Macquarie Numerical Reasoning Test

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Ben Hopgood Updated:

About Macquarie Numerical Reasoning Test

Macquarie looks for employees with a high numerical ability. Applicants have to pass a numerical test before being offered a position.

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Macquarie use the following tests in their selection process:

  • Verbal reasoning test
  • Numerical reasoning test
  • Logical reasoning test

Founded in Australia in 1969, Macquarie Group Limited is a multinational independent investment bank and financial services company employing approximately 14,000 people worldwide. While Macquarie Group employs many people of various skill sets, there is an extensive selection process in place to ensure only the most suitable candidates progress successfully and a high calibre of workforce is maintained. Psychometric testing is adopted throughout the recruitment process, as a means of screening out candidates who lack the abilities necessary for a career in this area. Typically, candidates are asked to complete diagrammatic, numerical and verbal reasoning tests, although further tests may be used for some positions. Candidates are informed in advance as to which tests they will be required to take.

The function of these tests is to screen out candidates without adequate numerical, verbal and diagrammatic ability, although different combinations of tests could be required depending on the level of role applied for.

Numerical reasoning tests are a fair and objective way for Macquarie to assess a wide range of applicants, each having different experiences and different qualifications. By analysing the results of a standardised numerical reasoning test, Macquarie are able to quickly see which candidates are suitable for the role and which are not. This sort of information about candidates’ skills is difficult to glean from interviews and qualifications alone, so they use professional psychometric tests.

Often, Macquarie will ask applicants to take a numerical test online, which you can take from home. When the numerical test is used early on in the application process like this you will have to achieve a minimum score before you progress to the next round (typically a score in the top 50% of applicants is required however this does vary role to role). Further along in the selection process you might be asked to attend an assessment centre or interview where you will be asked to sit a numerical test again. This is so Macquarie can verify the person scoring highly in the test is indeed the person applying for the job.

Macquarie Application Process Stages

Here is the typical process for your application to Macquarie.

Stage 1

Application

Applications are made online and require candidates to provide their contact details, education and work experience. They are also required to complete a few screening questions, which are used to ensure that the candidate is suited to their selected role.

Stage 2

Online Aptitude Test

Selected candidates will then need to undertake a selection of psychometric tests; including some of all of the following: numerical, verbal and diagrammatic reasoning, a situational judgement test and personality questionnaire. As of last update (November 2024), Macquarie use Talent Q / Korn Ferry as their test publisher.

Stage 3

Interview

Successful candidates are required to attend an initial interview, which is usually conducted in person, but is sometimes administered as a telephone interview. Later on in the selection process, this is often followed by a second interview which will be either technical/functional or competency based. It is recommended that candidates adopt the STAR approach when formulating answers, while remaining mindful of the Macquarie competencies: Leadership, Commercial Awareness, Thought Processing, Delivery, Personal Effectiveness, and Personal Style. These interviews allow opportunities to demonstrate strengths, areas of interest and experience.

Stage 4

Face to face interviews

Macquarie also use a variety of assessments throughout their selection process, so candidates should be prepared to complete some or all of the following: Presentations, Role Plays, Telephone Simulations, In-Tray exercises and Group Exercises.

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