Reading time: 26 minutes
Are you applying to UBS 2023 internship or graduate programs season? Or maybe to a professional job with UBS? This is the complete guide for you.
The text below provides a full assessment and candidate preparation guide and practice for UBS recruitment for those applying to US and global jobs, internships and graduate programs at UBS.
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.
Not sure if you should practice preparing for UBS assessments? 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 (Bradley et al, 2019) 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.
How to prepare for the UBS assessment process and tests to get the job?
Improve your efficiency and gain further understanding of the online assessments you will complete, including:
Practice for your Sonru video interview by answering questions that typically come up in banking jobs. Your verbal communication should be convincing and filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job by running mock interviews. For UBS interview practice, use:
Our video interview practice platform contains predefined competency and industry questions and emulates the experience you will have in platforms used for UBS interviews. Always record your answers and watch them develop your interview technique, timekeeping and words used. Repeat recordings until you feel satisfied.
Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer several times.
UBS 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.Keep reading to find out the answers to the most critical questions related to your UBS assessment process:
Looking to prepare for your upcoming UBS assessments? Simply click on the table below to practice similar tests relevant to your UBS application process!
Go Premium to access all the assessments listed above and ace your UBS assessments the first time.
Before we dive into the UBS hiring process, let’s go over the basics of what you’ll need to know about the company.
UBS stands as Switzerland’s foremost universal bank, uniquely present in all five core domains: personal banking, wealth and asset management, corporate and institutional clients, as well as investment banking.
The company employs around 74,000 people in 48 countries, representing 150 nationalities. Therefore, UBS experiences high competition for jobs, internships, and graduate roles.
What Business Areas and Jobs are there at UBS?
UBS operates in various business areas and offers a wide range of job opportunities. Below are some of the key business areas and roles within UBS:
To ace your application to any of the roles at UBS, research into the company is essential. You should be aware of the company values, mission and vision statements.
Now that we have gone through the basics of UBS, let’s move on to each stage of the UBS assessment process so that you can nail it for the first time.
What is the UBS recruitment process?
Good to Know Bonuses:
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
What is the UBS online application form?
The first step on your journey through the UBS application process is the online application form and to set a good impression. To complete your UBS job application form, you will be required to fill in the following:
You will be required to upload your Resume/CV and any required additional documents at the same stage. Check out our article here for top tips to write a good CV.
3 Quick Tips to Get Your Resume Selected at UBS
Be sure to check out our short video below where we go through 3 CV mistakes that you must avoid for your UBS application:
After completing your online application form, you will proceed to the UBS online aptitude tests.
Back to Contents
What are the UBS assessments?
The UBS online assessment tests are designed to evaluate your cognitive abilities. Based on the position you’ve applied for, UBS may require you to undertake one or multiple online assessments. These UBS online tests are carried out by AON.
UBS assessments typically include:
What is the UBS Culture Match Assessment?
UBS Culture Match Assessment is similar to a typical situational judgement test. You’ll encounter practical work scenarios to assess the alignment of your approach with UBS culture and values.
Interested in learning more about what a UBS situational judgement test is? Watch our short video below:
Before taking a UBS Culture Match Assessment, it’s essential to understand the UBS core competencies that you will be assessed on.
How to pass the UBS Culture Match Assessment?
Now, let’s get a glimpse of what a UBS culture match assessment looks like, from the following UBS-style situational judgement test sample question provided by GF.
UBS-style Situational Judgement Test Example
Prepare for your UBS Culture Match-style questions with our practice Situational Judgement Tests and access real questions, live test reports and progress charts!
The next online assessment test that you are required to take is a series of UBS cognitive assessments. Let’s discuss what these are below.
What are the UBS cognitive assessments?
The UBS cognitive assessments aim to assess your cognitive skills and may depend on the role you have applied for. The assessments within the UBS cognitive test typically include:
What is the UBS Numerical Reasoning Test?
A UBS numerical reasoning test measures your ability to draw logical conclusions from complex information. These questions typically present you with sets of data, charts, graphs, or tables and require you to answer based on the information provided.
Good to know: for some early career roles, UBS may use Korn Ferry Talent Q for numerical reasoning tests.
How long is the UBS Numerical Reasoning Test?
The UBS numerical test comprises 37 tasks, with a time limit of 12 minutes for completion.
Learn more about tests like the UBS numerical reasoning test with our video below.
How to ace the UBS Numerical Reasoning Test?
We have you covered with the following 5 key tips to pass your UBS numerical reasoning test:
Using the tips we provided above, take the opportunity to try a UBS-style numerical reasoning test question below!
UBS-Style Numerical Reasoning Test Example
Check if you got the correct answer at the bottom of the page.
If you are looking for more UBS-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 through the UBS numerical reasoning tests, UBS is also interested in understanding your proficiency in verbal reasoning.
What is the UBS Verbal Reasoning Test?
The UBS verbal reasoning test assesses your comprehension and logical analysis of written information. This test helps UBS determine your suitability for roles that require strong verbal communication and comprehension skills.
How long is the UBS Verbal Reasoning Test?
The UBS verbal test contains 30 questions and has a time limit of 19 minutes.
Discover more in our short YouTube video that gives a lowdown of what to expect in a UBS verbal reasoning test:
Top 5 Tips to Ace the UBS Verbal Reasoning Tests
Good to know: In UBS verbal reasoning test, precision and efficiency are key. While speed is important, focus on understanding the core message of each passage.
Have a go and answer the following free UBS-style verbal reasoning test example question we’ve developed below!
UBS-Style Verbal Reasoning Test Example
Got the answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page.
Looking for even more UBS-style Verbal Reasoning Test with answers, worked solutions and professional score reports including personalized tips based on your performance? Then we’ve got you covered.
Now that we’ve covered the UBS culture-match, numerical and verbal test, let’s check out another key assessment: the UBS logical reasoning test.
What is a UBS logical reasoning test?
UBS employs a logical reasoning test to gauge your proficiency in identifying logical rules within symbol patterns and applying them to new sets. This assessment is also known as the UBS inductive reasoning test.
How long is the UBS Logical Reasoning Test?
You will have 12 minutes to complete 12 tasks, finish as many as you can.
Gain key insights in this under a 1-minute video about what is a logical reasoning test you may come across at UBS:
How do I pass the UBS Logical Reasoning Test?
Practice a FREE logical reasoning test with us today, or have a go at this UBS-style logical reasoning practice question designed by our experts below:
UBS-Style Logical Reasoning Test Example
Did you get the answer? Check the bottom of the page to find out!
Start your UBS-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!
Now, let’s move onto the next online assessment that you are required to take in order to be a part of UBS; the UBS HackerRank Online Assessment.
What is the UBS HackerRank Online Assessment?
If you are applying for a tech job at UBS, you will have to take the HackerRank online assessment. The HackerRank Online Assessment will contain MCQs related to general aptitude, data structure and coding.
How long is the UBS HackerRank Online Test?
It contains 14 Multiple Choice Questions and one coding question. You will have an hour to complete the test.
What to expect in the UBS HackerRank Online Assessment?
How do you pass the UBS HackerRank assessment?
We have you covered with the following top 8 tips to pass your UBS HackerRank Online test:
UBS HackerRank assessment tip: Try solving problems from different areas before the challenge. This will build your skills and boost your confidence.
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 UBS Sonru video interview.
What is the UBS Sonru Video Interview?
The UBS Sonru interview is a video interview using a specialized platform that lets recruiters set up automated interviews. Unlike regular interviews, you won’t talk to an interviewer during a Sonru interview. The UBS Sonru interview questions will be competency-based (CBI).
How long is the UBS video interview?
UBS Sonru video interview consists of up to 8 questions. You will get 45 seconds to prepare, followed by 2 minutes to answer each question. To explain why you want to work at UBS, you’ll have 3 minutes.
Watch our short video below to understand more about video interviews and how UBS use them in their recruitment process:
Top 10 Tips to Pass the UBS Video Interview
Below are a few examples of questions that could be asked during your UBS Sonru video interview. We have also covered some tips on how to properly answer these questions and added good answers to them.
Question 1: Why UBS?
Tip to answer: Showcase how your skills, values, and career goals align with UBS’s mission. Highlight specific exciting aspects of the company, reflecting your research and eagerness to join.
Good answer:
UBS stands out to me due to its exceptional reputation in the financial industry and its alignment with my personal values. The company’s commitment to integrity, innovation, and client-focused solutions deeply resonates with my own beliefs. By joining UBS, I look forward to leveraging my skills and enthusiasm to play a meaningful role in its continued growth and success.
For more tips on how to answer this common UBS interview question, check out our short video below:
Question 2: Describe an instance when you were tasked with meeting a crucial deadline.
Tip to answer: When asked about meeting a critical deadline, employ the STAR+R method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflect. Briefly describe the situation, detail the tasks, explain your actions to meet the deadline, and conclude with the achieved positive outcomes.
Prepare for your Competency-based interview questions commonly used by UBS with our 60 unique video interview sets used across top industries on our Practice Video Interviewing Platform.
After submitting your recorded video answers, UBS’ recruiting team will assess them. You will receive feedback and notification of your success after this review process.
The final stage of the UBS application process is the UBS assessment centre which might be completed in person at one of the UBS offices, or virtually (depending on the situation).
What is the UBS Assessment Centre?
UBS Assessment Centres are a crucial part of the application process during which senior members of the relevant business areas evaluate you through three or four exercises, depending on the role you’ve applied for.
These exercises may take the form of:
Let us discuss each of these exercises below.
What is the numerical test at the UBS assessment centre?
You likely took a numerical test in the early stages of your application, but another one will be necessary at the UBS assessment centre.
The UBS numerical reasoning test during the assessment centre is quite similar to the previous stage, but now it’s a bit longer, lasting 40 minutes. Another key difference will be that an assessor will be watching you as you complete the test.
Check out our tips above to pass the UBS numerical reasoning test.
What is the UBS presentation exercise?
The UBS presentation exercise evaluates your communication, body language, and tone for professional presentations, group discussions, and expressing opinions. This activity could be done individually or as a group.
What will the UBS presentation exercise involve?
You’ll give a 10-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Your assessor will evaluate both your content and presentation delivery.
Top 4 tips to ace the UBS Presentation Exercise
What is the UBS group exercise?
In the UBS group exercise, you will be grouped with your fellow candidates and will be given a piece of information. Your team will need to analyse given information, discuss it, and reach a conclusion, all assessed by a reviewer.
What will the UBS group exercise involve?
You will have 10 minutes to absorb the info provided, and 30 minutes following to communicate and discuss.
Top 4 Tips to Ace the UBS Group Exercise
Check out our group exercise video below for more key insights into what you can expect on the day.
You are almost there. The final interview is the last stage of the UBS recruitment process. You just need to focus on a few more things to land your UBS dream job.
What is the UBS final interview?
The UBS interview lasts for at least 30 minutes. There can be multiple rounds depending on the role you have applied for. The first interview will consist of competency or behavioral interview as well as technical interview rounds.
4 Key Tips to Ace Your UBS Final Interview:
Gain further insight into improving your UBS final interview performance with our top 5 job interview body language tips:
For your final interview, use the video interview platform and record yourself answering the example interview questions using the STAR+R method.
Now that we’ve covered tips that will likely help with your competency questions, let’s also examine what a UBS technical interview entails. We will also explore some of the technical questions that are frequently asked in the UBS final interview.
What is the UBS technical interview?
The UBS technical Interview is conducted to assess your technical skills or to know how well you do your job. This interview is only for the tech and engineering hires and is generally conducted with the help of HackerRank.
How long is the UBS technical interview?
The UBS Technical Interview goes on for at least 25 minutes.
How to Pass the UBS Technical Interview?
Here are 3 quick tips to pass UBS technical interview:
Good to know: You will be asked basic questions on programming languages such as Java, SQLite database questions, OOPs concepts such as data abstraction, polymorphism, etc.
UBS Technical Interview Questions
Below are a few examples of technical interview questions asked at UBS.
Prepare for your UBS final interview with our video interview tool, giving access to 60 sets of questions and answers including competency and technical questions.
If you’ve followed all of our tips and been successful, you will shortly receive an offer from UBS for the role you’ve applied for. Congratulations!
But wait! Are you a recent graduate and want to kickstart your career with UBS?
You have come to the right place. Let us walk you through the opportunities that UBS has for students and graduates.
UBS offers graduate programmes and internships for students or fresh graduates who are willing to start a career with them. What are these graduate programmes? Let’s find out.
The opportunities offered by UBS for Graduates or Young talents are:
Let’s discuss the above-mentioned Graduate Schemes by UBS in detail.
What is the UBS Graduate Talent Programme?
UBS graduate talent program is a series of training modules, focused on professional skills and help you to develop as a UBS employee. This UBS graduate talent program ends with a Gateway Workshop, designed to prepare you for the next stage of your UBS career beyond the program.
This is an 18-24 month programme and ends with a gateway workshop which focuses on preparing you as a UBS employee.
Eligibility Criteria:
This graduate scheme is available for MBA students and offers two kinds of opportunities for potential hires.
Let’s discuss these two in detail:
The MBA associate internship programme is a 10-week internship opportunity for MBA students between the first and second year of business school. This programme enables you to learn about Global Banking throughout.
The full-time Global Banking Associate opportunity is offered to recent MBA graduates who have been a part of the Global Banking Summer Associate internship.
Under this, as a Global Banking Associate, you will be provided 10- weeks of training and then paired with the right team. This program starts in August.
What is the UBS Summer Internship Programme?
If you are in your penultimate year of college, you can become a part of the Summer Internship Programme. This offers a great “earn while you learn” experience. If you perform well during the Internship, you will be invited to join the Graduate Talent Programme following your graduation.
During your 3-6 months internship you can earn while you learn.
Applications are typically accepted throughout September to December, and their summer internships all begin in late June.
What is the UBS off-cycle internship programme?
The UBS Off-cycle Internship Programme refers to a structured work experience opportunity provided by UBS. Unlike traditional internships that usually occur during specific semesters or seasons, off-cycle internships are offered throughout the year.
This allows students or professionals to gain practical experience and insights into the financial industry outside of the usual recruitment cycles.
This off-cycle internship will be 6 months in length from June-December.
What is the UBS Tomorrow’s Talent Programme?
The UBS Tomorrow’s Talent Programme offers diverse learning and networking chances to shape your career. Access coaching, mentors, events, and online resources to discover strengths, build business awareness, and enhance career readiness.
Applications are typically accepted from January to March.
The programme also provides you with internship opportunities such as Virtual Insight Week and Summer Internship Programme as you progress.
What is the UBS Reshaping Your Future Competition?
The Reshaping Your Future Competition is an initiative by UBS to inspire young minds to think about possible solutions and make a change that matters. This competition invites students to bring in their ideas of change and provide steps and procedures to bring that change into effect.
The UBS Spring Insight Program is a one-week program that will leave you well-informed and more confident about the career path you wish to pursue.
UBS spring program applications are open in October and are on a rolling basis.
Continue reading for additional answers to frequently asked questions about the UBS assessment process!
Given the various components of the application process, UBS might require around 1.5 to two months for completion and evaluation.
You can apply for up to five roles in a month. Focus on well-matched positions. Your initial application stores your information in UBS’s database, potentially leading to recruiter outreach for suitable roles.
Upon logging into your profile, navigate to “My Profile” -> “Dashboard.” Then, within the “Applications” section, select the submitted application you’d like to know the status of.
Expertise isn’t required, but you should showcase a certain level of understanding about the specific business area you’ve applied for.
Do you want to pass your UBS assessments first time? Sign up for FREE aptitude tests offered by GF, the only aptitude practice test experts that provide tests to over 100 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Go to GF now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for job candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests, assessment centre exercises and more). Buy with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money back guarantee.
Answers to questions:
Numerical reasoning test – C
Verbal Reasoning Test – B
Logical Reasoning Test – C
VIEW OUR TEST OPTIONS