want to practice all the exercises for the RBS NatWest assessment centre?  

Next, let’s take a look at the last stage of the NatWest hiring process, i.e., the RBS NatWest group interview. 

RBS NatWest Group Interview

What is the RBS NatWest Group Interview?

The RBS NatWest group interview or RBS NatWest CPC interview will be the last stage of your assessment process, which may be either during the assessment centre or as a separate invitation and your alignment with NatWest’s critical capabilities is assessed.

What does the RBS NatWest group interview consist of? 

The RBS NatWest group interview questions will be a mix of competency, situational, motivational, and role-specific questions. Your answers to these NatWest interview 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 interview questions? Consider the following tips when forming your RBS group assessment answers:

Top 5 Tips to Pass the RBS Group Interview 

1. Introduce Yourself Confidently: When introducing yourself, be clear and concise. Mention your name, background briefly, and perhaps one interesting fact about yourself.
2. Understand Group Dynamics: In this RBS NatWest group interview, assessors may be looking at how you interact with others. Be cooperative, and respectful, and demonstrate good communication skills.
3. Highlight Relevant Experience: Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in finance, customer service, problem-solving, etc., especially those that align with the requirements for RBS jobs.
4. Demonstrate Leadership Qualities: Take initiative when appropriate, but also be inclusive and encourage others to participate. Show that you can lead this RBS assessment without dominating the conversation.
5. Align Your Motivations: Highlight your knowledge of the RBS NatWest Critical People’s Capabilities and the NatWest bank values and how these motivate you to work there. 

Want to practice for your upcoming NatWest group interview? GF has got you covered. 

What questions can I ask the RBS NatWest Interviewer? 

Once you’ve answered the NatWest interview questions, you will get the opportunity to ask your interviewers a few questions relating to the job and expectations. Some of the questions you may ask are: 

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?

Want more example questions to ask your employers at RBS? Watch our following short video for more questions you can ask! 

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.

6. RBS Early Careers

What are the RBS early career opportunities? 

RBS NatWest offers several early career opportunities for students and recent graduates. Some of the early career opportunities offered by RBS NatWest are listed below: 

• RBS NatWest Graduate programmes
• RBS NatWest Internships
• RBS NatWest Apprenticeships
• RBS NatWest Insight Experiences

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

RBS NatWest Graduate Programmes

What is the RBS NatWest graduate programme? 

The RBS NatWest graduate scheme is 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.

What job functions are available under the RBS graduate scheme?

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

However, to apply to these roles, you must also fulfil the basic eligibility criteria. Read on to find what they are. 

RBS NatWest Graduate Schemes Eligibility Criteria

• 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. Assessors for the RBS graduate scheme are 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.

Next, let’s move on to discuss the RBS NatWest internships. 

RBS NatWest Internships

What is the RBS NatWest internship programme? 

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.

What job functions are available under the RBS NatWest internships? 

The RBS internship programme aims to provide a hands-on learning experience across different departments including:

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

What are the RBS internship eligibility criteria? 

To be eligible for the 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 master’s course).

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

Next, let’s discuss another early career opportunity by NatWest, i.e., the NatWest Insight Apprenticeships. 

RBS NatWest Apprenticeships

What are the RBS NatWest 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!

What job functions do the NatWest apprenticeships provide? 

The RBS NatWest apprenticeship programmes offer 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

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.

Another very important early career opportunity for female students specifically, at RBS is the RBS NatWest Insight Experiences.

RBS NatWest Insight Experiences

What are the RBS NatWest Insight Experiences? 

The RBS NatWest insight experience programme is also known as the 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.

What happens in the RBS insight experience programme?

Check out the key details of the RBS Female Insight Week: 

• 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 in early September, with the first day happening live at NatWest’s London and Edinburgh offices while the second day will take place virtually.

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.

7. RBS NatWest Assessment FAQs