CANDIDATES seeking a role with Nationwide are being asked to beat the clock in an ‘escape room’ challenge.

The 25-minute test demands problem-solving skills mirroring those which have taxed contestants in television game shows The Crystal Maze and Krypton Factor.

Nationwide’s ‘emerging talent applicants’, including graduates and prospective apprentices, are being asked to show that they can work with others and use creative thinking.

Before they’ve even been taken on, they are asked to solve clues to uncover the padlock combinations to five boxes, the last of which holds an escape key.

Candidates need to break codes and solve crosswords and spatial puzzles to complete the test.

Nationwide has run 10 escape room challenges to date in its Swindon and Northampton assessment centres, with five candidates attending each location.

Katrina Hutchinson-O’Neill, director of resourcing, said: “Just as we value the fresh insight, enthusiasm and drive our graduates and apprentices bring to the Society, it’s important that we reciprocate this approach. The refresh of cult classic game show, The Crystal Maze, is a great example of the resurgence in popularity of group problem solving tasks.

“Our escape room concept is very much the resourcing equivalent.”

Escape rooms have become a popular pastime in recent years, with Clue HQ in Shaw Ridge Retail Park being open to anyone wishing to pitch their mental agility against the clock.

One scenario involves opening a door as oxygen runs low after a nuclear fallout.

Hannah Crawley, Nationwide’s resourcing assessment manager, said: “We don’t want to compromise the quality and robustness of the assessment but we do want to offer something new, current and exciting that will engage this demographic of candidates, and help us identify future talent for Nationwide.”

Harry Dhillon is among the new recruits who enjoyed a break from more traditional job interviews as he landed a place with the building society, which is headquartered in Pipers Way.

The graduate scheme inductee said: “The overall experience took me by surprise.

“Being used to competency-based interviews, this assessment centre was a refreshing change.

“In particular, the escape room challenge and the digital aspect of the tasks. Overall, the process allowed me to showcase my skills and passion across each of the elements. The Nationwide assessment centre was the best I’ve attended; a truly rewarding experience.”