Careers at Newton Europe
Founded in 2001, Newton Europe is a UK based consultancy firm and a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer. Its consulting approach is based on organisational change from the inside out. It works closely with clients to identify key challenges, and then formulate, plan and execute effective solutions.
Newton Europe offers its services across both the public and private sectors, working with clients in:
- Healthcare
- Central Government
- Defence
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing
- Services
- Retail
- Infrastructure
- Adult social care
- Children's services
For those starting out in their career, Newton Europe offers two paths to entry.
The first is as a field-based graduate consultant in either Operations or Digital. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients across the UK. Successful applicants are given comprehensive training and support and typically reach senior consultant level in around 18 months.
The second is its head office graduate scheme. Based in Oxfordshire, there are three streams to choose from, with Operations the most applicable for finance graduates. It's a rotational programme, and you'll spend between 12 and 18 months completing short placements before choosing your preferred area of the Operations team.
Newton Europe Application Process
Whichever path you opt for, you'll need to complete a multi-stage application process. This is designed to give Newton Europe a detailed picture of who you are, what you're capable of, and what you hope to achieve.
It's also a chance for you to learn more about what life at Newton Europe is like, so take this opportunity to make sure this is the right career path for you.
Newton Europe Online Application
Once you've chosen the graduate scheme you wish to pursue, you'll need to fill out an online application form via the Newton Europe website. You can expect a standard application form here, with sections for your personal details, academic achievements and past work experience.
You'll also be asked some initial screening questions, for which you should prepare well-researched answers. Be sure to show Newton Europe you have what it's looking for by referring to the job description and highlighting key strengths like your interpersonal skills, adaptability, self-motivation and collaboration.
Newton Europe Aptitude Tests
Newton Europe is a data-driven company, so it expects all applicants to be proficient in the analysis of numbers. To measure this, it uses two short online assessments - one to test numerical reasoning, one to test data interpretation.
Both are multiple-choice and both must be completed within seven days from when you receive your invitation.
Newton Europe Numerical Test
The numerical reasoning test is not a complex maths exam, but a measure of your capacity for using numerical information to solve a given problem. That said, you will be required to apply basic arithmetic, so it's wise to brush up on your skills here before taking your official test.
You'll be given word problems explaining numerical facts and how they relate to each other, typically measurements, prices, quantities etc. These will be accompanied by a visual version of those facts in the form of a diagram, table, chart or graph. You'll also be given four answer options, only one of which will be correct.
These tests can be a little daunting at first, particularly if you're unfamiliar with them. Use practice tests to familiarise yourself with the format and question structure - and to exercise your numerical reasoning skills. You are permitted to use a calculator and should keep a pen and paper handy for your workings out.
Newton Europe Data Interpretation Test
In the data interpretation test, you'll be given a written business scenario with accompanying data illustrated with charts or diagrams. You'll have around three questions to answer based on each scenario, with five multiple-choice options to choose from.
Each scenario - and the accompanying data - will detail the way a business operates. What's under assessment is your ability to interpret that data to determine what it means in terms of costs and profit, and in some cases, to identify more efficient methods of operation.
Again, you are permitted to use a calculator and should take plenty of practice tests to improve your performance.
The two tests combined take around an hour to complete, and if you have any questions or technical issues you should contact the Newton Europe recruitment team.
Newton Europe Online Video Interview
If your test scores meet the required benchmark, you'll receive an invitation to an online video interview. This is a series of pre-recorded questions to which you'll need to record and upload your own video answers.
One of the objectives of the video interview is to see how well you present yourself, and how capable you are of expressing your thoughts clearly. This is particularly important for consultancy roles where you'll be putting in a lot of client-facing hours. Practice speaking to the camera until you feel you come across naturally.
Though it's impossible to predict what questions you'll be asked, you should spend some time looking back on your experience and note down examples of why this makes you a strong candidate. The interview will involve two technical questions for which you'll need to make some calculations, so have a calculator ready.
You'll have seven days to complete your video interview, and the whole thing should take no more than 20 minutes.
Newton Europe Selection Day
The next step in the Newton Europe application process is a selection day. These were traditionally held in person but now take place virtually on the company's own selection day platform.
You'll take part in a variety of tasks specifically designed to test the skills and qualities that Newton Europe sees as vital to a successful career. Your exact schedule will be sent to you prior, but it's a good idea to prepare for such exercises as:
Group tasks - you may be asked to work collaboratively on a short hypothetical project, testing your teamwork and communication skills.
Case study task - you may be required to complete your own case study, and present it to a member of the hiring team as if you were presenting to a client.
The selection day will involve a live two-way interview, so make sure you're prepared to promote your skills and explain the motivations behind your application. You'll also have a chance to chat with current Newton employees and learn more about what your future career looks like.
Newton Europe Final Interviews
Newton Europe takes a slightly different approach to the final stage of recruitment by inviting the most promising candidates to an informal dinner. This gives you the chance to meet your fellow applicants and mingle with experienced Newton consultants in a relaxed environment.
You'll need to prepare for an overnight stay as the following day is when you'll attend your final interviews. There will be two of them, each with a senior member of the relevant team, and each lasting around 45 minutes.
After every stage prior to these final interviews, you'll have been given constructive feedback on your performance. Use this to prepare and make the best possible impression in this last stage of recruitment.
