Having just spent a really interesting day at HSBC meeting some of their recent hires across Trading, M&A, Private Banking, Retail Banking and Management I have compiled some of their top tips that will be useful for those applying to banking ….
- Try to come across as positively and professionally as possible throughout the whole process. Be enthusiastic and ask lots of questions to demonstrate your motivation.
- Don’t get phased if you can’t answer one question or you think you have not done your best in one aspect of the assessment – the assessment centre is made up of so many parts you will be able to demonstrate the key competencies through another channel.
- Be yourself. Fit, from both sides is the most important thing; there is only a short time to show them who you really are so make the most of it.
- Prepare as much as you can – know your CV inside out and think about your key achievement and what skills you developed and what you learnt. Think about examples you have to demonstrate the competencies they are recruiting for.
- As part of the assessment centre you will have to look at a business case and present back your findings – analysts advised to take a step back, look at the objectives of your presentation and have a plan before going through all the information (which may be difficult to process) that way you can skim the information knowing exactly what you are looking for to support your arguments. They key here is to recognise key information quickly, present your ideas clearly and support your arguments effectively.
- Build up a good understanding of the wider economy – this will come up in the interviews. Read the FT and economist.
- Make the most of presentations and networking opportunities with employers, often senior people will be present, if you ask lots of questions and make a good impression you will be remembered at the assessment centre.
- Relax – they are trying to get the best out of you not trip you up!
- Know the brand; read up on what the company stands for and it’s values – they will be looking for people that recognise they fit with their ethos.
