The Recruitment Process

The recruitment process
We like to see our Professional Trainee Scheme as an investment. You’re investing your energy and future with us, and we’re investing our time and resources in you. That’s why we need to make sure that we’re right for you, and that you’re right for us. We have a number of stages in the recruitment process, which are explained below so there are no surprises along the way:

How it works
You’ll want to know how the recruitment process works. So, here’s a quick overview. To find out more about each step, simply click the description.

Summary Table

Step 1

Applications will be shortlisted against a benchmarked criteria. If you’re successful here, it’s on to step 2.

Step 2

To make sure that you’ve got the attributes and aptitude we’re looking for, we use two key psychometric tests: numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning. Our test provider will email the tests to you (it’s sometimes worth checking your trash folder to make sure they haven’t slipped in there).

All you have to do is click on the links you’ve been sent and follow the simple instructions. You’ll have around one week to complete the tests. There are practice tests and it’s well worth taking the time to give them a go before you enter the actual timed tests. Forewarned is forearmed, after all. Now, providing you meet the required benchmarks(*), you’ll be invited to one of our assessment centres.

(*) Please note: for the IT Professional Trainee Scheme, we will ask you to prepare a short video via YouTube introducing yourself and why you’d like to be part of NFU Mutual and the scheme. We will contact you with instructions on how to upload a simple video, and show you how to make it private so that the rest of the world can’t see it if you don’t want them to!

Step 3

First things first. Assessment Centre; this will start with a presentation on NFU Mutual, and give you a chance to have your burning questions answered. Following the presentation, and once you’ve said hello to the team, it’s on to the activities. There are three exercises in total.

Firstly, you’ll be given a 20 minute group exercise. It’s a great ice breaker, and gives you a chance to meet fellow applicants and allows us to see how you get on with other people – and how you problem solve as part of a group. Then, we’ll ask you to deliver a 10 minute presentation. And fear not, we’ll have sent you the topic we’d like to talk about well in advance. Once you’ve finished your presentation, there’ll be 10 minutes of questions. Here, we want to see how you present and, just as importantly, how you respond to questions and structure your answers.

Last up is a role play exercise. We’ll give you a brief, and then we’ll give you 20 minutes to prepare for a 10 minute discussion. From this we want to see how well you take in information and how you structure a discussion.

Step 4

You’re almost there! Providing you pass the assessment centre, the final stage is an interview. We use a competency-based interview structure. This means that the questions we ask are linked to the qualities that are integral to us here at NFU Mutual - your answers don’t have to be work related so have a think about relevant examples outside of your work life, such as your involvement with a sports club or charity. We may also ask you to complete an Occupational Personality Questionnaire online, as we'll use this for development purposes if you’re successful onto the scheme.

Step 5

If you’re successful in the interview, it’s time to give yourself a big pat on the back! You’ll be offered a placement on the Professional Trainee Scheme. Once you’ve verbally accepted our offer, we’ll start the vetting process. This process will check your eligibility to work in the UK, your qualifications, and a few other things that will be explained in your offer letter.

Step 6

Your Induction Programme will start in September.