Online Application
The initial stage of the application process, involves submitting an online application form. There is no need to submit a CV or cover letter, so be sure to include all relevant information in your application form.
How to respond for success
Start this process as early as possible - with NatWest, once the quota for individual programmes has been filled, they close applications so leaving it to the last minute could mean missing out!
Expect a 1 to 2-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Online Tests
The online tests include a situational judgement, numerical reasoning and logical reasoning test. The situational judgement test presents you with real-life work situations to see if you share the same values as Natwest. You can’t really prepare for this kind of test as it’s assessing your natural judgement and decision making skills. However, make sure to do some research about our goals and values, our industry and the role you’ve applied to as this will help when completing the test.
The next stage is the logical and numerical tests. You can prepare for these by reading up on them and trying some practice questions online - the questions asked are pretty similar to other companies’ numerical and logical tests. In terms of time, these are pretty similar to the tests you would expect at other firms.
How to respond for success
Advice at this stage would be to get familiar with NatWest, its purpose and values to help with the SJT. For the numerical and logical tests, make sure to practice. You’ll be presented with numerical data to analyse. If it’s been a while since you’ve done any basic calculations, make sure to refresh your memory on things like percentages and ratios first. I’d also advise on a more practical note to make sure you have everything you need before starting, including paper, a calculator and a reliable internet connection.
Expect a 1 to 2-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Online Tests
The online tests include a situational judgement, numerical reasoning and logical reasoning test. The situational judgement test presents you with real-life work situations to see if you share the same values as Natwest. You can’t really prepare for this kind of test as it’s assessing your natural judgement and decision making skills. However, make sure to do some research about our goals and values, our industry and the role you’ve applied to as this will help when completing the test.
The next stage is the logical and numerical tests. You can prepare for these by reading up on them and trying some practice questions online - the questions asked are pretty similar to other companies’ numerical and logical tests. In terms of time, these are pretty similar to the tests you would expect at other firms.
How to respond for success
Advice at this stage would be to get familiar with NatWest, its purpose and values to help with the SJT. For the numerical and logical tests, make sure to practice. You’ll be presented with numerical data to analyse. If it’s been a while since you’ve done any basic calculations, make sure to refresh your memory on things like percentages and ratios first. I’d also advise on a more practical note to make sure you have everything you need before starting, including paper, a calculator and a reliable internet connection.
Expect a 1 to 2-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Video Interview
The online video interview is a one-way recording rather than a 2-way interview. You’ll get asked a mixture of motivational questions and competency-based questions. For me, one of the best ways to prepare is finding somewhere quiet and free from distraction - where you film your video interview is important as you only get one chance to record it. I’d also recommend practicing! Practice some competency based questions and have some examples ready. You can also record yourself and listen back to your answers so you can improve and feel confident or even ask a family member/ friend to provide some feedback.
How to respond for success
I would recommend checking out Natwest's Interview Guide Brochure.pdf). Try to make your answers reflect these capabilities which the bank are looking for.
I would also suggest using the STAR approach when answering any competency type questions. This involves detailing the Situation, Task, Action and Result (more information on this can be found on page 2 of the brochure). I would also recommend researching as much as you can before the interview - use the website and social media. By knowing more about the organisation, you can really get your motivations for wanting to work across.
I would also suggest considering your set up. Although it can be tricky to maintain eye contact when doing a 1-way interview just remember to look at the camera and not constantly look down!
Expect a 1 to 2-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
This is the final stage of the application process. Things are slightly different as I did my assessment centre in person whereas now the assessment centre is virtual, but expect that this will take up most of your day. In terms of preparation, make sure to charge your device throughout the day - to avoid disruption and to make sure you can demonstrate your best self. Also try to find somewhere quiet to complete the assessment centre and ask anyone you live with not to disturb you. Also, make sure to have some pen and paper ready and keep a bottle of water handy.
The virtual assessment centres features a number of different exercises, including an interview, a group discussion and a 1-2-1 interactive activity.
How to respond for success
For the group and role play exercises, keep an eye on time and ensure the group is on track. Try to involve quieter members of the group. Listen to others and respond to them. Make eye contact and find the balance of knowing when to put your point across and when to compromise. Use lots of positive words and phrases and build on ideas to show you are being collaborative (It’s not a competition - you’re there to work as a team!)
For the final interview, use the STAR technique to answer questions. Stick with one concrete example per question. (These could be from education, work or other things you’ve been involved in). Make sure your examples are relevant and stay focused on what you did (specifically what YOU did, not what ‘the team’ did). Look at the skills the bank are looking for and think about the things you’ve done which demonstrate these. Don’t rush in with your answers during an interview - take a moment to think and reflect before you reply. Finally, remember to ask questions!
