Careers at Nomura
Nomura is a global investment bank founded in 1925 that helps clients connect markets in the East & West. Today, it has grown substantially, with over 27,000 employees across 30 countries working in a range of key divisions.
These key divisions include:
- Global Markets
- Investment Banking
- Technology
- Risk
Nomura is looking for candidates who stand out and can make a good impression - they are looking for new hires who will become the future generation of entrepreneurs, leaders and help shape the future.
The workforce is described as “highly nimble and diverse” and the opportunities at Nomura are created around helping you build a long term career with the firm. If this suits your aspirations, then a career here may be a perfect fit for you.
Landing a career with a top employer like Nomura has its challenges. Their recruitment process is designed to identify top applicants and it can be competitive to land a job. We've put together this useful guide to help you prepare, build confidence and ace the tests and interviews and Nomura.
Nomura Application Process
Depending on the role you apply for and the division or region, each hiring process varies slightly but at its core, you will need to pass some pre-screening tests as well as multiple stage interview rounds. The recruitment process is thorough which is beneficial for both you and Nomura as you can get a good sense if you are the right fit for each other.
Be prepared for competency-based and technical questions as there is a big emphasis on this throughout each stage.
Careers Online Application Form
Nomura has application deadlines so it is a good idea to plan your application in advance and align your research and preparation with when you will want to apply. Nomura reviews applications on a rolling basis but advises to try and meet the deadlines as early as possible.
For the application, you will need to complete a short online form that includes 3 motivational questions. You should also attach an up to date copy of your CV (cover letters are not required).
Top tips for the application form:
- Do lots of research on the business and focus on areas of interest that reflect your skillset and your motivation for applying to this area
- Ensure your answers reflect the motivational questions
- Run a spell check and get someone to proofread it
- Understand Nomura core competencies and reflect these skills in your CV
Nomura Aptitude Tests
You may be asked to take an online test depending on the role and division you applied for. This happens after you have submitted your application form. You'll need to take the test within 7 days of receipt in order to complete the application process and move on to the next round. The tests consist of numerical reasoning and logical reasoning - both important skills required to work at Nomura.
Our top recommendation is to understand the format and structure of these tests beforehand and get as much practice as possible before you complete them.
Nomura Logical Reasoning
A logical reasoning test is a type of aptitude test used by most financial institutes as part of their recruitment process to help shortlist the top candidates from the talent pool. The test you take could be either a diagrammatical reasoning or an inductive reasoning test.
Either test requires strong problem-solving abilities and the use of smart logical thinking which are the core competencies being tested by Nomura.
Practicing plenty of logical reasoning tests can help applicants build confidence by sharpening your logical reasoning skills and understanding of what to expect.
Nomura Numerical Reasoning Test
A numerical reasoning test is a type of aptitude test that requires strong mathematical problem-solving skills.
Nomura uses this test to examine your ability in solving mathematical equations and graphs, under timed conditions. They will often use typical business scenarios as a means of framing the questions in a context that will apply specifically to the type of role you are applying for.
Nomura First Round Interview
Preparation is the key to being successful during the interview rounds and a well-prepared candidate always stands out - they are more confident, provide more detailed and well-structured answers; as a result, you are more likely to be noticed.
The STAR method is a technique you can use to put together structured answers and is a great way to prepare for answering questions.
Types of interview questions you may be asked include:
- Competency-based questions - these questions focus on your ability to use real-life examples to explain how you behaved in a certain situation. Nomura is looking for how you reflect their key competencies.
- Technical questions - this is dependent on the role but might include basic accounting questions, mental maths, and brain teasers (remember that the key for brain teasers is not the answer but the logical approach on how you got to it).
- CV and application questions - it's important to be confident and be able to pull examples from your CV and application, so ensure you do some reflection on this.
- Industry-related questions - it's great to have opinions when asked questions on interesting topics, trends and recent news. The key here is to show your passion and understanding.
Remember, Nomura core competencies are:
- Trusted Partner
- Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Teamwork / Collaboration
- Teamwork / Influence
- Integrity
You should try to relate your answers back to these at every possible opportunity.
Nomura Final Round Interviews
Final round interviews will involve a number of one-on-one interviews with directors or senior people from Nomura. They will be competency-based interviews and provide you with a final chance to demonstrate your passion, skills and motivations to work for Nomura.
Use the one-on-one interviews as an opportunity to ask questions. This is a way of showing that you are interested and motivated. Try to prepare some interesting and thought-provoking questions to ask. You can also ask your interviewer about their career path to develop rapport.
We suggest using the tips from the first stage interviews and applying the same logic to these interviews.
