What Is the National Australia Bank (NAB) Assessment Test and How Do You Prepare?
The National Australia Bank (NAB) assessment test is part of the hiring process for roles in finance, customer service, technology, and graduate programs. It typically includes numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgment questions. These tests help NAB identify candidates who can think critically, solve problems, and align with the company’s values. On this page, you’ll learn what to expect, how the NAB tests are structured, and how to prepare effectively to increase your chances of success.
If you’re considering a career at National Australia Bank (NAB), understanding their hiring process can give you a major advantage. NAB is known for its thorough recruitment steps, designed to find candidates who align with the bank’s values of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the NAB hiring process, assessment tests, and interview stages.
Overview of the NAB Hiring Process
The NAB hiring process typically includes the following steps:
1. Online Application
Start by submitting your application through NAB’s career portal. You’ll need a resume tailored to the position you’re applying for, emphasizing your skills, experience, and achievements. A well-written cover letter may also help set you apart.
2. Online Assessment Tests
After the initial screening, shortlisted candidates are invited to complete online assessment tests. These evaluations measure various skills relevant to the role, including:
- Cognitive Ability Tests (verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning)
- Personality Tests (based on workplace behavior and culture fit)
- Situational Judgment Tests (how you would respond to hypothetical work scenarios)
Completing these assessments accurately and efficiently is key to moving to the next stage.
3. Video Interview
If you perform well on the assessments, you’ll be asked to complete a video interview. In this stage:
- You’ll answer pre-recorded questions.
- You’ll usually have 30 seconds to prepare and 1–2 minutes to respond.
- Questions often relate to your motivation, teamwork skills, leadership abilities, and how you solve problems.
It’s important to practice answering common behavioral and situational questions before recording.
4. Assessment Center (for Some Roles)
For graduate programs and higher-level positions, NAB may invite candidates to an assessment center. This typically includes:
- Group activities
- Role plays
- Case studies
- Panel interviews
The focus is on assessing your teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills in real-time settings.
5. Final Interview
The final interview is often a one-on-one or panel interview with hiring managers or senior leadership. Expect a deeper dive into your professional background, technical skills, and motivation for joining NAB.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want to work at NAB
- How your skills match the job
- Examples of past achievements
- How you handle challenges and conflict
6. Background Check and Offer
If successful, you’ll undergo background checks, including employment verification, criminal history checks, and possibly financial background checks. Once cleared, you’ll receive a formal job offer.
Common NAB Assessment Test Topics
During the online assessment stage, you can expect questions in these areas:
| Test Type | Skills Measured |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | Understanding written information |
| Numerical Reasoning | Working with numbers, interpreting data |
| Abstract Reasoning | Identifying patterns and logical connections |
| Situational Judgment | Workplace behavior and decision making |
| Personality Profiling | Behavioral traits and cultural fit |
Start practice today and improve your hiring chances
About The Bank
National Australia Bank (NAB) is one of the four largest financial institutions in Australia in terms of market capitalisation, earnings, and customers.
Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Subsidiaries
- Bank of New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s big four banks and has been operating in the country.
- JBWere Limited
- 86 400 The Company offers accounts, home loans, and other financial services.
- JB Were
- Wealthhub Securities Limited
- UBank is an Australian direct bank that operates as a division of the National Australia Bank.
- Plum Financial Services is an Australian corporate superannuation administrator and provider of financial products and services.
National Australia Bank (NAB) Interview Questions + Sample Answers
1. Why do you want to work at NAB?
Sample Answer:
I’m drawn to NAB’s strong reputation for innovation and customer focus within the banking industry. I admire your commitment to ethical banking, digital transformation, and community impact. I want to be part of an organisation that values growth, integrity, and delivering real value to customers, and I believe my skills in [finance/customer service/IT] align well with NAB’s vision.
2. Tell me about a time you solved a problem under pressure.
Sample Answer:
In my previous role, a system outage occurred just before a key client presentation. I quickly gathered the team, found an alternate solution using offline materials, and coordinated the presentation manually. The client appreciated our proactive response, and we successfully closed the deal. This taught me to stay calm, think clearly, and act quickly under pressure.
3. How do you prioritise tasks when everything feels urgent?
Sample Answer:
I start by identifying which tasks align most closely with business impact or deadlines. I then break large tasks into smaller steps, communicate timelines clearly with team members, and adjust priorities as needed. I also use digital tools to stay organized. Clear communication and flexibility are key when managing competing priorities.
4. Describe a time you had to work with someone very different from you.
Sample Answer:
In a university group project, I was paired with a teammate who had a very detail-focused approach, while I tend to look at the big picture. Initially, we disagreed, but over time, we learned to balance our strengths. I adapted by being more detail-aware, and they appreciated my strategic input. The project ended up being one of the highest-scoring in our course.
5. How would you handle a customer complaint at NAB?
Sample Answer:
I would listen carefully, show empathy, and remain calm. I’d ask clarifying questions to fully understand the issue, take ownership, and explain what steps I can take to resolve it. If I couldn’t resolve it on the spot, I’d escalate it appropriately and follow up with the customer to ensure satisfaction. Providing a respectful and solutions-focused experience is always my priority.
