North Highland Analyst Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process included an initial HR phone screen to go over my CV and check my motivation. After that, there was a case interview where I had to evaluate a retail acquisition opportunity. I had 40 minutes to prepare my presentation and then discuss it. Finally, there was a CV and PEI interview. Everything was conducted online. The team was really friendly and helpful, which was a nice change from other grad programs I applied to. The interviewers seemed genuinely invested in helping candidates succeed. Overall, it was a positive experience.

I applied online for the Analyst role with my CV and Cover Letter. It took two weeks to set up a telephone interview with the recruiter. Since I have about 4 years of experience, the recruiter decided to interview me for a Consultant role instead, which I agreed to. This didn't seem to change the telephone interview much, as it was mostly about cultural fit. However, the role change meant the next step would be a one-on-one face-to-face interview instead of an assessment day. I was told I'd hear back in two days after the call, but it actually took two weeks and several follow-up emails. This poor communication continued after the interview, and it took another two weeks and more emails to get feedback. The whole process took over two months, which felt exceptionally long and unprofessional, even considering external factors. The face-to-face interview involved a case study that I worked on by myself, followed by a discussion about my solutions with the interviewer, and then some standard competency/personality questions. The interview itself lasted a bit over two hours with just one person. Coming from a technical background, some parts of the case study were tough, but the personality questions were pretty typical. The feedback I eventually received had some useful points, but at times felt unsubstantiated. For instance, I was told I didn't show enough interest in North Highland, even though I had attended one of their open house events. I got the sense that having just one person conduct the initial interview is common at North Highland, which is probably a disadvantage for them as they might lose good candidates who don't immediately click with that one interviewer.

Solid interview process but dominated by unprofessional communication: Phone call (motivations, background, strengths etc). Assessment day (30 min case study prep in the office, Q&A session, personal fit interview). All fairly straight forward. Little space for discussion within qualitative part of case, interviewer ticked off correct answers on a sheet of paper. Quantitative part easy. Then, got told a few weeks later that I would be receiving an offer but the offer never came. Had to send numerous emails and try calling HR until HR got back to me and told me the company was going through downturn due to Brexit. Was promised that I and the other offer holders would receive a weekly email update on the status of our offers. I never heard from HR again. Poor communication and lack of respect for candidates. If that is how potential employees are treated, I don't want to know what happens inside the firm. Reading the latest company reviews, I am happy I did not end there.