People Assessment: The Unexpected Obstacle on Your Banking Career Path

Source: http://www.mergersandinquisitions.com/emea-recruitment-assessment-centers/

If you are willing to get a job in Chinese Banking Industry, you might have done plenty of preparations on online applications, open questions, logic tests, numerical tests, verbal tests and job interviews. But there is one node in the Chinese banking recruitment process that you can hardly prepare: The People Assessment or PA.

To put it simply, People Assessment test is a way companies used to evaluate your personality and professional style. Normally, you will be presented with a series of 6 statements across 36 screens and asked your opinions about those statements. There is no right or wrong answers to those statements and different company will have different criteria to evaluate your answers. During the test, there is also no time limit for the test but you should work quickly and accurately.

The reason PA is difficult and tricky is you can hardly find a right answers to those statements and most companies will weed out a lot of candidates after PA test. So a probable way to kind of prepare for the test is to understand the company culture before taking the actual PA test.

Here are several examples to illustrate you what PA test looks like:

At the beginning, you will get 6 statements in one screen, you can choose your level of agreement of each statement by clicking on the round buttons next to each statements.

If you chose two or more than two statements with the same level of agreement, then you need to choose your preference again as the one most like you and the one least like you. Just like the picture showing below:

Normally there will be 30 to 50 statements in total and 6 to 10 questions in each statement. So it will take you up to 2 hours to complete the whole Assessment. Are you ready?

Logic Test in Chinese Banks' Recruitment

Source: http://www.smart-kit.com/s637/happy-people-logic-picture-puzzle/

Today I will share with you the logic tests you will encounter if you apply for a job from a Chinese commercial bank. Usually you will encounter this type of test after your online application. The company will screen your resume and personal information and then send you invitation to the test if you pass the first round resume screening.

Don't think logic test as something horrible and complected, it is nothing more than some simple graphic interpretation and deduction. Here I will show you four types of logic test questions you might encounter in your future application.

Type 1: Choose the one that is different 

Each puzzle in this section has five figures in a row. Choose the one that is different and does not belong with the other four. Mouse click on your choice and then click NEXT. You have three minutes. Keep going through the puzzles until the time is up.

Here are several examples of this type of puzzle:

Type 2: Choose two that are different 

Chose the two figures that do not belong with the other three. Click on those two, then click NEXT.

Examples of this type of puzzles:

Type 3: Choose one to complete the series

Each puzzle has three figures in a row and one empty box. Choose the figure from below that best complete the series and fits in the empty box.

Examples:

Type 4: Choose one to complete the pattern

Each puzzle has figures that form a pattern, plus one empty box. Choose the figure from below that best completes the pattern and fits in the empty box.

Examples:

Next time I will talk about the Person Assessment test in the banking recruitment process.

Standard Chartered Online Application Process

Source: http://loosenyourwhitecollar.com/2012/05/17/practical-tactical-thursday-the-online-application-hack/

In my last post I mentioned about recent opportunity from Standard Chartered Chinese Branch. So yesterday I did a test to go through the online application process of SC. Here is the summary and whole process.

Step 1: register as a new users:

Step 2: Fill in your personal information 

Notice that on your left hand side there is a list of processes you need to go through, you can always jump to each of them or jump back to your previous process.

Step 3: Pre-University Qualifications

Step 4: University Qualifications

One thing needs to be cautious is if you have a post graduate degree, you should check the box at the bottom of this page and then the system will redirect you to another university qualifications page in which you can fill in your post graduate degree information.

Step 5: Professional Qualification

Step 6: Work Experience

Step 7: Language

Step 8: Application Source

Last Step: Equal Opportunities:

That's it! Then click "submit" to finish the online application process. Next time I will talk about the next step after online application: Logic test.

Recent Want Ads (VII): Standard Chartered Internship 2012

Source: http://www.blastmedia.com/blog/

Internship is another potential golden way to get you into a full-time position. So in today's post I will share with you two internship opportunity in Standard Chartered.


Position 1: Wholesale Banking Legal Department - Intern


Position: Intern

Department: Wholesale Banking Legal

Requirement: 

1. Current University student, graduate in 2013
2. Good command of English
3. Quick learner
4. Law major is preferred
5. 3-4 working days per week
6. Stable personality, 6 months Internship period at least


Start your career path with bank. Action now.

The step for our online assessment test is :

1) Visit: http://www.standardchartered.com/en/careers/graduates/apply/index.html
2) Choose “Apply Online”
3) Select Country as “China” & program as “Intern” & business function as” HR”
4) It will have 4 Intern programs for now and you are supposed to choose HR and submit application.
5) The test link will be sent to you several hours later completed application
6) Once you complete the registration, please send back the information as below to E-mail address: Grad.China@sc.com 
So we can help to track your progress.

A. Registered E-mail address: 
B. Registered First name:
C. Registered Last name:


Position 2: Group Technology and Operations Intern


Position: GTO Intern

Application Process:
Visit：http://www.standardchartered.com/en/careers/graduates/index.html
Graduates---Internship---Apply Now---Search Intern Position: Country "China"; Program "Intern", Business Function "Technology and Operations"---Search

Intern Positions are available in below cities:
Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen.

Key Responsibility: 

1. To support Trade, CMS and counter related transactions, and liaison between customers and Hub Centre to deliver efficient services to clients.
2. Strictly follow Trade, CMS and cash counter DOI and JD, ensure the implementation of internal policy and compliance of regulatory requirements.
3. Timely and accurate resolution to all customer enquiries on Trade, CMS and cash counter related services and products.
4. Other supporting work assigned by Line Manager.

Requirement:
1. Good command of both written and spoken English 
2. Good computer skills
3. Proactive and detail-oriented working attitude
3. At least 3.5 working days per week.
4. Available for 6 month internship is perferred. 
5. Relevant working experience in Financial Institutions is highly preferred

Recent Want Ads (VI): HSBC Rural Bank Management Trainee

Source: http://civilbranding.com/tag/hsbc/

Overview of the Management Trainee Programme

HSBC Rural Bank Management Trainee Programme is designed to select and cultivate talents who possess both management and banking skills in order to support the long-term development of HSBC. We welcome aspired fresh graduates who are willing to work in Tier-3 & Tier 4 cities in China to join our rural bank team.

Our Professional Development Plan:

- HSBC will offer 2 - 3 month training and internship once employed
- 24-month professional development plan including training courses, rotation and regular performance evaluation.
- Challenging tasks and special projects
- Rural bank president will be the director of the development program and be responsible for the cultivation and development of the management trainee programme.

What You Can Achieve:

- Professional training from world's leading financial institution
- Hands on experiences in bank operation, corporation business, personal banking and risk management
- Internal compliance and human resources experience in multi-national corporation
- Couching from senior bank managers
- National wide rotation
- Sustainable training and development

Requirement:

- Fresh college graduates who possess bachelor or master degree
- Integrity and responsible
- Passionate, love to embrace challenges and take responsibility
- Good learning capability
- Good communication and analytical skills
- Innovative and team work spirit and commitment
- Good sense of customer service
- Willing to work in Tier3 & Tier4 cities in China

Application Process:

Stage 1: Online application
Stage 2: Telephone interview
Stage 3: Verbal and numerical ability test
Stage 4: Group interview
Stage 5: Final interview

Recent Want Ads (V): China Construction Bank Certificate Business Position

Source: http://js.cnnb.com.cn/system/2010/05/07/006517677.shtml

Working Location:

Beijing & Shanghai.

Number of Hiring:

Beijing:      20 People
Shanghai:   32 People

Employment Form:

Labor Contract System

Basic Requirement:

1. Observe disciplines and obey laws without bad legal record;
2. Prefer students majored in Economics, Finance, International Business, Statistics, Accounting, Human Resources, Computer Science, etc.
3. Candidate's age should be lower than 24 years old. International settlement related experience is a plus.
4. Registered permanent residence in the working location (Beijing & Shanghai)
5. Have proper facial features and physically and psychologically healthy.

Recruitment Process:

This recruitment include application, resume screening, written test, interview, physical examination test, file review and employ.

How to Apply:

Candidate should log into CCB's official website and open this want ad, then click on "I want to apply" to submit candidate's ID number, basic personal information. Each candidate can only apply for one position.

Matters Need Attention:

1. Application deadline: August 10th, 2012, 17:00.
2. Application serial number is extremely important.
3. If you encounter technical information, please contact zhaopin.zh@ccb.com, we will response as soon as possible.

Tips For Banks' SHL Numerical Test

Source: http://fslsteel.com/cpi/physics-numericals-based-on-sportsand-games.html

In my previous posts, I have talked about some general tips about SHL Test that you are going to take in most Chinese banks recruitment process. Today let’s dive deeper and see some specific experiences about the numerical part of the test from predecessors who have already taken the test before.

Basically, the cycle of preparing the numerical test could be about 1 week. Once you complete the preparation stage, you will feel like ducks to water no matter which company’s numerical test you are taking.

Here are some more detailed tips:

1.  Step 1: Go to the Yingjiesheng BBS (a comprehensive BBS about job-hunting for Chinese fresh graduate students) to download the most recent SHL question set and practice yourself in within the stipulated time. At the beginning you will definitely find that the time is not enough. But after 4-5 question set practices, it will become easier for you to complete the questions within the stipulated time. After that, you should take your chance and complete 4-5 more sets of questions in order to consolidate your achievement.

2.  Step 2: Download the most recent question database from the BBS and print it out. Complete all the questions you have, try to write down formula you used and your thinking about the question by them. This stage will be complete quite fast because some questions in the database you have already seen before when you were doing the question set practices. In addition, you can try to further extract the information of charts in each question and write them down by each question.

3.  Step 3: One hour before your actual test, review your question database with notes again and read the answers only. When you are taking the actual test, put your question database beside you to make it convenient to look up tp. When you are trying to find a particular question in your database, match the multiple choices instead of the question itself. Once you find the exact same choices in the actual test, you can just use the answer you already had in your question database.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTION:

Some people do not complete step one and two and just do the step three directly, even though sometimes they still can pass the test, the problem is, there is a validity test in a lot of recruiting companies. It is a brand new SHL Test with a brand new set of questions. So there is no way for you to prepare the validity test and the time for this test is extremely limited. Companies will match your correct answer rate as well as your style of completing the test. So if you did not complete the step 1 & 2, it will be your nightmare when you get a validity test from your company.

If you can follow the steps mentioned above to prepare the numerical part test, you will be able to gain the most rewards with the least investment. 

Recent Want Ads (IV): HSBC Banker Development Programme

Source: http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/06/24/tourism-decline-hits-hsbc/

With further liberalization of China's financial market under the WTO commitment, HSBC continues to expand its business in mainland China. HSBC is seeking high caliber individuals with strong interest in banking industry and potential to become tomorrow's managers to join them as Banker Trainees.

24-Month Programme

Our 24-month Banker Development Programme (“BDP”) is designed to give graduates a balance of banking industry knowledge, analytical decision-making capabilities and people management skills. This provides the foundation to support long-term development as a specialist in commercial banking up to senior management levels.

The BDP family includes the following specific streams

	• Global Banking
	• Commercial Banking
	• Retail Banking and Wealth Management
	• HSBC Technology and Services
	• Legal & Compliance
	• Credit Risk Management
	• HSBC Securities Services
	• Trade and Supply Chain
	• Global Payments and Cash Management

All the above streams will provide you with dynamic and challenging classroom training, on-the-job training and attachment across a wide range of banking functions in Mainland China as well as an attachment in Asia Pacific. This experience will allow you to build the managerial and technical skills needed for future development and more senior management responsibilities in our mainland China business. High performing trainees will be nominated to attend a demanding but highly rewarding classroom training programme in the HSBC Group Training Centre in the UK. Long-term career development is supported by ongoing HSBC Group training. 

Career

The key objective of the HSBC Banker Development Programme is to provide the foundation for a career as a specialist banker. This means that you will gain targeted exposure to Personal Financial Services, Commercial Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking and Operations as a banker trainee. The other major aspect of the training is to equip you with the personal qualities and soft skills to become an effective manager. 

Your aspirations should be to take on management responsibility early in your career. Given our strategic plan and commitment to being the leading foreign bank in China, the opportunities for development are exceptional. This may offer you the chance to work away from your home city in mainland China. In fact, there are no limitations or restrictions on your promotion and development, apart from your potential to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. As an international organization, HSBC offers the possibility of your career taking you almost anywhere in the world, although it is expected that the specialist knowledge you gain of the fast-emerging China market will prepare you ideally for career development in the Mainland.


Mentoring and Training Support

HSBC is committed to the training and development of talent. For the duration of the programme, you will have solid support as follows: 

Mentoring: A senior manager will serve as your mentor to provide coaching and guidance to you. Close guidance from managers on a day-to-day basis

Regular performance feedback and discussion from your managers on your strengths, development areas and career aspiration for developing an appropriate career plan

Training: You will receive extensive training in management, products and systems, and on-the-job training. The programme offers all the right tools for you to build a strong foundation for your career with HSBC.

Ongoing Training: Quality ongoing training, mentoring and development ensure that you never step off the learning curve, but your own motivation and commitment will determine your ultimate destination and achievements within HSBC.

As the world's local bank, we can offer the possibility of your career taking you almost anywhere in the world, although it is expected that the specialist knowledge you gain will ideally position you for development to senior levels in our local or regional businesses. 

Application Requirements

To be considered, you must have at least a bachelor degree from any discipline gained from a reputable university, either within Mainland China or overseas. We will consider undergraduates who have gained up to 3 years' working experience.

Assessment Process

To determine if you have the management potential to make the most of the opportunities that will arise, we use a multiple stage approach based on our values and assessment criteria. The process is subject to the actual selection practice.

	• Online Application
	• Phone Interview
	• Apptitude Test
	• Capability-based Interview
	• Assessment Center
	• Line Manager Evaluation

Please note that the selection process here is for your reference. Please comply with our actual practice. It is a tough and rigorous selection process but one that has been proven to select people who have the best potential to excel and will enjoy working within the environment of HSBC.

Evaluation of Chinese Joint-Equity Commercial Banks' Salary, Stability, Development Potential and Comfort Degree

Source: http://fasthorseinc.com/blog/2008/10/08/rank-nonsense/

Continue with my last post about Chinese state-owned banks' evaluation, today let's take a look at another major type bank in China: joint-equity banks.




1. China Merchants Bank (CMB)

As one of the most controversial employers in 2007, even though CMB created several thousands positions for fresh graduate students with relatively good salary payment, there are a lot of fresh graduate grinding their teeth and hate CMB so much. As for the reason, no one can really tell. It is to be explored by you in the future. 


2. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB)













SPDB is also called eldest child of Shanghai Government, it is generally recognized as the bank with the best benefit package in Shanghai. But recently this benefit has declined a lot. However, a lean camel is bigger than a horse, the current benefit of SPDB is still attractive enough for most fresh graduate students. You will also be able to receive low-interest loan and mortgage from the bank if you need it. 


3. China CITIC Bank













CITIC Bank was a well paid bank in previous few years, but now it has declined a lot. Some competent people chose job-hopping after this decline. It will be still a fine choice if you are willing to make a profit in a troubled situation. You might get salary raises after you get promotion. 


4. China Minsheng Bank (CMSB)













People say CMSB is a rice barrel with one condition: your father must be rice store. It is a joke but at the same time reflected some level of reality. If you have some social resources on hand, you don't even need to go to company everyday in CMSB. But if you cannot make a satisfied performance, you will be kicked out without any hesitation. It is crucial, but it is the reality of most joint-equity banks. 

5. China Minsheng Bank (CMSB)

People say CMSB is a rice barrel with one condition: your father must be rice store. It is a joke but at the same time reflected some level of reality. If you have some social resources on hand, you don't even need to go to company everyday in CMSB. But if you cannot make a satisfied performance, you will be kicked out without any hesitation. It is crucial, but it is the reality of most joint-equity banks. 

There are some other major joint-equity banks in China that are not listed above because of the limited information I can get. If you feel interesting and want to explore deeper in it, I'm glad to dig deeper with you on some specific banks. 

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Chinese State-Owned Commercial Banks' Salary, Stability, Development Potential and Comfort Degree

Source: http://advanceatbrown.wordpress.com/category/evaluation/

This article is trying to give you a big picture about how fresh graduates are getting paid from major commercial banks in China. All payment and situation evaluation will be based on the average level in China and all payments are measured in Chinese Yuan terms (current exchange rate: 1 US Dollar = 6.36 Chinese Yuan)


1. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)

As the most common Chinese bank that you can see it everywhere on Chinese streets, the employees of this bank receive poor payment from this biggest bank in China in terms of total assets. It is recognized as the "lowest income bank" for most entry level employees in China. But the business operation types are comprehensive in this bank so it provides great opportunity for employees to get touch with different area of the banking business. In addition, working pressure here is not terribly high and the promotion opportunity is great in most cases. 


2. Bank of China (BOC)

As ICBC we mentioned above, Bank of China has a thorough employee training system. BOC also has some degree of advantage on foreign exchange transaction. The average salary in BOC as a fresh graduate is about 5,000 Chinese Yuan per month.


3. China Construction Bank (CCB)

It is said that the salary in different branches of CCB will vary dramatically. If you are in a branch that is well profitable or in the international operation groups, your payment would be great.


4. Agricultural Bank of China (ABC)

Under the same level of salary, ABC's employees get the lowest level of working pressure. So some people even joke that ABC is a bank provide for the aged.

Are You Ready for Your Chinese Banking Interview?

Source: http://hiyamedia.blogspot.com/2012/06/tough-interview.html#.T_oTCBF8DK4

Interview preparation is never to memorize some dull and dry answers to the potential interview questions. It includes information from a lot of aspects:

1. Understanding to the professional knowledge of the specific industry.
2. Understanding to the position that you will interview for.
3. Ability of expression (Including to elaborate some unfamiliar topics)
4. Contingency ability.

In the final analysis, it's better to prepare for those ability as early as possible. Here are some checklists that might be helpful before your interview:


To-Do-List: Summary Statement:

Behavioral Questions

Open Questions Related to the Position

Necessary Capability Related to the Position