How to get a job at Control Risks
20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Control Risks actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.
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Your question
“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”
About Control Risks
Company overview
Control Risks is a leading specialist in risk management and security consulting, providing advisory services on compliance, investigations, and risk mitigation. The firm combines intelligence expertise with business acumen to help companies navigate complex risks including sanctions, corruption, fraud, and reputational challenges. Control Risks works with multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments.
Inside the company
Culture & values at Control Risks
Control Risks' culture emphasises intellectual integrity, practical risk management, and genuine client partnership. The firm values expertise in risk and security matters, entrepreneurial problem-solving, and accountability for impact. Control Risks is committed to developing consultants through mentoring, continuous learning, and clear advancement pathways. The firm celebrates diverse perspectives and expertise.
Why people want to work here
At Control Risks, you'll develop specialist expertise in risk management, compliance, and investigations—skills highly valued across sectors. The firm's focus on complex risk challenges creates rich learning opportunities. Control Risks' collaborative culture, strong mentoring, and expertise development make it an excellent place to build a specialised consulting career. The firm's prominent client relationships and intelligence expertise provide significant advantages.
What to expect
Working at Control Risks
Most roles at Control Risks are office-based or hybrid, with teams typically splitting time between their London, UK offices and remote working. The day usually starts with team stand-ups or check-ins, followed by focused project work. Collaboration is a significant part of the role — expect cross-functional meetings, client interactions, and working alongside colleagues from different departments throughout the day. The rhythm varies by team, but most people find a mix of heads-down work and collaborative sessions. Peak periods (month-end, quarter-end, project deadlines) can mean longer hours, but the day-to-day pace is generally manageable.
As a 700+-person organisation, Control Risks offers the chance to make a visible, measurable impact. Teams are small and close-knit — you'll know most of your colleagues by name within your first few weeks. The flip side of a smaller organisation is that you may need to wear multiple hats, but many people find this variety energising and a faster route to building broad experience.
The culture at Control Risks shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Analytical rigour and risk assessment ability and Regulatory and compliance awareness. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Control Risks recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.
The hiring journey
Control Risks interview process
Control Risks' recruiting process includes case interviews, risk discussions, and behavioural assessments to identify problem-solvers with analytical ability and risk acumen.
Online application and CV screening
VariesOnline application and CV screening
First-round interviews (case discussions and risk scenario discussion)
VariesFirst-round interviews (case discussions and risk scenario discussion)
Second-round interviews (complex risk cases and strategic thinking)
VariesSecond-round interviews (complex risk cases and strategic thinking)
Final round with managing director on career vision and fit
VariesFinal round with managing director on career vision and fit
Optional risk or analytical assessment
VariesOptional risk or analytical assessment
4-8 weeks from application to offer
Insider tips
Develop strong case interview skills with focus on risk analysis and mitigation. Research Control Risks' compliance, sanctions, and investigations work. Prepare examples showing risk thinking and problem-solving. Show genuine interest in compliance, sanctions, and risk management. Practice understanding complex regulatory environments. Demonstrate awareness of geopolitical and regulatory landscape.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your Control Risks interview
Control Risks's interview process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to offer. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.
4 weeks before
Research Control Risks thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in consulting & advisory and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow Control Risks on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 5 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at Control Risks and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Analytical rigour and risk assessment ability, Regulatory and compliance awareness, Communication clarity and ability to advise on complex matters. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Risk Analyst or Business Analyst role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.
2 weeks before
Do a full mock interview covering Control Risks's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to Control Risks's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Control Risks's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.
Stand out from the crowd
What Control Risks looks for
Analytical rigour and risk assessment ability
Analytical rigour and risk assessment ability
Regulatory and compliance awareness
Regulatory and compliance awareness
Communication clarity and ability to advise on complex matters
Communication clarity and ability to advise on complex matters
Collaborative approach with strong team engagement
Collaborative approach with strong team engagement
Initiative and practical problem-solving ability
Initiative and practical problem-solving ability
Get through the door
How to apply to Control Risks
Start by studying Control Risks's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — consulting & advisory employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Risk Analyst, Business Analyst, Management Consultant, research what each role involves at Control Risks specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Control Risks's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether Control Risks offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many consulting & advisory employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.
Before submitting your application, research Control Risks's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every consulting & advisory employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at Control Risks on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
As a smaller organisation, Control Risks values personal connections. Attending industry events where their team members speak or exhibit can be an effective way to build rapport before you apply. In consulting & advisory specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.
Mistakes candidates make
- 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference Control Risks or consulting & advisory-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
- 2Failing to research Control Risks's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
- 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Analytical rigour and risk assessment ability and Regulatory and compliance awareness — Control Risks uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
- 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — Control Risks's process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to offer, and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
- 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about Control Risks and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at Control Risks simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
Real questions asked
Control Risks interview questions
20 questions sourced from real Control Risks candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.
- 1Tell us about your background and interest in Control Risks.
- 2Describe a project involving risk assessment or mitigation.
- 3Give an example of when you had to advise on regulatory compliance.
- 4How do you approach complex risk scenarios?
- 5Tell us about a time you managed uncertainty in a risky situation.
- 6Walk us through a complex analysis you conducted.
- 7Why risk management and compliance interest you.
- 8How do you balance risk mitigation with business objectives?
Your career here
Growth & development at Control Risks
Career progression at Control Risks follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many consulting & advisory organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.
Control Risks invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.
For consulting & advisory professionals, Control Risks offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Analytical rigour and risk assessment ability and Regulatory and compliance awareness — are transferable across the consulting & advisory sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Control Risks started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.
Compensation
Salary & benefits at Control Risks
Analyst: £42,000–£52,000; Consultant: £58,000–£72,000; Senior Consultant: £92,000–£118,000+
Notable benefits
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at Control Risks
Frequently asked questions
What is Control Risks' expertise in sanctions compliance?
Control Risks has deep expertise in sanctions compliance, helping multinational companies navigate complex international sanctions regimes. The firm advises on sanctions risk assessment, compliance programme development, and investigations. This sanctions expertise is highly specialised and creates significant career differentiation.
What types of investigations does Control Risks conduct?
Control Risks supports corruption investigations, fraud inquiries, and due diligence investigations. The firm combines forensic analysis with intelligence expertise to conduct thorough investigations. Investigation experience provides exposure to complex, sensitive matters and develops investigative and analytical skills.
What do junior consultants do?
As an Analyst or Consultant, you'll lead workstreams on risk and compliance engagements involving research, data analysis, interviews, and risk assessment. You might conduct due diligence, assess compliance risks, analyse corporate data, or support investigations. You'll work closely with senior consultants and gain expertise in risk assessment.
How does Control Risks develop expertise?
Control Risks is committed to developing specialists through dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, expert training programmes, and clear advancement pathways. You'll have a mentor and manager supporting your growth. The firm provides training in risk, compliance, and investigation methodologies. Control Risks emphasises expert knowledge development.
What is the career progression?
The progression is Analyst (1-2 years) → Consultant (2-3 years) → Senior Consultant (3-4 years) → Manager (3-4 years) → Principal. Advancement depends on demonstrated client impact, risk expertise, and specialist capability. Control Risks evaluates consultants regularly with clear expectations.
Do I need a compliance or legal background?
No, Control Risks recruits from diverse backgrounds without requiring prior compliance or legal experience. The firm values analytical skills, business acumen, and interest in risk and compliance. Control Risks will develop compliance and regulatory expertise through training and project work. Your analytical ability and risk thinking matter most.
Your Control Risks interview is coming.
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Practise with real Control Risks questions, get scored across 6 competencies, and walk in confident you can perform under pressure.
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