渣打银行（中国）有限公司

      If you were unsuccessful in your application, please don't be downhearted. Our application process is among the toughest in the industry and to get to the end of the process means you have the skills and talent to do very well in the future. And hopefully you'll be successful next time.

Application Advice and Tips

      In this section you'll find some helpful advice to ensure you stand out from the crowd and have a better chance of being accepted onto the International Graduate Programme.

      The 4 steps of the application process are:

Step 1: Online application form

Step 2: Online ability tests and questions

Step 3: First assessment

Step 4: Final interview and assessments

      Step 1: Online application form:

      Print out the instructions. This will allow you to refer to them while you're completing the form to ensure you understand the questions

Gather all the information you need. For example, you may want to find your certificates and qualifications to ensure you have all the dates and information (This may be important when checking references later on in the process) Make sure all of your contact details are correct. We may wish to invite you for a telephone interview and if you're unreachable you may miss out.

      Step 2: Online ability tests and questions

      Hints and tips for the numerical and talent assessments:

      Read the instructions carefully.

      You'll need to complete five practice questions at the start of any assessment before you continue on. You can find more practice questions on the Kenexa website.

      If you wish, you can do own research into ability testing.

      Manage your time so you can answer as many questions as possible.

      Don't spend too long on a single question.

      When faced with a difficult multiple-choice question, start by ruling out the options least likely to be correct.

      If in doubt, have an educated guess.

      Be honest and take the test yourself as you may be asked to participate in another test onsite as part of the selection process.

      Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Remember, you only get one attempt, so make sure you choose a time and place that lets you perform at your best.

      The second stage of the online tests is to answer three questions: (You have 250 words per answer).

      Do your research. Use our website and other published materials to tailor your answers to Standard Chartered and the business function to which you're applying.

      Read each question carefully and consider why we're asking it. List when you've demonstrated the skills that apply to each question, and explain what you learnt from the experience.

      Please don't just repeat what is on our website. We're looking for depth and breadth of responses, written in your own words.

Answer every question with equal thought and care. Don't focus on some and ignore others.

      Be honest and truthful with your answers. Don't make assumptions about how you should respond; there is no right or wrong answer.

Prepare your answers offline, draft them in advance and then paste them into your online application once you've made sure you've answered each question properly.

      Check your spellings. You would be surprised just how many candidates each year have their applications rejected due to poor grammar or spelling errors. Make sure this doesn't happen to you.

      Take a break and return to what you've written later with fresh eyes and check your answers.

      And most of all, sell yourself. This is your chance to make your name within a leading bank, so tell us why we should hire you over someone else.

      Step 3: First assessment

      The telephone interview

      Ensure we have your correct number and you're in a place where you won't be disturbed.

      If you're using a mobile phone, ensure you have a signal.

      Consider your tone of voice and the manner you answer our call.

      Introduce yourself in a polite and clear way.

      Don't worry about taking too much time to think about your answers.

      Do your best to sound as enthusiastic as possible.

      Face-to-face interview

      The basics:

      Make sure you know where you're going and plan your route. (In many locations we have different offices, so make sure you go to the right one).

      Be on time. Ensure that you leave plenty of time for travel delays, building security check-in. And if you're early take some time to prepare yourself.

      Remember the contact details of the resourcing manager, so if you're delayed you can contact them.

      Bring a print out of your completed online application - and review it before your interview.

      Switch off your mobile phone before your interview starts.

      Before the interview:

      Prepare in advance by researching what we do and how we operate by visiting Standard Chartered Website.

Watching the news, reading newspapers and using the internet are useful ways of raising your awareness. We would recommend Bloomberg, The Financial Times, and The Economist, among others.

      Practice makes perfect. It's a good idea to practice a mock interview if possible.

      Ask for advice. Talk to candidates who've gone through the interview process.

      Know your CV inside out. And be prepared to talk confidently about it.

      During the interview:

      What to wear: It's very important to look smart and present yourself in a professional way. All interviewees are required to wear business attire.

      Your communication skills will be crucial whichever business function you join. This will be your first opportunity to demonstrate how well you express yourself, especially when under pressure.

      Think about what you're going to say before answering a question. Try to ensure that your responses sound natural. We're not looking for candidates to just repeat what's on our website. We want to hear what you really think, so be yourself and give honest answers to questions.

Give examples of what you've done and the skills you've gained. However, don't exaggerate your accomplishments. It's alright to say 'I don't know' or 'I haven't experienced that before'.

      Ask questions. As much as this interview is about us getting to know you, it's also an opportunity to get to know us better. After all you're making a big career decision.

      Project yourself positively. Be sure of yourself and try to avoid responding to questions with a straight 'yes' or 'no'.

      Smile when you speak. It will help you feel more comfortable and will also put your interviewer at ease.

      Your body language. Make sure you keep your posture open and avoid crossing your arms or legs. Look at your interviewers directly in the eye when responding to questions. This will also help build a good rapport

      Step 4: Final interview and assessments

      Group Debate:

      Think carefully. The better you consider your argument in your mind the better it will sound when you're ready to speak

Try and think ahead. If you can predict the other group's responses before they can then you'll be a step ahead of the competition

Be persuasive. Ensure that you come across as passionate and professional at all times

      Presenting:

      Practise presenting. Although you won't know what your presentation is about, ensure that your presenting skills are honed and you feel confident in your ability

      Ensure your voice is heard. And your point of view is well presented

      Have a strong introduction and conclusion. It's very important to start and finish your presentations well

      Case Study:

      Carefully read the question. Take the time to understand what is being asked of you. Break it down into sub-questions so you can address all the issues

      Thought process. Clearly state why and how you came to your conclusions. Structure your answer in a clear and logical manner

      Finances. You may be asked to work with numbers, so practice the basics 
      Spelling and grammar. Read through your response and make sure everything is correct