Careers at Heineken
Heineken has a firm commitment to hiring the most talented people. Its hiring process includes a series of psychometric tests and face-to-face interviews, plus a final day at an assessment centre.
Because of its expansion to new markets and the ever-growing number of breweries owned, Heineken thinks about the future and looks to find the future leaders of its brands. This represents a challenge, as its global application volumes are among the highest.
To ensure effective hiring, Heineken relies on SHL for its recruitment process – particularly for the graduate selection programme.
Heineken Application Process
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1
Online application form
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2
Aptitude tests (numerical, verbal, logical)
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3
Pre-recorded interview
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4
Face-to-face interviews
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5
Assessment centre
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6
Offer
Heineken partners with SHL to run its general recruitment process and International Graduate Program.
Each starts with an application form, followed by a series of SHL tests (numerical, verbal and logical), multiple interviews, and an invitation to an assessment centre as the final step.
Candidates report the process takes at least 4 weeks from application form to assessment centre (often longer).
Online application form
The first step – an online application form with CV and cover letter attached – is something of an industry standard. Remember to both include the reason why your particular skills would fit the job position and why you want to work for Heineken specifically.
Heineken Aptitude Tests
Heineken numerical reasoning tests
A numerical reasoning test assesses your mathematical, data interpretation and financial analysis skills. They will consist of a set of multiple-choice questions to be answered within a time limit, usually between 20 to 40 minutes.
The questions can take the form of a graph, a table, or calculations of fractions and percentages.
You should practice numerical reasoning tests before taking the actual exam. This will help you familiarise with the test format and make you aware of any areas where you are weaker.
Heineken verbal reasoning tests
Verbal reasoning tests determine your level of reading comprehension skills. You will be given several short passages and asked questions related to them.
The most difficult part about a verbal reasoning test is focusing on the text while under time pressure. It’s easy to skip valuable information while being stressed.
Practice as much as possible, recreating the same conditions you will find during the exam. Time yourself during your practice and make sure you have some spare time left at the end.
Heineken logical reasoning tests
The second stage of recruitment will also include a logical reasoning test. This test assesses your ability to draw conclusions from a set of information.
Again presented as multiple-choice questions, logical reasoning tests can be of different natures. Most likely, the Heineken recruitment process will include a deductive and an inductive reasoning test.
A deductive reasoning test will give a scenario and present you with a set of actions you could take, but only one is correct.
An inductive reasoning test will give you a set of shapes or forms, and ask you to complete the set by choosing between the answers provided.
Heineken pre-recorded interview
If you’ve scored high enough on the psychometric tests, you will be invited to a pre-recorded style interview. You will be presented with a prepared question and will be given a set amount of time to record the answer.
To prepare, you can research interview questions under the STAR type and prepare your answers ahead. Some of these could be “What’s the reason behind your application?” or “What you can bring to the company?”.
Practice answering the questions out loud, in front of a mirror. You can also keep some notes on the side of common points you can cover on a variety of questions. This way, you will avoid wasting time thinking of what to answer and won’t be caught off-guard.
Heineken face-to-face interviews
If you pass the pre-recorded interview, you will be invited to a face-to-face interview on-site. This is a great chance for you to demonstrate your communication skills and show the company how you present yourself in a formal situation.
During this interview, you will also be asked to take another psychometric test: a situational judgement test, where you will be asked to solve typical work situations. You will be evaluated on your ability to match your answers to the company’s corporate standards.
Another face-to-face interview will take place if you pass the first one. A panel of four people from the company will ask you to present a topic related to the position you’re applying for, in addition to asking you more general questions.
Heineken assessment centre
The last step in Heineken’s recruitment process is taking simulation exercises in Heineken’s assessment centre. All the shortlisted candidates will be invited to the assessment centre — around 30 individuals.
This is a full day of assessment where candidates also get to participate in activities and meet the company’s managers.
About half of the candidates invited to the assessment day will be offered placements. You should familiarize yourself with common assessment centre tasks and practice as much as you can before the assessment day.
