Consulting & Advisory

How to get a job at Teneo

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

London, UK 5,000+ 3.9/5/5 Glassdoor
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Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

About Teneo

Company overview

Teneo is a global advisory firm providing strategic communications, consulting, and restructuring services to companies, governments, and financial institutions. The firm combines expertise in corporate strategy, investor relations, crisis management, and restructuring to help clients navigate complex challenges. Teneo works on high-stakes situations requiring multidisciplinary expertise and strategic communication.

Inside the company

Culture & values at Teneo

Teneo's culture emphasises collaborative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and genuine client partnership. The firm values intellectual integrity, entrepreneurial approaches, and accountability for impact. Teneo is committed to developing consultants as future leaders through mentoring, continuous learning, and clear advancement pathways. The firm celebrates diverse perspectives and creates an inclusive environment.

Why people want to work here

At Teneo, you'll work on strategic and high-stakes projects requiring multidisciplinary expertise across strategy, communications, and restructuring. The firm's diverse service offerings create rich learning opportunities and broad skill development. Teneo's collaborative culture and focus on consultant development make it an exceptional place to build expertise. The firm's prominent client relationships provide significant career advantages.

What to expect

Working at Teneo

Most roles at Teneo 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 5,000+-person organisation, Teneo sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.

The culture at Teneo shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Strategic thinking and business acumen and Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Teneo 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

Teneo interview process

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

1

Online application and CV screening

Varies

Online application and CV screening

2

First-round interviews (case discussions and strategic thinking)

Varies

First-round interviews (case discussions and strategic thinking)

3

Second-round interviews (complex cases and business discussion)

Varies

Second-round interviews (complex cases and business discussion)

4

Final round with director or senior partner on career vision

Varies

Final round with director or senior partner on career vision

5

Optional strategic assessments

Varies

Optional strategic assessments

4-8 weeks from application to offer

Insider tips

Develop strong case interview skills with focus on strategic and financial analysis. Research Teneo's transformation, restructuring, and communications work. Prepare examples demonstrating strategic thinking, impact, and ability to work on complex situations. Show interest in stakeholder management and communications strategy. Practice articulating strategic insights clearly. Demonstrate understanding of crisis and restructuring contexts.

Stand out from the crowd

What Teneo looks for

Strategic thinking and business acumen

Strategic thinking and business acumen

Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability

Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability

Communication clarity and stakeholder influence capability

Communication clarity and stakeholder influence capability

Collaborative approach with strong interpersonal skills

Collaborative approach with strong interpersonal skills

Initiative and ability to manage complex situations

Initiative and ability to manage complex situations

Real questions asked

Teneo interview questions

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

  • 1Tell us about your background and interest in Teneo.
  • 2Describe a project where you managed complex stakeholder dynamics.
  • 3Give an example of when you had to communicate strategically.
  • 4How do you approach strategy development?
  • 5Tell us about a time you managed a crisis or urgent situation.
  • 6Walk us through a strategic challenge you analysed.
  • 7Why strategic communications or restructuring interests you.
  • 8How do you balance stakeholder interests in complex situations?

Your career here

Growth & development at Teneo

Career progression at Teneo 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.

Teneo 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, Teneo 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 Strategic thinking and business acumen and Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability — 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 Teneo started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.

Compensation

Salary & benefits at Teneo

Analyst: £43,000–£53,000; Consultant: £58,000–£72,000; Senior Consultant: £90,000–£115,000+

Notable benefits

Competitive salary with performance bonus (12-25% 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 Teneo

With 5,000+ employees, Teneo doesn't hire in massive volumes, which means each vacancy gets focused attention. You're less likely to be processed through an impersonal system — expect more direct interaction with hiring managers earlier in the process. The flip side is that roles may appear less frequently, so when a position opens, move quickly with a strong application.

Teneo's interview culture is formal and competency-driven. Expect structured questions against a scorecard, with interviewers trained to assess Strategic thinking and business acumen and Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability 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 Teneo

Teneo 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 Teneo 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 Teneo's focus on crisis management?

Teneo has deep expertise in crisis management and reputational issues, helping companies navigate scandals, regulatory challenges, and stakeholder concerns. The firm combines strategic analysis with communications expertise. This crisis focus creates opportunities to work on high-stakes, time-sensitive situations with significant business impact.

How does Teneo combine restructuring and communications?

Teneo's multidisciplinary approach means restructuring projects typically include communications strategy for managing stakeholders, investors, employees, and customers. This combination creates unique value and learning opportunities for consultants exposed to both operational and communications dimensions of complex situations.

What do junior consultants work on?

As an Analyst or Consultant, you'll lead workstreams on advisory engagements involving research, stakeholder analysis, communications strategy development, and project support. You might conduct interviews, analyse stakeholder concerns, develop communication materials, or support strategy development. You'll work closely with senior consultants.

How does Teneo support consultant development?

Teneo is committed to developing consultants through structured mentoring, regular feedback, skill-building programmes, and clear advancement pathways. You'll have a mentor and manager supporting your growth. The firm provides training in consulting, strategy, and communications skills. Teneo emphasises learning from complex, high-stakes engagements.

What is the career progression?

The progression is Analyst (1-2 years) → Consultant (2-3 years) → Senior Consultant (2-3 years) → Manager (3-4 years) → Senior Manager. Advancement depends on demonstrated client impact, strategic capability, and leadership potential. Teneo evaluates consultants regularly with transparent feedback.

Do I need a communications background?

No, Teneo recruits from diverse backgrounds including non-communications professionals. The firm values analytical skills, strategic thinking, and ability to understand stakeholder dynamics. Teneo will develop communications and strategic expertise through training and project work. Your business acumen and strategic thinking matter most.

What is the work-life balance like at Teneo?

Work-life balance at Teneo varies by role and team. The consulting & advisory 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 Teneo sponsor work visas for UK roles?

Visa sponsorship at Teneo may be available for specialist roles. Check their careers page or contact their recruitment team directly to confirm whether the specific position you're interested in offers sponsorship. Immigration policy changes can affect eligibility, so verify current requirements with Teneo's HR team during the application process.

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