Strategy Consulting

How to get a job at Kantar

20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Kantar actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.

London, UK 30,000+ 3.8/5/5 Glassdoor
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Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.

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About Kantar

Company overview

Kantar is the world's leading data, insights, and consulting company, serving major corporations across consumer, media, technology, and healthcare sectors. The firm combines market research expertise with advanced analytics and consulting services to help clients understand consumers, develop strategy, and drive growth. Kantar works with ambitious brands to unlock consumer insights and build competitive advantage.

Inside the company

Culture & values at Kantar

Kantar's culture emphasises data-driven insights, consumer understanding, and collaborative problem-solving. The firm values creativity combined with analytical rigour, entrepreneurial thinking, and genuine commitment to client success. Kantar is committed to developing talent through mentoring, continuous learning opportunities, and clear advancement pathways. The firm celebrates diverse perspectives and creates an inclusive environment.

Why people want to work here

At Kantar, you'll develop expertise in consumer insights, market research, and data analytics—highly valued skills across industries. The firm's diverse client base and range of projects create rich learning opportunities. Kantar's strong culture of mentoring, access to cutting-edge data and analytics tools, and clear development pathways make it an excellent place to build a consulting career. The firm's global reach provides international opportunities.

What to expect

Working at Kantar

Most roles at Kantar 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.

With 30,000+ employees, Kantar is large enough to offer diverse teams, specialisms, and career paths, but not so large that individual contributions go unnoticed. You'll typically work within a team of 6–15 people with clear reporting lines and regular feedback loops. Cross-team collaboration is common, and most people find they build a strong professional network within their first year.

The culture at Kantar shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Analytical rigour and consumer insight thinking and Research acumen and understanding of methodologies. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Kantar 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

Kantar interview process

Kantar's recruiting process includes case interviews, insight discussions, and behavioural assessments to identify problem-solvers with analytical ability and consumer thinking.

1

Online application and CV screening

Varies

Online application and CV screening

2

First-round interviews (case discussions and consumer insight thinking)

Varies

First-round interviews (case discussions and consumer insight thinking)

3

Second-round interviews (complex cases and strategic insight)

Varies

Second-round interviews (complex cases and strategic insight)

4

Final round with director or senior leader on career vision

Varies

Final round with director or senior leader on career vision

5

Optional analytical or case assessment

Varies

Optional analytical or case assessment

4-8 weeks from application to offer

Insider tips

Develop strong case interview skills with focus on consumer insights and market analysis. Research Kantar's consumer research methodologies and recent client work. Prepare examples showing consumer thinking and analytical insights. Show genuine interest in understanding consumers and brands. Build familiarity with market research concepts and methods. Demonstrate understanding of media and technology landscapes.

Stand out from the crowd

What Kantar looks for

Analytical rigour and consumer insight thinking

Analytical rigour and consumer insight thinking

Research acumen and understanding of methodologies

Research acumen and understanding of methodologies

Communication clarity and ability to translate insights into action

Communication clarity and ability to translate insights into action

Collaborative approach with strong team engagement

Collaborative approach with strong team engagement

Initiative and drive to deliver consumer understanding

Initiative and drive to deliver consumer understanding

Real questions asked

Kantar interview questions

20 questions sourced from real Kantar candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.

  • 1Tell us about your background and interest in Kantar.
  • 2Describe a project involving consumer insights or market research.
  • 3Give an example of when you analysed consumer behaviour.
  • 4How do you approach understanding consumer needs?
  • 5Tell us about a time you translated insights into recommendations.
  • 6Walk us through a consumer or market challenge.
  • 7Why consumer insights and research interest you.
  • 8How do you ensure research validity and reliability?

Your career here

Growth & development at Kantar

Career progression at Kantar 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 strategy consulting organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.

Kantar 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, Kantar 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 consumer insight thinking and Research acumen and understanding of methodologies — are transferable across the strategy consulting 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 Kantar started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.

Compensation

Salary & benefits at Kantar

Associate Consultant: £40,000–£50,000; Consultant: £55,000–£70,000; Senior Consultant: £85,000–£110,000+

Notable benefits

Competitive salary with performance bonus (10-20% of base)
Private health insurance with family options
Pension scheme with employer contribution
Flexible working and parental leave (18+ weeks)
Professional development budget
Gym membership and wellness support
Travel and relocation benefits
Life insurance and income protection
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

How they hire

What it's like interviewing at Kantar

Kantar hires steadily across the year, with busier periods aligned to business cycles and project wins. As a 30,000-person employer, they have established recruitment teams and structured processes — expect professionalism at every stage. They're selective but not inaccessible: candidates who prepare thoroughly and demonstrate alignment with the company's priorities have a genuine chance.

Kantar's interview culture is formal and competency-driven. Expect structured questions against a scorecard, with interviewers trained to assess Analytical rigour and consumer insight thinking and Research acumen and understanding of methodologies through specific examples. The atmosphere is professional but not hostile — they want to find the right candidate, not catch you out. Come prepared with evidence-based answers and you'll be in a strong position.

Life at the company

Work-life balance at Kantar

Kantar offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements for most roles. The specifics vary by team and function — some roles are predominantly remote, others require regular office presence — but the overall direction is towards flexibility. This isn't just policy on paper: employees generally report that managers support flexible working in practice, not just in the handbook. Notable extras include dedicated wellbeing and mental health support, generous annual leave.

Be realistic about pace: consulting & advisory is demanding, and Kantar is no exception. Peak periods — whether that's deal closings, audit season, or major project deadlines — can mean long hours and high pressure. Outside those peaks, the rhythm is more sustainable, and the organisation generally supports recovery time. The trade-off is clear: the work is demanding but the experience, compensation, and career progression reflect that.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kantar's focus on consumer insights?

Kantar is the world's leading consumer insights company, combining market research expertise with advanced analytics. The firm helps brands understand consumers through surveys, tracking studies, ethnography, and data analytics. This consumer insights focus creates opportunities to develop deep expertise in understanding behaviour, attitudes, and purchasing decisions.

What research methodologies does Kantar use?

Kantar employs diverse research methodologies including quantitative surveys, qualitative research, ethnographic studies, and advanced analytics. Consultants develop expertise in survey design, statistical analysis, and insight interpretation. This methodological breadth creates rich learning opportunities for developing research and analytical skills.

What do junior consultants work on?

As an Associate or Consultant, you'll support research projects involving questionnaire design, data analysis, client interviews, and insight synthesis. You might analyse consumer surveys, prepare research reports, support client presentations, or help develop recommendations. You'll work closely with senior consultants and develop strong research skills.

How does Kantar develop consultant skills?

Kantar is committed to consultant development through dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, training in research methodology and analytics, and clear advancement pathways. You'll have a mentor and manager supporting your growth. The firm provides training in research design, statistical analysis, and consumer insight interpretation. Kantar emphasises expert knowledge development.

What is the career progression?

The progression is Associate Consultant (1-2 years) → Consultant (2-3 years) → Senior Consultant (3-4 years) → Manager (3-4 years) → Senior Manager. Advancement depends on demonstrated research excellence, client impact, and insight capability. Kantar evaluates staff regularly with clear expectations.

Do I need market research experience?

No, Kantar recruits from diverse backgrounds without requiring prior research experience. The firm values analytical skills, consumer thinking, and intellectual curiosity about human behaviour. Kantar will develop research methodology expertise through training and project work. Your analytical ability and interest in consumers matter more than specific experience.

What is the work-life balance like at Kantar?

Work-life balance at Kantar varies by role and team. The strategy consulting sector is demanding, and peak periods can mean long hours. Outside those peaks, most employees report a manageable workload with increasing support for flexible and hybrid working.

Does Kantar sponsor work visas for UK roles?

Kantar is a licensed visa sponsor and regularly supports visa applications for roles where they can't find suitable UK-based candidates. Check individual job listings for sponsorship eligibility — not all positions qualify, and the requirements can change. Immigration policy changes can affect eligibility, so verify current requirements with Kantar's HR team during the application process.

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