Westpac Assessments

Prepare for the Westpac recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

Careers at Westpac

Established in 1817, Westpacis Australia's first bank and is over 200 years old - it makes up one of the four major banks across Australia and New Zealand.

“Helping Australians Succeed” is what Westpac believes. If you're looking to join Westpac there are three Group's customer-facing divisions:

  • Consumer & Business
  • Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB)
  • Westpac New Zealand

Other Group divisions include treasury and core support.

Westpac is a top bank so if you are thinking of applying, the recruitment process can be fairly competitive. You should be prepared to take online tests as well as an interview and assessment centre. To build confidence and give yourself the best hiring chance, use this guide and our practice tests to succeed.

Westpac Application Process

The Westpac application process consists of four main parts:

  1. Online application
  2. Online testing
  3. Interviews
  4. Assessment centre

For each stage of the application process, you should keep in mind Westpac's core values which are - helpfulness, being ethical, leading change, performing and keeping things simple and easy.

Westpac Online Application

The online application should take roughly 10 minutes to complete and submit online. It's important beforehand to apply for a role that suits your skills and to reflect on why you want to work for Westpac and more specifically why this role.

You'll be answering a series of pre-screening questions so be sure to think carefully about these answers and complete them with honesty but strategically.

Westpac Aptitude Tests

For some roles, you might be required to participate in some psychometric testing. This helps the Westpac hiring team assess your different skills such as your cognitive and technical abilities.

You may face two testing invitations as below:

Culture fit assessment – examines how well a candidate fits in with Westpac's business and culture in the organisation.

Psychometric testing – tests that involve problem-solving skills, cognitive skills and emotional intelligence.

Westpac Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning testinvolves reading text and then answering questions on it. The answers are multiple-choice, so you can opt for 'true', 'false', or 'cannot say.'

These types of tests assess your language and reasoning skills. It's a crucial skill for Westpac employees to be able to distinguish between a fact, or if it's just been inferred. The difference can sometimes be tricky to figure out.

The test is about thinking clearly and not letting the time pressure affect you.

Westpac Numerical Reasoning

Depending on the role you've applied for you may need to take a numerical reasoning test. As the name suggests candidates will be assessed on how well they can understand and make decisions based on numerical data.

These tests are typically timed and consist of multiple-choice questions. It helps Westpac assess your ability to cope with basic mathematical problems, data analytics and time pressure.

It is therefore extremely important to practice these tests, sharpen your math skills and get confident with the format.

Westpac Situational Judgement

Situational judgement tests (SJTs) require you to provide a resolution to a conflict that might reflect realistic situations that occur in your typical workplace role. The idea is to see how well your judgement aligns with Westpac's values. The questions are multiple-choice and it is important to be strategic with your answers.

Westpac Abstract Reasoning

Abstract reasoning tests (commonly known as diagrammatic or inductive reasoning assessments) examine your ability to spot patterns and apply logic to identify the pattern and relationships to get the right answer. The test is commonly used in the financial sector and tests problem-solving skills and logic.

This test is particularly important to practice as it is perhaps the most challenging.

Westpac Interviews

The next stage if you're successful during the psychometric assessments, are the interview rounds.

For some roles you might take part in a pre-recorded video interview, other roles might involve a face to face interview or assessment centre. Some roles might involve a combination of 2-3 interviews.

When preparing for your interview, it is recommended to use the STAR method when answering questions (situation, task, action, result).

Westpac Assessment Centre

The final stage of Westpac's recruitment process is an assessment centre. It is an opportunity for the group to learn more about you and how well you align with Westpac Group's culture and values. This may be a virtual assessment centre or in person.

The format may include:

  • 1:1 interview
  • A business-related case study task
  • Group activity

You will have an opportunity to interact with our business representatives, so maximise this experience by asking questions and find out if this is the right fit for you.

Research is important. Think about why you have applied and what you can bring to the role. It helps to show us your personality. Relax and enjoy the experience. We only want to see you shine and put your best foot forward!

Sample Westpac Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

A sequence of decisions within a financial portfolio shows a consistent preference towards low-risk investments. What might this suggest about the portfolio manager's strategy?

  • The manager is indifferent to market volatility.
  • The manager prioritizes capital preservation over high returns.
  • The manager believes high-risk investments are more profitable.
  • The portfolio is being managed for short-term gains.

A manager in a financial institution writes, 'Despite the economic downturn, our diversified investments have hedged us against major losses.' What does the manager imply?

  • The economic downturn has not caused significant financial damage to the institution.
  • The institution has suffered major losses unexpectedly.
  • Diversified investments have caused the economic downturn.
  • The manager expects the economic downturn to worsen.

If the interest rate on a savings account is 3% per annum and a customer deposits $10,000, what will be the total amount in the account at the end of two years, assuming the interest is compounded annually?

  • $10,600.00
  • $10,300.00
  • $10,900.00
  • $10,609.00

If a financial analyst is attempting to forecast future stock prices by identifying patterns in past price movements, what type of reasoning is the analyst primarily using?

  • Inductive reasoning
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Adductive reasoning

What conclusion can be drawn from the following argument? 'All major savings accounts have a fixed interest rate. Some savings accounts also offer bonus rates for initial deposits. Therefore, it's possible to receive a higher return in the first year.'

  • Major savings accounts with bonus rates offer a higher return in all cases.
  • Fixed interest rate accounts do not offer bonus rates.
  • If a savings account offers a bonus rate on initial deposits, the return in the first year could be higher than subsequent years.
  • A higher return in the first year is guaranteed for all savings accounts.

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Westpac Assessments Tips

Understand the Industry

Grasping the ins and outs of the financial sector is crucial when sitting for exams at a venerable institution like Westpac. Since Westpac has been a significant player in Australia and New Zealand's finance scene for over two centuries, showcasing your industry knowledge could give you an edge. Brush up on current financial laws, market trends, and recent Westpac initiatives to impress.

Focus on Your Analytical Skills

Jobs at Westpac are likely to put your analytical prowess to the test. As part of your preparation with Fintest, make it a point to tackle practice questions that challenge your data interpretation and problem-solving abilities. These skills are essential for making informed decisions in the financial sector, so show them off!

Hone Your Numerical Ability

Westpac roles often require sharp numerical skills. Whether it's basic arithmetic or complex financial analysis, being comfortable with figures is a must. Use Fintest's practice exams to work on your speed and accuracy with numbers. Regular practice can help reduce errors and increase efficiency during the actual test.

Practice Time Management

Time is of the essence when taking any exam. Familiarize yourself with the structure and timing of Westpac’s exams using Fintest's tools. Learn to manage your time effectively by breaking down each section and setting time limits. This way, you won't find yourself rushed at the end of the test.

Stay Calm and Confident

Last but not least, keep your cool. Anxiety can hinder your performance, even if you know your stuff. Practice exams on Fintest not only prepare you for the questions themselves but also help build your test-taking confidence. Go in with a positive mindset and remember that preparation is key to your success.

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Westpac Assessments FAQs

How long does the Westpac hiring process typically take?

The Westpac hiring process typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on the seniority of the role and the number of applicants who have applied.

How to prepare for a Westpac interview?

There are many ways to prepare for an interview with WestPac. To start with you should be able to answer why you want to work for Westpac and articulate your understanding of the role and how you have demonstrated that experience. You should also do as much research as possible into the company such as recent news, industry trends, and know its core values.

What are Westpac's core values?

Westpac's core values are:

  • Be helpful and provide a great customer experience
  • Be ethical and do the right thing
  • Lead the way for change
  • Be accountable for your performance
  • Keep things simple and easy
What skills does Westpac assess?

Westpac assesses your cognitive abilities as well as technical skills for the role. You'll also be given a culture fit assessment which examines how well you'll perform in Westpac's organization.

Where can I practice Westpac assessments for free?

You can practice free Westpac test questions to get familiar with the format and improve your test score using our online platform - no credit card required.