Office for National Statistics Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 115 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
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21 roles · 115 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Office for National Statistics.
Office for National Statistics
Research Officer
Mid Average Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Take home Technical screen Presentation Panel
Interview formats
Technical Presentation
So I first submitted a research proposal, then did an online GSR test. After that, I was invited to an interview where I had to give a presentation and make some charts using data they provided beforehand. The interviewers were really nice and friendly! Just a heads up, make sure to brush up on your statistics and how to do ANOVAs/regressions.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you explain how to perform a regression analysis?
Office for National Statistics
Statistical Officer
Mid Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Take home Presentation Technical screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Technical Presentation Behavioral Group
The process started with a take-home task where I had to do a written dissemination of a dataset. This was followed by a face-to-face interview. The interview included technical questions, questions about statistical methods, data communication, behavioural scenarios, and problem-solving related to teamwork.
Confirmed questions8 questions
- For the dissemination test, I had to draw a graph on paper and identify five key points from a 10-year dataset across different UK regions to present.
- After the initial presentation, I was asked to show my graph via camera and explain it.
- They asked me about tailoring reports and presentations for audiences with different understanding levels and how I adapt visualisations.
Office for National Statistics
Project Support Officer
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Panel Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I had to submit my CV and a 1250-word personal statement detailing how I met the job criteria with examples. After that, I got a confirmation that I passed the initial check and was invited for an interview. The interview was with two panelists, and it included a mix of questions about situations and past experiences related to the job's required behaviors. There was also a technical question directly related to the role. The whole thing took about 30 minutes, and the interviewers were nice and helpful.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you explain how you'd figure out and adjust your communication style for different people you interact with?
- Tell me about a situation where your team was under a lot of pressure and how you managed your own tasks.
- Share an instance of when you worked on a project as part of a team and how you involved people outside the team.
Office for National Statistics
Research Officer
Mid Average Neutral experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Presentation Technical screen Background check
Interview formats
Presentation Technical Behavioral
So basically, they gave me some data a week ahead of time. I had to look through it, figure out what was interesting, and then do a 5-minute presentation on the main things I found. After that, we went into the standard civil service behavioral questions, like 'Tell me about a time you...' type stuff. They also asked me about some math terms – like mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and p-values. And they touched on how you'd share research. Definitely prep your knowledge and those behavioral examples beforehand.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you share an example of a time you collaborated with others?
- Could you provide an instance where you worked effectively as part of a team?
Office for National Statistics Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Office for National Statistics interview reports.
“What does the R-squared value signify within the context of linear regression analysis?”
Read reports →“Regarding measurements, why is it significant to utilize rates such as per 1,000 population or per capita, and what kind of insights does this offer?”
Read reports →“What are the advantages and disadvantages of conducting a census compared to a survey?”
Read reports →“What distinguishes a census from a population survey, and in which scenarios would each be applicable?”
Read reports →“Could you explain the meaning of adjusted R-squared and indicate when it is more suitable for use compared to the standard R-squared?”
Read report →“In sampling, when would stratified sampling be preferable over cluster sampling, or vice versa?”
Read report →“If you don't have it, are you able to get a business clause added to your current insurance?”
Read report →“What is the distinction between quantitative and qualitative data, and in what scenarios would each be best utilized?”
Read report →“Could you elaborate on the distinctions, primary advantages, and drawbacks of conducting a census versus a population survey?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 115 Office for National Statistics interview reports.