Recruitment Hints and Tips

The online numerical reasoning test is designed to assess your ability to evaluate, analyse, and interpret numerical information encountered in the modern workplace.

The numerical test we use is time recorded not time limited so you can spend as long as you like on each question. However, both your accuracy and the time taken will contribute towards your overall score.

• Let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments BEFOREyou start the test.
• DO NOT use a mobile device to complete the test – use a laptop or desktop so you can view the test on a large screen.
• Make sure you are in a quiet location where you will not be disturbed.
• Have a calculator, pen and paper available.
• Take a practice test before completing the real test as this will give you a feel for the types of questions asked.  It is a great way to prepare, helping you relax and perform to the best of your ability.  You can try a practice test via this link Cappfinity Assessment Demonstration.
• Work quickly and accurately and try to avoid wild guessing.

If you successfully pass the numerical reasoning test, you will receive an email asking you to complete our competency questions. A member of the team reads every application we receive and screens it against our criteria, so this is your first opportunity to show us that you are right for this scheme.

When completing the competency questions, consider the following:

• Read the questions carefully and thoroughly before you start.
• Ensure that you answer all questions in full sentences unless otherwise stated and stay within the word count.
• Use examples from your previous experience where appropriate.  You may wish to use examples from outside of university such as work experience, part-time jobs, or perhaps extra-curricular activities you have been involved in.
• Be as specific as you can to provide as much detail as possible.
• Take your time.  We may turn down potentially strong candidates at this stage because their applications lack detail and quality.
• Before submitting your competency questions, read through and check it carefully.  This is your chance to correct any mistakes and to include additional information.  Applications cannot be amended once submitted.
• Keep a copy of your submitted responses so you can review it before any interview that you may be invited to.

When completing the competency questions, you may find it useful to apply the following:

• Situation – What was the context of the situation?  Who was involved?  What was the task/project?  Why did this occur?
• Actions – What actions did you take?  Why did you do this?  How did you ensure success?  What resources did you draw on?
• Results – What was the outcome?
• Feedback – What feedback did you receive after the event, if any?  What did you learn from the situation?  What would you do differently next time?

If you pass the competency questions and are shortlisted, we will invite you to a telephone interview.  We conduct interviews by telephone because we receive applications from all over the country and attending face-to-face interviews at this stage is impractical for many candidates.

• Schedule your interview for a day/time that suits you. 
• If you require any reasonable adjustments for your telephone interview, please contact the recruitment team so they can discuss how best to accommodate.
• Try to relax and be yourself and speak clearly and confidently.
• A telephone interview is just as important as a face-to-face interview, so it needs the same level of preparation and involvement.
• Make sure you have set aside the required amount of time for the interview, and that you are in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
• Review your application form and have a copy with you.  This can help you think about your answers.  However, avoid scripting your answers because you will sound unnatural when you say them.
• You will not be able to provide the visual cues that you would in a face-to-face interview such as eye contact and body language.  This means your listening and verbal communication skills will be extremely important.
• We understand that you will need some time to think through your answers.  Do not be afraid of brief silences – think about what you are going to say and make sure you answer each question fully.
• It sounds obvious but make sure your application form includes your contact number including dialling code. Without this the interviewer will not be able to contact you.

The assessment centre is the final stage of our recruitment process.  These are held in person at our headquarters in London Victoria or our regional office in Newcastle City Centre.  It’s a full-day experience designed to evaluate your broader business and functional capabilities.  The day is built around a fictional business scenario and structured using our competency framework.  You’ll also have the chance to meet some of our recent graduate and apprentice hires, giving you an opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into the training scheme and life at the NAO.

Here are some practical tips to help you feel confident and prepared:

• Read everything you’re sent and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time.  Allow plenty of time for travel and consider potential delays.
• Research the NAO and the graduate scheme you’ve applied for.  Think about why you want to work here and what attracted you to this scheme.
• Review our competency framework to remind yourself of the skills and behaviours that will be assessed on the day.
• Check with your university careers service to see if they offer mock assessment centres or practice sessions.
• Be yourself.  We want to see your authentic approach to problem-solving, collaboration and communication.

Head over to theNAO's profile to explore their Accountancy Training opportunity!