How to get a job at Oxford Economics
20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Oxford Economics 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 Oxford Economics
Company overview
Oxford Economics is a leading independent economic research and forecasting firm providing analysis on regional, national, and global economic trends. The firm combines economic expertise with advanced quantitative modelling to support strategic decision-making for corporations, governments, and financial institutions. Oxford Economics specialises in macroeconomic analysis, regional economic assessment, and long-term strategic forecasting.
Inside the company
Culture & values at Oxford Economics
Oxford Economics' culture emphasises intellectual excellence, economic rigour, and commitment to robust analysis. The firm values data-driven insights, clear communication of complex concepts, and genuine client partnership. Oxford Economics is committed to developing talent through mentoring, continuous learning, and clear advancement pathways. The firm celebrates diverse expertise and analytical approaches.
Why people want to work here
At Oxford Economics, you'll develop deep expertise in economic analysis, forecasting, and data science—highly specialised and valued skills. The firm's focus on rigorous economic research and advanced modelling creates exceptional learning opportunities. Oxford Economics' collaborative culture, strong mentoring, and expert development make it an excellent place to build economic and analytical expertise. The firm's prominent global relationships provide advantages.
What to expect
Working at Oxford Economics
Most roles at Oxford Economics 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 400+-person organisation, Oxford Economics 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 Oxford Economics shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Strong quantitative and statistical skills and Economic thinking and understanding of macroeconomic dynamics. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Oxford Economics 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
Oxford Economics interview process
Oxford Economics' recruiting process includes analytical discussions, economic reasoning assessments, and behavioural interviews to identify strong quantitative thinkers with economic insight.
Online application and CV screening
VariesOnline application and CV screening
First-round interviews (analytical discussion and economic thinking)
VariesFirst-round interviews (analytical discussion and economic thinking)
Second-round interviews (quantitative case or analytical challenge)
VariesSecond-round interviews (quantitative case or analytical challenge)
Final round with managing director on career vision and fit
VariesFinal round with managing director on career vision and fit
Optional quantitative or modelling assessment
VariesOptional quantitative or modelling assessment
4-8 weeks from application to offer
Insider tips
Develop strong quantitative and analytical skills with focus on economic concepts. Research Oxford Economics' forecasting models and recent publications. Prepare examples showing analytical thinking and data analysis. Show genuine interest in macroeconomic trends and long-term forecasting. Build comfort with econometrics and statistical modelling. Demonstrate understanding of global economic dynamics.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your Oxford Economics interview
Oxford Economics'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 Oxford Economics 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 Oxford Economics 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 Oxford Economics and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Strong quantitative and statistical skills, Economic thinking and understanding of macroeconomic dynamics, Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability. 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 Data 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 Oxford Economics'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 Oxford Economics's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Oxford Economics'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 Oxford Economics looks for
Strong quantitative and statistical skills
Strong quantitative and statistical skills
Economic thinking and understanding of macroeconomic dynamics
Economic thinking and understanding of macroeconomic dynamics
Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability
Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability
Communication clarity and ability to explain complex analysis
Communication clarity and ability to explain complex analysis
Initiative and commitment to excellent analysis
Initiative and commitment to excellent analysis
Get through the door
How to apply to Oxford Economics
Start by studying Oxford Economics'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 Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, research what each role involves at Oxford Economics specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Oxford Economics'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 Oxford Economics offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many economic consulting employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.
Before submitting your application, research Oxford Economics'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 economic consulting employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at Oxford Economics on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
As a smaller organisation, Oxford Economics 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 economic consulting specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.
Mistakes candidates make
- 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference Oxford Economics 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 Oxford Economics'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 Strong quantitative and statistical skills and Economic thinking and understanding of macroeconomic dynamics — Oxford Economics 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 — Oxford Economics'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 Oxford Economics and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at Oxford Economics simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
Real questions asked
Oxford Economics interview questions
20 questions sourced from real Oxford Economics candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.
- 1Tell us about your background and interest in Oxford Economics.
- 2Describe a project involving quantitative or economic analysis.
- 3Give an example of when you built a complex model or analysis.
- 4How do you approach economic forecasting or analysis?
- 5Tell us about a time you communicated quantitative findings.
- 6Walk us through a complex analytical challenge.
- 7Why macroeconomic analysis or forecasting interests you.
- 8How do you ensure reliability in quantitative analysis?
Your career here
Growth & development at Oxford Economics
Career progression at Oxford Economics 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 economic consulting organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.
Oxford Economics 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, Oxford Economics 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 Strong quantitative and statistical skills and Economic thinking and understanding of macroeconomic dynamics — are transferable across the economic 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 Oxford Economics started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.
Compensation
Salary & benefits at Oxford Economics
Analyst: £38,000–£48,000; Economist: £52,000–£68,000; Senior Economist: £88,000–£115,000+
Notable benefits
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at Oxford Economics
Frequently asked questions
What quantitative skills are essential?
Oxford Economics values strong statistical and programming skills. Proficiency with econometrics, statistical software (Python, R, SAS, STATA), and Excel modelling is valuable. The firm will develop specific technical skills on the job, but foundational quantitative ability and comfort with mathematics are essential for success.
What is Oxford Economics' approach to forecasting?
Oxford Economics combines econometric modelling, structural economic analysis, and expert judgment to produce long-term economic forecasts. The firm uses proprietary models and comprehensive data sets to project regional, national, and global economic trends. Forecasting work develops deep skills in modelling, data analysis, and economic interpretation.
What do junior economists work on?
As an Analyst or Economist, you'll contribute to economic analysis, forecasting projects, and research reports. You might gather and analyse economic data, develop forecasting models, conduct regional economic assessments, or support client research projects. You'll work closely with senior economists and develop strong analytical expertise.
How does Oxford Economics support skill development?
Oxford Economics is committed to developing talent through dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, training in economic and analytical methods, and clear advancement pathways. You'll have a mentor and manager supporting your growth. The firm provides training in econometrics, programming, and economic modelling. Emphasis is on expert knowledge development.
What is the career progression?
The progression is Analyst (1-2 years) → Economist (2-3 years) → Senior Economist (3-4 years) → Principal Economist (4-5 years) → Partner. Advancement depends on demonstrated analytical excellence, client impact, and economic expertise. Oxford Economics evaluates staff regularly with clear expectations.
What educational backgrounds work well?
Oxford Economics hires people with degrees in economics, mathematics, physics, engineering, and other quantitative fields. Advanced qualifications in economics or quantitative subjects are valuable but not required. The firm prioritises strong quantitative skills and analytical ability over specific educational credentials. Your potential to develop economic expertise matters most.
Your Oxford Economics interview is coming.
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