Santander Graduate Program Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 34 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Santander.
Santander
Graduate Program
Entry Easy Positive experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
Had two chats with HR and one with a technical manager. Overall, it was a good experience where they focused more on cultural fit than technical skills. The program I applied for was wealth management and insurance. I didn't get an offer because other candidates were a better fit for the position.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Personality and ability to work in a team
Santander
Graduate Trainee
Entry Average Negative experience No offer 10 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen Onsite Panel Group Presentation Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Group Presentation
Long process, took months (if you're working, you need a lot of flexibility to have free time for interviews during business hours). Many interviews and emotional toll to reach the final interview and not be chosen due to few job openings. The bank should optimize candidate time and better direct them to areas to avoid wasting the time and talent of finalists. Ready-made feedback sent to all, which I consider unprepared for a company of this size for a long process with several interviews. If a certain area only has 100% of one gender, it's easier to have an affirmative action vacancy to generate less frustration. I don't know if the intermediary made a mistake or just put someone to fill a spot.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Tell about a challenge you overcame and how you shared your knowledge.
Santander
Graduate Trainee
Entry Difficult Negative experience No offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Group Presentation
The interview process started with submitting a CV to Magma, followed by a psychometric/IQ test, and then a phone interview with Magma. The next stage was an assessment day at the central office in Lisbon, which lasted about 5 hours and involved around 42 candidates competing for positions. Most of the interviews during the assessment day were conducted by the HR team, not necessarily by the team related to the specific area of work. The assessment day included a 2-minute pitch and a group activity. There might be an individual activity or a final 1-on-1 interview with the manager if they have doubts about your capabilities, though I heard some people received offers directly after the assessment day without this last interview. They ask you to contact them if you accept another offer, but they don't reciprocate, as they don't respond to candidates who have been waiting for weeks for feedback, even if it's negative. The salary is 1300 euros before the offer is official, then it increases to 1500 euros net.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you explain your interest in Santander?
- Have you participated in any volunteer activities?
- Are there any relevant job positions you have held?
Santander Graduate Program Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Santander interview reports.
“Solve these puzzles in a group setting.”
Read reports →“What challenges do you foresee Santander facing in the near future?”
Read reports →“Given some data, how would you go about analyzing it to reach a conclusion?”
Read reports →“Given the information on AI, how should the bank approach it? Present your thoughts.”
Read reports →“How did you find the group exercise, which was rather confusing?”
Read report →“What draws you to this particular division?”
Read report →“Can you explain your interest in Santander?”
Read report →“Have you participated in any volunteer activities?”
Read report →“What is your motivation for wanting to join Santander?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 34 Santander interview reports.