Nationwide Assessments

Prepare for the Nationwide recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

Careers at Nationwide

Founded in 1846, Nationwide is the largest building society in the world. As a mutual financial institution, it is owned by and run for the benefit of its members - of which it currently has around 15 million.

It's financial products span current accounts, credit cards, loans, mortgages, savings, investments and insurance. Around 18 million employees work in its head office, administration centres, branches and call centres across the UK.

Careers at Nationwide are available across multiple teams, and for finance graduates, it offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a progressive organisation through its Early Careers programmes.

As an applicant, you'll not only need to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge but will also need to show a commitment to the core values that define its culture. These are represented through the acronym PRIDE:

  • Putting our members and their money first
  • Rising to the challenge
  • Inspiring trust
  • Doing the right thing in the right way
  • Empowering each other

To assess your suitability as a candidate, Nationwide runs a multi-stage recruitment process.

Nationwide Application Process

The following application process applies to experienced roles, as well as apprenticeships, industrial placements and graduate schemes.

It's important you give each stage your full attention, as approximately 70,000 applications are submitted to Nationwide each year, with around just 6,000 resulting in an offer of employment.

Nationwide Online Application

The first stage of recruitment is a fairly straightforward online application. Once you've found a role that suits your skills and experience, you'll need to create an account through the Nationwide career portal and submit your CV.

You'll also need to complete an accompanying application form. This will include some initial screening questions, and you'll need to show your understanding of Nationwide and share your motivations for applying.

Read the job description carefully before you complete this form, and remember to refer to the PRIDE values. You should also be sure to tailor your CV to highlight key skills that are listed as essential.

Nationwide Aptitude Tests

If you're considered a strong candidate, you'll be invited to complete a series of online psychometric tests. These are designed to measure your aptitude, character, and behavioural styles.

Nationwide uses tests published and administered by Sova, and your results will be compared to that of a normative group.

Nationwide Situational Judgement Test

The situational judgement test is used to gain insight into your workplace behaviour, essentially, your ability to take the most appropriate course of action when faced with various situations.

You'll be presented with a number of hypothetical scenarios, all of which have been based around events you're likely to experience as a Nationwide employee. There's a visual element to Sova's situational judgement test, so as well as brief descriptions of each scenario, you'll also see accompanying images, animations or videos.

Having analysed a situation, you'll need to read through three or four possible responses, choosing which you deem to be the least effective, and which the most. There are no trick questions, and no right or wrong answers. It's all based on your own professional judgement.

Nationwide Cognitive Ability Test

This is a blended assessment that measures your natural aptitude, problem solving skills, and ability to work with new information. You'll come across the following question types in the cognitive ability test:

Verbal reasoning - here you'll process and interpret written information to form logical conclusions.

Numerical reasoning - this looks at your ability to work with new information in the form of data.

Logical reasoning - questions here look at your ability to identify rules and relationships in abstract sequences.

All questions are multiple choice. There is no time limit on the cognitive ability test, however, your score will be determined by both the number of correct answers and the amount of time you took to respond to each question.

Nationwide uses the cognitive ability test as it shows your capacity for learning, and is a good indicator of how you're likely to perform if offered a position.

Nationwide Personality Questionnaire

The personality questionnaire looks at character traits and working preferences and is used to determine how well suited you are to both the role and Nationwide as an organisation.

On each page of the questionnaire, you'll see a set of four statements. You'll also see a five point scale working from 'least like me' to 'most like me'. You'll need to rank each of the four statements on a page depending on how they apply to you.

It sounds straightforward, but you can only use a point on the scale once. So, for example, you cannot rank two of the four statements as 'most like me'. Think through the options carefully, and be honest in your ranking.

Nationwide Numerical Reasoning Test

The numerical reasoning test is administered to applicants for Nationwide finance schemes, who are of course expected to have a high level of numerical aptitude.

You'll work through a series of questions containing numerical information presented in tables, charts and graphs, accompanied by a word problem. To solve the problem, you'll need to analyse and accurately interpret the data. You may also need to perform basic calculations.

Four answer options will be given per question. As with the blended cognitive ability test, there is no time limit, but both speed and number of correct answers will contribute to your final score.

Nationwide Video Assessment

You should receive details of your performance in the online tests within ten days of completing them. If you've met the required standards, you'll then be invited to a short video assessment.

This is a chance for Nationwide to get to know you better through a series of pre-recorded questions. You'll have around one minute to process each question, and three minutes each to record your responses.

Whilst it's impossible to predict the questions you'll be asked, it's useful to prepare some notes that you can refer to. Think about the questions asked in your original application form, and how you may expand on your answers.

Nationwide Live Virtual Assessment

The final stage of the process is a live virtual assessment, typically conducted through Microsoft Teams. This will consist of a live virtual interview, and potentially a group activity.

The interview will be competency based, designed to explore the skills and behaviours Nationwide considers vital to the role you've applied for. There are 15 core competencies listed on Nationwide's recruitment website, and you should familiarise yourself with those you believe to be relevant for your position.

If you're in any doubt, you're encouraged to speak to your recruitment contact for clarification.

You'll also be sent details on your virtual assessment prior to the day, including what activities you'll take part in, and the areas you'll be asked about in your interview. Use this information to prepare accordingly, so you can present the best version of yourself on the day.

Sample Nationwide Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

During a team meeting, a financial manager explains that 'Even though the investment risk is said to be moderate, the potential fluctuations can be disconcerting for risk-averse clients.' Based on this statement, what should the clients be prepared for?

  • Possibility of noticeable ups and downs in investment value.
  • Steady and continuous investment growth.
  • A dramatic and unsustainable spike in investment value.
  • Complete stability in investment value.

A financial institution has issued a 5-year fixed-rate mortgage to a borrower. The annual interest rate is 4.5%, and the principal borrowed is $250,000. What is the total amount of interest paid by the end of the mortgage term?

  • $56,250
  • $52,500
  • $45,000
  • $60,000

An associate at a financial institution is reviewing a client's statement, which reads: 'Despite favorable market conditions, the net yield on the investment portfolio performed below expectations due to unforeseen regulatory changes.' Which of the following is the most reasonable inference from this statement?

  • Market conditions were not the primary factor impacting the portfolio's yield.
  • The investment portfolio outperformed due to favorable market conditions.
  • Regulatory changes had a positive effect on the portfolio's performance.
  • The client anticipated the regulatory changes.

You are given a scenario where three interest rates are applied consecutively over a single year to a savings account in a certain pattern. The rates are 3%, 4%, and 5%. If the pattern of rates application is not based on the chronological order, what logical reasoning would determine the sequence to maximize the interest by year-end on an initial investment?

  • Apply the highest rate last to maximize compounding.
  • Apply the lowest rate first to reduce the base amount.
  • The sequence of rates does not affect the final amount.
  • Apply the highest rate first to increase the base amount.

If a mutual fund managed by a financial institution had a return of 8% last year and the return was evenly distributed over each quarter, what was the approximate quarterly return rate?

  • 2%
  • 4%
  • 8%
  • 16%

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Nationwide Assessments Tips

Master the Math

With Nationwide having deep roots in the financial sector, you can bet that numerical aptitude will be a big part of their assessment process. At Fintest, we've tailored our practice exams to include similar mathematical problems that you'd encounter in real-world financial settings. Brush up on statistics, percentages, and mental math to ensure you're not caught off guard.

Know the Context

Nationwide isn't just about the numbers; it's also about understanding complex financial systems and regulations. Make sure to review the basics of financial laws, mutual fund operation, and the types of products and services a large mutual like Nationwide would offer. Fintest helps you get comfortable with the jargon and principles you need to know.

Sharpen Your Analytical Skills

A big part of success in the financial sector, and at Nationwide, relies on sharp analytical thinking. Practice identifying patterns, interpreting data, and making well-reasoned deductions. Through Fintest's targeted practice exams, you can develop the critical thinking prowess necessary to excel in Nationwide's hiring process.

Simulate Test Conditions

There's no substitute for experiencing test-like conditions beforehand. Get accustomed to the time pressure and question formats you might face with Fintest's timed practice tests. This kind of preparation can help you stay calm and focused when it's time for the real thing, mitigating any surprises that could throw you off your game.

Review & Reflect

Each practice test attempt is an opportunity to learn and improve. Spend time reviewing your answers on Fintest, especially the questions you stumbled on. Understanding your mistakes is just as important as celebrating what you did right. Reflect on your performance to identify areas for improvement and then hit the practice exams again!

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Nationwide Assessments FAQs

What are Nationwide's core values?

Nationwide's core values are:

  • Valuing people
  • Be customer focused
  • Act with honesty, integrity, trust, and respect
  • Work together to deliver exceptional results
Where can I practice free Nationwide tests?

You can practice free Nationwide's test questions to get familiar with the format and improve your test score using our online platform - no credit card required.

What can I expect from a Nationwide interview?

Nationwide interviews may include questions that cover your experience, skills, and cultural fit. We recommend practicing example interview questions and using the STAR method to structure your answers.

What does a screened resume mean Nationwide?

A screened resume at Nationwide means it has been reviewed for potential fit.

What is a cognitive ability test Nationwide?

A cognitive ability test at Nationwide is a type of assessment designed to evaluate a candidate's mental capabilities, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and information processing. These tests are used to gauge a candidate's potential to perform well in a given role.