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Careers at HSBC
There are several stages to the application process. Each is important and you will want to do yourself justice at every one. Here we give you a brief overview of what to expect at each stage, plus a few tips on how to prepare
The on-line application form
This is your chance to make a good first impression, so invest time and care in completing the form. The following tips should help:
It is a good idea to print the application form, read it through carefully and think about your answers - write them out and rewrite them until you're happy - before you start to fill in the form online.
- What we are most interested in is why you want to work for us and your reasons for applying to your chosen position. So make sure you've done your research on our website, investigate all your options and can explain how you've reached your decision.
- Keep your answers informative but concise. There's no need to over-elaborate as long as you cover the key points.
- Don't just describe your achievements - explain what you've learned from them. And tell us how you've used your skills and experiences giving examples from a wide range of situations - they don't always have to be academic. Keep your examples as current as possible. Don't exaggerate them or make them up as you're likely to be asked about them at interview.
- Use the save and return facility if you're short of time. Even if you're not, it's always wise to take a break, then re-read what you've written with a fresh pair of eyes. This gives you another chance to make sure you haven't missed anything out and to spot mistakes.
- Keep a copy of the application form to re-read before your interview.
Aptitude tests
Whichever job vacancy you apply for, strong verbal and numerical reasoning skills are important. So, once your application passes our screening process, we'll ask you to complete verbal and numerical reasoning tests. These should take about 1 hour and a half.
Face-to face interviews
These interviews don't have to be stressful. With the right preparation and frame of mind, you can actually find them enjoyable.
Before
- Make sure you know where you're going and how to get there - and give yourself plenty of time.
- Re-read your application. Remember what you said and why you said it.
- Refresh yourself on the research you've already done on HSBC and the particular business area you'd like to join. Knowing your facts will impress your interviewer and show us you're serious about a career with us.
- Prepare appropriate questions to ask. This is a chance to find out exactly what's involved in the work and the training, and to make sure both we and the programme are right for you.
- Beyond the essential criteria, we look for other skills and interests. So be ready to talk about yourself in a wider context.
During
- Speak clearly and concisely, but avoid one-word answers. 'Yes' and 'no' won't tell your interviewer anything and will ensure you don't progress to the next stage.
- Our interviews are capability based, so you'll be asked to talk about specific examples of when you've used your skills and experiences. Answer the question you're asked - rather than just talking about everything you know. This means listening carefully to what's being said.
- Be yourself. There's no such thing as an HSBC person - many different types of people do well with us. So relax and let your real personality come through.
- We won't expect you to have an instant answer for every question. So don't be afraid of silences - take time to think about your responses. Thinking before you speak, rather than going off at a tangent during your answer, will show us you're analytical and can use your head.
After you complete and submit the application form, the recruitment process will be structured as follows:
- Screening of application form
- Online or hand-held verbal and numerical reasoning tests
- 45-minute, competency-based interview
