Careers at Westpac
Established in 1817, Westpacis Australia's first bank and is over 200 years old - it makes up one of the four major banks across Australia and New Zealand.
“Helping Australians Succeed” is what Westpac believes. If you're looking to join Westpac there are three Group's customer-facing divisions:
- Consumer & Business
- Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB)
- Westpac New Zealand
Other Group divisions include treasury and core support.
Westpac is a top bank so if you are thinking of applying, the recruitment process can be fairly competitive. You should be prepared to take online tests as well as an interview and assessment centre. To build confidence and give yourself the best hiring chance, use this guide and our practice tests to succeed.
Westpac Application Process
The Westpac application process consists of four main parts:
- Online application
- Online testing
- Interviews
- Assessment centre
For each stage of the application process, you should keep in mind Westpac's core values which are - helpfulness, being ethical, leading change, performing and keeping things simple and easy.
Westpac Online Application
The online application should take roughly 10 minutes to complete and submit online. It's important beforehand to apply for a role that suits your skills and to reflect on why you want to work for Westpac and more specifically why this role.
You'll be answering a series of pre-screening questions so be sure to think carefully about these answers and complete them with honesty but strategically.
Westpac Aptitude Tests
For some roles, you might be required to participate in some psychometric testing. This helps the Westpac hiring team assess your different skills such as your cognitive and technical abilities.
You may face two testing invitations as below:
Culture fit assessment – examines how well a candidate fits in with Westpac's business and culture in the organisation.
Psychometric testing – tests that involve problem-solving skills, cognitive skills and emotional intelligence.
Westpac Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning testinvolves reading text and then answering questions on it. The answers are multiple-choice, so you can opt for 'true', 'false', or 'cannot say.'
These types of tests assess your language and reasoning skills. It's a crucial skill for Westpac employees to be able to distinguish between a fact, or if it's just been inferred. The difference can sometimes be tricky to figure out.
The test is about thinking clearly and not letting the time pressure affect you.
Westpac Numerical Reasoning
Depending on the role you've applied for you may need to take a numerical reasoning test. As the name suggests candidates will be assessed on how well they can understand and make decisions based on numerical data.
These tests are typically timed and consist of multiple-choice questions. It helps Westpac assess your ability to cope with basic mathematical problems, data analytics and time pressure.
It is therefore extremely important to practice these tests, sharpen your math skills and get confident with the format.
Westpac Situational Judgement
Situational judgement tests (SJTs) require you to provide a resolution to a conflict that might reflect realistic situations that occur in your typical workplace role. The idea is to see how well your judgement aligns with Westpac's values. The questions are multiple-choice and it is important to be strategic with your answers.
Westpac Abstract Reasoning
Abstract reasoning tests (commonly known as diagrammatic or inductive reasoning assessments) examine your ability to spot patterns and apply logic to identify the pattern and relationships to get the right answer. The test is commonly used in the financial sector and tests problem-solving skills and logic.
This test is particularly important to practice as it is perhaps the most challenging.
Westpac Interviews
The next stage if you're successful during the psychometric assessments, are the interview rounds.
For some roles you might take part in a pre-recorded video interview, other roles might involve a face to face interview or assessment centre. Some roles might involve a combination of 2-3 interviews.
When preparing for your interview, it is recommended to use the STAR method when answering questions (situation, task, action, result).
Westpac Assessment Centre
The final stage of Westpac's recruitment process is an assessment centre. It is an opportunity for the group to learn more about you and how well you align with Westpac Group's culture and values. This may be a virtual assessment centre or in person.
The format may include:
- 1:1 interview
- A business-related case study task
- Group activity
You will have an opportunity to interact with our business representatives, so maximise this experience by asking questions and find out if this is the right fit for you.
Research is important. Think about why you have applied and what you can bring to the role. It helps to show us your personality. Relax and enjoy the experience. We only want to see you shine and put your best foot forward!
