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.
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Your question
“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”
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.
Online application and CV screening
VariesOnline application and CV screening
First-round interviews (case discussions and strategic thinking)
VariesFirst-round interviews (case discussions and strategic thinking)
Second-round interviews (complex cases and business discussion)
VariesSecond-round interviews (complex cases and business discussion)
Final round with director or senior partner on career vision
VariesFinal round with director or senior partner on career vision
Optional strategic assessments
VariesOptional 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.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your Teneo interview
Teneo'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 Teneo 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 Teneo 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 Teneo and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Strategic thinking and business acumen, Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability, Communication clarity and stakeholder influence capability. 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 Management Consultant 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 Teneo'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 Teneo's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Teneo'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 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
Get through the door
How to apply to Teneo
Start by studying Teneo'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 Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Project Manager, research what each role involves at Teneo specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Teneo'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 Teneo 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 Teneo'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 Teneo on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
As a smaller organisation, Teneo 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 Teneo 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 Teneo'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 Strategic thinking and business acumen and Analytical rigour and problem-solving ability — Teneo 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 — Teneo'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 Teneo and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at Teneo simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
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
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at Teneo
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.
Your Teneo interview is coming.
Be ready for it.
Practise with real Teneo questions, get scored across 6 competencies, and walk in confident you can perform under pressure.
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