The recruitment process
About the process
We take the selection process seriously – Investment Banking is a challenging profession and we want to be sure that you’re going to enjoy it! With this in mind we have designed a robust, and fair, selection process. So, what exactly does that mean?
Stage One – approx 30/45 mins.
Online Application Form
This will focus on your biographical data, for example, the courses you’ve studied. You can save this and complete it at your leisure – as long as you make a note of the closing date!
Stage Two – approx 45 mins.
Online Testing
You’ll need to complete a short statement-based questionnaire relating to the competencies essential for effective performance in the role. You’ll also take a numeracy test which is designed to measure your ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical data. To practice, and better understand how this test might look, visit the SHL website.
Stage Three – approx 40 mins
First Stage Interview
Every candidate who is successful in stages one and two will then undergo a first round interview. This will either be on-campus (generally this applies only in the US and India, but please check our events calendar) or via the telephone. The telephone interview can be scheduled via our online application system at a time which best suits you.
The interview will be competency based which means that we’ll be asking you to provide us with examples of your past behaviour. Your examples can come from class projects, hobbies or work experience. You should listen carefully to each question before responding.
An example of a competency based question is outlined below:
Teamworking
Describe a situation where you have worked together with others to achieve a common goal?
How did you contribute to the success of the group?
- What challenges did you encounter in working as part of the team?
- In retrospect, what might you have done to make the team more effective?
What will we be looking for?
In this example we would be looking for evidence that you work effectively with a range of people and that you value contributions from others. This may mean that you consult with others, taking time to share information and ideas, or that you’re prepared to compromise for the good of the team.
Final Stage
This will be an interview, or series of interviews, with representatives from the business area that you’ve applied to. Questions will vary between teams but typically by this stage we’ll be looking to explore in more depth your motivational drivers, understanding of our business, technical know-how and work style.
You should keep in mind that the interview is a two-way process. Yes, we want to find out about you – but we also want you to take the opportunity to find out more about us. So be prepared to ask us some questions of your own!
