FAQs
During your application process, there'll be plenty of opportunities to ask questions about our business and our roles. Even better, why not come along to one of our events where you can meet and ask us in a more informal environment?
Meanwhile, here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
Where are you recruiting graduates?
Do I need a specific degree discipline in order to apply?
What if I take a gap year after graduation?
Do I need to speak French to work at BNP Paribas?
Can I apply by sending a hard copy of my CV?
How long does it take to apply?
What are the different stages of the recruitment process?
Are travel costs reimbursed for all stages of the interview process?
What training do you offer?
Are there opportunities to work abroad?
Do you offer internships/work placements?
Can I choose a specific role/product area that I'd like to work in?
What if I require a work permit?
If I've been given a deadline in which to accept an offer from another company, what should I do?
If I need to change or cancel any appointments made online, what should I do?
Can I prepare for the tests?
What happens after the tests?
If I have a problem with my on-line application what should I do?
Can anyone apply to the Graduate programme?
Where are you recruiting graduates?
Our programmes are global and we're recruiting graduates to work all over the world and across a number of different business areas and roles. We are looking for graduates to join us across Europe, Americas and Asia. You can find out the roles and opportunities available through each business area on our job search tool.
Do I need a specific degree discipline in order to apply?
We consider graduates from all degree disciplines as long as you can demonstrate excellent academic performance. Numerate and analytical disciplines, such as Engineering, Maths, Finance, Business, Economics, Sciences and Computer Science are all ideal. However, we also value other qualities alongside academic achievements, for example extra-curricular activities such as sports clubs or societies, creativity and logical thinking. We’re looking for the qualities that enable you to work effectively in one of our teams – self-confidence, motivation, strong communication skills and respect for others. Above all, you need to be comfortable with technology, numbers and analytical thinking, focused on client service and excited by banking and the markets.
What if I take a gap year after graduation?
We will consider your application if you take a gap year. However, please make sure you check our application closing dates carefully and think about whether you'd be available for any assessment centres or interviews.
Do I need to speak French to work at BNP Paribas?
No – French is not a pre-requisite. We are an international bank and the international business language is English. However, additional languages are always an advantage.
Can I apply by sending a hard copy of my CV?
If you're unable to apply online due to a disability, please email bnppgraduate@alexmann.com or bnppintern@alexmann.com or call +44 (0)1344 471349 to arrange an alternative application method. Otherwise, all applications should be made online.
How long does it take to apply?
Most people take approximately 60 minutes to complete the online application form, however you can save your application at any stage and log in to return at any time.
What are the different stages of the recruitment process?
The selection process is a combination of the following stages, depending on the programme, the area and region of the bank you apply for:
- Online application
- Online tests
- Business interview or Assessment centres
Are travel costs reimbursed for all stages of the interview process?
Travel costs are reimbursed up to a certain amount. Details regarding travel reimbursements will be included in the details sent to you at the second stage of your application.
What training do you offer?
Our Graduate Training Programme includes a mix of individual, structured and on-the-job training, formal inductions, workshops and business skills training. For more information see our Training programmes section.
Are there opportunities to work abroad?
You'll be recruited to a specific office. However, because we have offices all over the world, you may well have the opportunity to work abroad at a later stage. In fact, this is something we encourage - we're looking for internationally minded people
Do you offer internships/work placements?
Yes. You can find out more about them in our Entry routes section.
Can I choose a specific role/product area that I'd like to work in?
When you apply, you’ll be asked to indicate your preferred role choice but our application process is also designed to highlight which role or roles would suit you best. If your first choice of role is no longer available we will consider you for other roles fit your profile. Together with our senior and experienced business managers we will help you identify the best fit for your skills and ambitions.
What if I require a work permit?
We support applications for candidates requiring a work permit however restrictions may apply depending on the region, if you would like more details please contact your local graduate recruitment team.
If I've been given a deadline in which to accept an offer from another company, what should I do?
We believe that candidates should have the opportunity to consider all offers. If you have an 'exploding' offer from another company and you are waiting to hear from us, please call and let us know. We will do everything we can to speed up the process to help you make an informed decision.
If I need to change or cancel any appointments made online, what should I do?
If you need to change or cancel your scheduled appointment, please visit the Communications Centre , which will provide you with instructions on how to do this.
Can I prepare for the tests?
You can prepare for the numerical reasoning tests by logging on to http://www.shl.com/TryATest/default.aspx where you'll find practice tests. Other than practice, no preparation is necessary – other than a good night's sleep.
What happens after the tests?
If you meet our required standard, you will be invited to attend a first interview or an Assessment Centre. If you're unsuccessful, we'll notify you by email shortly afterwards. The different interview stages are outlined above under: What are the different stages of the recruitment process?
If I have a problem with my on-line application what should I do?
If you experience any problems whilst applying on-line please email bnppgraduate@alexmann.com or bnppintern@alexmann.com or call us on +44 (0)1344 471349.
Can anyone apply to the Graduate programme?
The graduate development programme is aimed at and designed for recent graduates looking for their first full time job. If a candidate has more than 12 months' working experience they may be more suitable for one of our experienced hire roles which are advertised at careers.bnpparibas.com














