Getting A Job At Nokia
Nokia is a global telecommunications, IT, and consumer electronics company. It has been innovating in the communications space for over 155 years, the last 30 of which have been focused upon transforming telecommunications.
Working for Nokia, you'll be part of a company that has always been at the forefront of innovation. In 1991, the first GSM call was made using Nokia equipment and, by 1998, Nokia was the best-selling mobile phone brand.
Nokia has adapted to sector competition by entering strategic partnerships, making acquisitions, and shifting to being primarily a network hardware and software provider. This has positioned the company as a global leader in the telecommunications industry.
Securing a role with Nokia is a competitive process but, with the right preparation, you'll be able to impress during the recruitment process.
Nokia Values
As an organisation, Nokia is committed to 'delivering' critical networks through technology leadership and trusted partnerships.' Its 2021 Strategy contains four strategic commitments, which are:
- To be a trusted partner for critical networks
- To focus on technology leadership in each of its businesses
- To capture the value shift to cloud and new business models
- To create value with long-term research and intellectual property
To deliver on these goals, an open and innovative culture is needed. In daily operations, Nokia strives to create an environment where employees:
Feel Connected – Comfortably contribute and collaborate within Nokia's diverse community.
Feel Inspired – Help Nokia to innovate and be a leader in communications technology.
Feel Empowered – Get support to develop their careers and can capitalise on personal and professional growth opportunities.
Feel Engaged – Arrive at work every day feeling a sense of purpose and pride.
Types Of Roles At Nokia
Nokia has opportunities for students and graduates, as well as for early career professionals and experienced hires.
The company operates across four business groups: Mobile Networks, Network Infrastructure, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies.
Nokia has opportunities across its seven working regions: Europe, Asia Pacific and Japan, Greater China, India, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and North America.
Hiring Process At Nokia
To secure a role at Nokia, you'll need to navigate the multi-stage recruitment process. This consists of an online application, online psychometric testing, a technical interview, and a HR interview.
Nokia Online Application
The first step in the process is to submit an online application. The form will require you to enter your personal details and outline your educational background and work history. You may also be asked to answer a few questions around your motivation for working for Nokia, and for your chosen business area.
Nokia Online Ability Tests
Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive an invitation to complete an online assessment. The content and length of this varies according to business area, job role, and career level, but the assessment usually has a time limit of 90 minutes.
Within that time, you'll be asked to answer questions to test several different ability areas. These will be split into sections, and these are explained in greater detail below:
Nokia Logical Reasoning Test
Logical reasoning questions assess your ability to think logically and critically. They involve shapes and patterns, in both black and white and colour. You'll be provided with the first few figures in a sequence, and then be asked to select the next figure from a selection of answers. The tests are timed, so you'll need to work quickly and accurately.
It's important to practice logical reasoning, as the question style and content is different from anything you're likely to encounter day to day.
Nokia Diagrammatic Reasoning Test
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are similar to logical reasoning tests, as they assess your ability to interpret the rules governing flow charts or diagrams and to apply these to select the next shape or figure in the sequence.
These questions are multiple-choice and will be timed. The time allowance given to a diagrammatic reasoning test usually corresponds to answering one question per minute.
Nokia Verbal Reasoning Test
Verbal reasoning questions assess your skills of interpretation, analysis, and deduction. You'll first be presented with a passage of text to read through carefully. The questions that follow will each consist of a statement and three multiple-choice options. You'll need to indicate whether the statement is 'True', 'False', or you 'Cannot Say' based upon the information provided in the passage.
To score well, you'll need to be able to rapidly absorb information and make accurate deductions and inferences from the text.
Nokia Numerical Reasoning Test
Numerical reasoning questions provide insight into your ability to interpret data and handle numbers. They involve basic mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, sequences, currency conversations, general arithmetic, and simple algebra.
The data will be provided in charts, graphs, and tables, and will likely be relevant to the job role for which you are applying.
You're not permitted to use a calculator, but all questions are multiple-choice.
To ensure you can excel in all reasoning areas, it is sensible to practice using mock online assessments. Through these, you'll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can prioritise your preparation time.
Nokia Technical Interview
If you achieve a high score in the ability assessment, you'll be invited to attend a technical interview. This will be a competency-based interview focusing upon the key technical skills necessary for the role.
You'll be required to talk about how you have successfully applied your skills in the past, so prepare examples in line with the job description. To ensure your answers are well structured, use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Depending upon the role you're applying for, your interview will also include a practical exercise. For example, you may be asked to write some code to solve a given problem, and then talk through your work with the interviewer.
Nokia HR Interview
The final stage in the Nokia hiring process is an interview with a member of the HR department. This will explore your motivations for applying to Nokia (and your business area and specific role), delve into your career ambitions, and assess your potential to thrive at Nokia.
Remember that an interview is a two-way process. Bring some questions for your interviewer, as insightful questions display curiosity and a good level of engagement with the sector.
It is worth noting that your interviews may be in-person at a Nokia office, or held virtually, depending upon the circumstances.
What Is It Like To Work At Nokia?
Nokia believes in continuous learning. Therefore, as part of the company, you'll have access to support around performance and career development. Offerings include Nokia's annual Global Days of Learning, and employee access to learning solutions provided by Nokia EDU, the company's learning organisation.
Nokia prides itself on a collaborative, innovative, and supportive work environment that supports well-being at work. Inclusion and diversity are important to Nokia, and its diversity data can be viewed online.
Top Tips For Getting Hired At Nokia
Research Nokia
The recruitment team are looking for individuals who are genuinely keen to work for Nokia and can clearly outline the motivation behind this. A good way to display your enthusiasm is to thoroughly research Nokia and your specific business area. Look out for any recent developments in the sector that may be changing the landscape and impacting Nokia, as well as any news articles or announcements about the company.
Practice Interview Questions
Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, particularly when it feels as if a lot is riding upon your performance. To help put yourself at ease on the day, prepare examples to use to evidence your skills and practice answering common interview questions with a friend or family member. Remember to keep the job description and Nokia's values and culture in mind when forming your answers.
Build Confidence
It is important to create a good impression at all stages of the process. To do this, seek to build your confidence in each area that will be assessed. Use practice tests to boost your ability and confidence to tackle online assessments, thoroughly review the job description and align your skills and talents, and practice delivering your interview answers.
Note though that the best interviews are natural two-way conversations, so don't over-rehearse. Know your practical examples so you are confident in conveying and evidencing your suitability for the role.
