We recently caught up with Johnny about how they secured a spot on NatWest Group’s Finance Graduate Programme, their top tips for navigating the interview and how they tackle tough interview questions.
What stood out to you about NatWest Group?
NatWest Group has a rich and prestigious history dating back over centuries, and today banks for 1 in 4 businesses across the UK. I was inspired to apply for a graduate role within a bank with such a pivotal role in financial governance and community support across the country. All their graduate programmes offer a great variation of rotations across the workplace at their Edinburgh headquarters and elsewhere. For their Finance Graduate Programme, rotations include Commercial and Banking Finance, Treasury, Investor Relations, and more. There are also amazing opportunities to get involved in Employee Led Networks that raise awareness of inclusion and promote diversity and equality as part of NatWest’s bank-wide strategy.
How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
Applying with a non-finance degree made commercial awareness especially important to display to the interviewer. I prepared by learning NatWest Group’s values, analysing their previous annual report, and reading up on the structure of the three-year Finance Graduate Programme and how it fits into the functioning of the bank and the services offered to customers. I also looked at financial news involving NatWest Group, particularly the UK economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. BBC News website and Financial Times podcast are both great sources for building knowledge in finance and banking.
What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?
The Finance Graduate Programme involves a professional accountancy qualification, so it is incredibly important to gain a strong understanding of the modules, exams, and case studies across the 3-year period. Balancing both work and revision can be very challenging, so showing that you have great knowledge of what to expect from working at NatWest while undergoing tough exams is a good idea. If you have ever worked in a part-time job while studying at university, it would also be helpful to mention that as experience in the interviews.
Bright Network provided a great insight into NatWest Group on their graduate employers page, including information about the bank and live opportunities. Whether you want to learn more about a company or search for graduate jobs in the UK and abroad, Bright Network’s website is an ideal place to start. There are also plenty of opportunities to arrange internships and gain experience in different sectors before applying for a full-time graduate job – something that is becoming increasingly popular with students.
What’s been the toughest interview question you've faced and how did you tackle it?
“What would you say your greatest weakness is?” is the toughest question I’ve had in interviews and one I’ve been asked more than once. The best response, in my opinion, is to give an honest answer which also conveys your strengths. For example, I said I often focus too much on smaller details. Whether you also focus on details more than you should, or if you get stressed as deadlines grow closer, these can be honest answers that also help display your determination and dedication to getting a task completed to the best of your ability.
Did you use Bright Network Academy in your career search and if so, how did it help you?
Yes, I used Bright Network Academy for advice on different stages of the application process. Specifically, I looked up Bright Network’s guide on ‘How to succeed at Assessment Centre,’ which is an incredibly helpful guide on what is possibly the most intense and challenging stage of any application process. The 20-minute Academy module breaks down each area of an assessment centre, explains what interviewers are looking for in your answers, and gives further tips and thoughts on how to stay focused.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Never give up. Stay motivated in the face of application delays and rejections.
- Research companies and roles. The more you know, the easier you will find interviews.
- Use all resources at your disposal. Bright Network, LinkedIn alumni, and company webpages with useful tips are all invaluable!
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
