The application process is made up of several steps.
Online application form
Initially, you will need to submit an application form and a CV. You should ensure that your CV outlines your core competencies, experience, and achievements. These qualities should all relate back to the job you are applying to.
You could also be asked to answer several multiple-choice questions. These questions will ask you to rate your experience and skills, in relation to a particular job. There may also be some questions that revolve around competency.
HSBC Online Immersive Assessment
If your application succeeds you will be asked to take two online assessments. The initial assessment is an HSBC online immersive assessment.
This involves a situational judgment test, a numerical reasoning test, and a verbal reasoning test. The assessment is approximately one hour long.
HSBC Job Simulation
If you are successful in your HSBC online immersive assessments, you have the chance to move on to the next stage. This involves job simulation, which is an automated video. This video assessment is created by Hirevue. It will relate to the business area you have applied to. You will be shown made-up examples of work you could be doing on the job.
Questions could be about studying numerical information and offering a summary for a colleague. Ranking various responses to made-up work scenarios. Or, creating a video response explaining how you would deal with a specific task. You will also be required to answer some multiple-choice numerical reasoning items.
The entire test lasts for about 50 minutes. You can take both the HSBC online immersive assessment and the job simulation within a set period, outlined in your email invitation.
HSBC First-round Interview
The next stage of the HSBC recruitment process is a job interview. This generally takes the form of an HSBC telephone interview. You will be tested on how well you fit in with the bank’s values and your motivations and skills.
Your interview will be competency-based (CBI). As such, you should give examples of when you have shown teamwork, determination, leadership qualities, and the like. Consider projects you have worked on before.
HSBC’s Assessment Center/Super Day
If you apply for certain programs you will be asked to attend a half-day assessment at the HSBC center (known as a Super Day).
During this day you will be examined by senior members of the business area you are applying to. You will need to participate in individual and group exercises. You will also need to attend strengths-based interviews.
The exercises involve a case study. You will be given a pack of information about a bank. You will need to use this information to answer items and form recommendations.
You will also need to create a five-minute presentation, discussing your recommendations.
The group exercise measures how effectively you respond to a workplace situation. You will be divided into groups of 4-6 and will be assessed by two HSBC persons.
During Super Day you will also be interviewed. The questions you will be asked could be about your motivation for wanting to work at HSBC. They could also be about your strengths and qualities that are in keeping with the core values of HSBC.
In some cases, yet not often, you may also need to take an Excel exam.