How To Prepare and Overcome Your SHL Test (II)

Source: http://www.ct4me.net/standardized_test_preparation.htm

Continued with my last post, today we will talk about what you should do when you are in the actual test and some strategies to help you solve different types of questions.

Enter the test place

Sometimes your SHL Test performance will depend on your condition a lot. Even though you are a true talent, there is still possibility that you will fail in the test. So be careful and try to take care of every single detail in the exam.


First, when you enter the examination room, try to select a seat that close to the side but not on the back. Close to the side so you will get less interference, not on the back so you won't get chance to see a lot of busy figures in front of you which will make you feel more nervous. 


Before the actual test, there is a sample test presented by your employer. What you can do is:
1. Try to concentrate on the test. Once the test begins, even with the sample questions, you should start to run your brain at a high speed and get into a groove as fast as you can.
2. In the numerical test part, there is some possibilities that the chart in the sample questions will be used again in the actual test. So carefully read the sample questions and don't make short shrift of it.

Numerical questions solving strategies

1.There are a small number of questions that are extremely easy. Normally it will only take you few seconds to solve these questions. Trust your eyes!


2.Look at the question first and try to answer it through keywords. Do not try to understand whole chart then start to answer the questions, you won't have the time! 

3.Learn to estimate and use reduction operation. You have only 1 minute for each question at maximum, but sometimes the numbers will be some seven figures. So it will save you some time if you can do the reduction operation quickly and press less your calculator for each question. Try to use your calculator's memory to keep down every number instead of write your result on a paper. 


4.About guessing the answer: it is normal if you cannot accomplish all questions at given time. So if you find yourself still have 7 questions to go but only have 3 minutes left, don't panic and try to guess answers for those questions with less answer choices.  

Verbal questions solving strategies 

Not too much tips for the verbal part, but if you have taken GMAT or GRE before, you will have some foundations to solve the verbal questions.They are basically the same type questions but with less time for you to solve. 

How To Prepare and Overcome Your SHL Test (I)

Source: http://jira.talendforge.org/login.jsp?permissionViolation=true&os_destination=%2Fbrowse%2FTTT-1

If you do not know what is SHL Test, here is the description from its official website:


SHL, global leader in talent measurement, offers employment testing tools and employee development assessment services.


For those who want to start their career with most large foreign corporations in China, SHL test is the "threshold" they need to cross. 


At present, banks that utilize SHL test to assess their candidates include: HSBC, CitiBank, Standard Chartered, Hang Seng Bank and one state-owned bank, Bank of Communications. 


Basic information of SHL:


For most banks who are using SHL test, it includes two major parts: Numerical Test and Verbal Test. 


Numerical tests are designed to assess your understanding of tables of statistical and numerical data as well as your ability to make logical deductions.


Verbal tests are designed to measure your ability to understand written information and to evaluate arguments about this information.

Overall, the capability that the tests is measured include: English reading ability, reaction speed, logical reasoning ability and numeracy skills.

One point that need to be addressed firstly: SHL test is pressure test, most candidates will not have enough time to complete all questions in the test within the given time. 

Preparation for the Test:

According to official website of SHL, the tests are designed to assess the actual capability of candidates. Preparation for the test will not influence the results. But what I want to say is, SHL company's test designers underestimate candidates' test preparation ability, especially Chinese candidates. Scores improvement is assured after serious preparation, but the level of improvement depends on how much you want to dedicate. 

Preparation Step One: Get familiar with the test.

Go to www.shldirect.com, there are one sample test of each type of test presented by SHL. But be cautious, the sample tests are normally easier than the actual test you will get from your employers. So you can just use those samples to get used to the test, but do not take the result seriously if you get a good scores from the sample assessment.

Preparation Step Two: Read more business statistic charts.

Read more statistic charts to make yourself feel more comfortable with them. Make sure you can understand the numbers and logistic relationship in those charts. 

Preparation Step Three: Strengthen your reading speed.

Basically there no time for you to read the questions and materials twice during the actual test. So make sure you can read the paragraph and understand its key concepts and implied meanings without the second reading.

Preparation Step Four: Get familiar with your calculator

It is a luxury for you to write down the calculation results of your numerical tests on paper and mover forward to the next calculation step. So you'd better know you calculator well and understand how to use your calculator for all calculations without keep down something on your notes. 

... ... To be continued, next time I will talk about what you should do when you are doing the actual test and the strategy you can use during different tests. 

Recent Want Ad (III): Standard Chartered Scope International China Management Trainee Programme

Source: http://www.launchpoker.com/news/a-hundred-jobs-for-poker-room/

　　As the third Global Share Service Centre of Standard Chartered Group, Scope International China is delivering high quality services to supporting Standard Chartered business as table and efficient as it can be today, while building a scalable model with the right systems and people, to respond swiftly to challenges of tomorrow.

　　About the programme

　　The Scope International China Management Trainee Programme is an 18-month programme offering structured rotations and training for recent graduates. Comprised of two comprehensive rotations within Technology or Operations, combined with a stretch assignment where you will participate in a business project, the programme offers an excellent development platform to grow and succeed with the company in this emerging market.

　　During the programme you will take part in a number of rotations and development opportunities:

　　· Rotations 1 and 2 - Operations and / or Technology

　　Two Six month rotations in two different departments.

　　· Rotation 3 - Stretch Assignment

　　At the end of the stretch assignment you can expect to use the project management methodology you have learned to independently deliver a stretch project with specific objectives and outcomes over a six month period.

　　In addition, a structured training programme will give you in-house functional and soft-skill training, as well as exposure to senior management.

　　Application and Requirements

　　The breadth of our work means there is a role to suit everyone. Find out what we are looking for and learn more about the application process.

　　Entry Requirement:

　　· Bachelor degree & above with 0-3 years working experience

　　· Willing to build a specialist foundation in the initial 5-7 year timeframe

　　· Interest and inclination towards a technical/ operation career in Banking

　　Industry

　　· Ability to work in the international environment

　　· Legal right to work in China

　　Application Process

　　A. Online application:

　　The first step is to complete an online application form, where you need to tell us:

　　· Personal details

　　· Academic background

　　· Work experience

　　B. Online assessment: You will be asked to complete a series of online assessments. You need to pass each one to progress to next stage.

　　1. Talent Assessment

　　This assessment is designed to assess your behavioural preferences and help us understand your potential to thrive within Standard Chartered.

　　2. Numerical Reasoning Test

　　This test measures numerical reasoning skills in a business context, based around the tables and charts typically found in reports and the financial press.

　　We employ a policy of re-testing and may require you to repeat any or all of our online assessments at a later stage in the application process. This retesting will take place at one of our testing centres

　　C. First interview:

　　Following success in the online tests you may be invited to a telephone or face-to-face interview. This 30-45 minute interview is your opportunity to tell us about your achievements and strengths, and to ask us questions.

　　D. Final interview and assessments:

　　1. Group exercise

　　You'll need to demonstrate how you can communicate a specific point of view under pressure whilst working in a group.

　　2. Face-to-face interview

　　We're looking for specific skills you've demonstrated through your interests, extracurricular activities and other experiences. We're also interested in what motivates and interests you about a career in banking, your chosen field and, of course, Scope International China.

　　E. Final decision:

　　After the process is complete, we'll let you know of our decision within 1 week.

　　Contact Information

　　ScopeChina.Zhaopin@sc.com

      Source: http://standardchartered.dajie.com/project/6506 (大街网)

Chinese Banking Employers in "Top 100 Chinese Companies to Work For"

Source:http://www.lifecompassblog.com/10-best-employers-for-work-life-balance/

Recently Institute of Chinese Human Resource Development Studies, World Company Compete-Skill Lab, The Economist and The World Bank Human Resources jointly issued "Top 100 Chinese Companies to Work For" in 2011. Let's take a look at which banks in China have been included into the list.


No.5: Bank of China Limited (BOC) is  one of the big four state-owned commercial banks of China. It has over RMB 6,951.68 Billions in assets, making it part of the Fortune Global 500 for the past 17 years


No.7: China Construction Bank (CCB), as one of the ‘big four’ banks in the People’s Republic of China. is ranked as the nation’s second largest and the second largest bank in the world by market capitalization. The bank has approximately 13,629 domestic branches.


No.9: Bank of Communications Limited (BoCom or BoComm), founded in 1908, is one of the largest banks in China. Today, the Bank of Communications is amongst the top 5 leading commercial banks in China and has an extensive network of over 2,800 branches covering over 80 major cities.


No.13: The People’s Bank of China (PBC or PBOC) is the central bank of China with the power to control monetary policy and regulate financial institutions in mainland China. The People’s Bank of China has more financial assets than any other single public finance institution in world history.


No.30: China Merchants Bank (CMB) is a bank headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Founded in 1987, it is the first share-holding commercial bank wholly owned by corporate legal entities.


No.31: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC)  is the largest Bank of China’s ‘Big Four’ state-owned commercial banks(the other three being the Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, and China Construction Bank).


No.49: Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB) incorporated on January 9, 1993 with the approval of the People's Bank of China (August 28, 1992), is a joint-stock commercial bank with its headquarters located in Shanghai.


No.73: China CITIC Bank is China’s seventh-largest lender in terms of total assets. Its network comprises 418 branches countrywide, and includes established correspondent relationships with 990 banks and their branches in 70 countries around the world.


No.74: Agricultural Bank of China is one of the "Big Four" banks in the People's Republic of China. It was founded in 1951, and has its headquarters in Beijing. It has branches throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, London, Tokyo, New York,Frankfurt, Sydney, Seoul, and Singapore.


Most Chinese Banking employers have showed up at the top 30 best employers in China, which is a reflection of the strong growth of Chinese Banking Industry. You can also find the original ranking charts below:

  (Source: http://i5.jrjimg.cn/201006/08/blog_attach/blog_attach_12759771054341.jpg )

Recent Want Ad (II): CitiBank

Source: http://aks-e-abhishek.blogspot.com/2009/01/tag2.html

CITI CHINA – Institutional Clients Group Country Management Programs

About the Program:

The China Management Associate (MA) Program is 12-24 months long, consisting of structured rotation, advanced training and abundant exposure. You will have the opportunity to explore multiple business areas through the rotation in front, middle and back office. Apart from such on-the-job training, you will be required to complete courses/programs that cover banking foundation, business knowledge, technical and soft skills, as well as leadership foundation, etc. Throughout the program, you will be involved in networking, MA activities, and projects with coaching and mentorship from senior management. At the end of the program you will be placed in one business. Placement is based on a combination of your personal preferences and business needs. 

The MA Program is demanding and your learning curve will be steep. However, you will not be bored and will constantly be faced with new challenges. You will be in continuous contact with different businesses and offices in the region or around the world. Our presence in over 100 countries means that we can offer a range of career possibilities across different businesses and locations. Throughout your career, you may also have the opportunity to work in diverse businesses or locations locally, regionally or internationally. 

We are looking for candidates with enthusiasm, competency and innovation.

　　

Requirements of Citi Management Associate：

• Master degree , Strong academic record, less than 2 years working experience.
• The key success factors are:

1. Self-starter, takes initiative
2. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills
3. Cross-functional interests and ready to work in different locations/cities 
4. Driven and committed to succeed in a rapid-growth organization
5. Team-player, contributes to collective goals 
6. Leadership potential, Embraces innovation
7. Keen interest in the financial services industry
8. Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity
9. Strong quantitative and analytical skills

Recent Want Ads (I): Standard Chartered

Source: http://www.igrc.org/pages/detail/2100

I will go to check the websites of biggest players in Chinese commercial bank industry about recent want ads for fresh graduate students and re-post them in my blog. Most large commercial banks in China will start their campus recruitment process from late August or early September, today's want ads is from an early starter: Standard Chartered.

Standard Chartered (Wholesale Bank International Graduate Programme)

About the programme

This 12-month focused programme is designed to develop the broad technical foundation, relevant specialist depth, organisational awareness and leadership skills required for a rewarding career in Wholesale Banking.

Your first year with us consists of four rotations, supported by close and regular interaction with senior leaders, to provide:

• Relevant real world experience that will help you to perform and excel early in your career
• A deep understanding of our international business through day-to-day interactions with cross-border teams
• Exposure to different cultures and new ways of thinking through working with global teams
• An accelerated career trajectory through the rapid development of specialist skills, knowledge and expertise
• International job opportunities

Programme streams

Graduates can select from one of four streams - Coverage & Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, Principal Finance or Transaction Banking.

The programme structure is tailored to the stream you select. Regardless of the stream you choose, all graduates will:

• Attend the International Induction Programme (IIP) held in Kuala Lumpur
• Be deployed to a real role at the end of year one, immediately putting what you've learned into practice
• Receive foundation leadership development to help you navigate and progress within our organisation
• Be given the time and financial support to complete the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification. 

You'll also be supported with:

• A dedicated Graduate Development Manager to guide you through the programme
• Regular one-on-one reviews designed to track your progress and performance
• A mentor to help coach and guide your personal and professional development.

It's important to choose the stream which best reflects your skills, interests and ambitions.

Qualification for success

Success in Wholesale Banking requires many qualities. You must be driven and have a great attitude, making

yourself a valued member of a high performance team. You'll need to be great at building relationships and have the confidence to work with high-profile global clients. You should be able to think strategically, easily connecting the dots between the challenge and the solution.

Energy and stamina are vital, as is a cool head in a fast-paced environment. And to cap it all off you must by highly numerate and analytical. 

Fresh Graduate in Chinese Commercial Bank Branches

Source: http://resumeguides.maxupdates.tv/guide-for-writing-a-fresh-graduate-resume/

Like I said in my last post, over 90% of fresh graduate who secured a job in a Chinese commercial bank will be assigned to one of the bank's branches to work for several years. So today let's take a look at what the life in a commercial bank's branch would be as a workplace fresh people. Again, all contents are based on my interview with my bank friend.

Generally speaking, there are three possible ways for fresh employees in a branch:

(1) Teller
(2) Retail account managers
(3) Wholesale account managers

Let's explore them one by one.

(1) Teller.
This is not a recommended path for most fresh graduate, unless you are a girl and your only ambition is to be a full-time wife. Basically your work in this position is mechanical manipulation every day. If you choose this path, you will highly likely be promoted as accounting officer after 8 - 10 years work, then you will get the opportunity to be promoted to be deputy governor of the branch in charge of operation. But this is probably the end of your career development. It is easy for you to lose ambition in the daily fussy work in this position.

(2) Retail account managers
Currently almost all Chinese commercial banks are under great pressure of retail performance, this trend makes retail account manager one of the scarcest resources in banks. Over half of fresh graduates will choose this position eventually and  it is actually a good development path for most people. But at the same time, you will probably face abnormal rest time (the banks will keep operating during the weekend). You will have training and regular meeting every day after work. You probably will have to work 12 to 14 hours a day and keep communicating with diverse clients to sell them investment products.

Sales is actually a pretty good start point for your career. If you are diligent enough and achieve an excellent performance, you will get decent promotion opportunity after several years. But you also have to pay the price: you will have no time to take care of your family. You will probably lack of sleep and sometimes will face the complaints from your clients. All in all, you will need a strong heart to fight for your future.


(3) Wholesale account managers
Compared with retail account managers, wholesale account managers will have a stable work and rest time. Instead of facing individual customers, wholesale account mangers' clients will be companies and institutions. So compared to retail account manager, wholesale manager is more likely to be a "decent job" in most new employees' mind. But meanwhile, wholesale account managers will face much more performance pressure. However, if you can find a senior account manager who is willing to be your mentor combined with your own hard workings, you will be able to avoid a lot of detours.

My friend told me just last week, a girl who just entered the bank for 2 months resigned. She holds a master degree from Germany and worked in wholesale department of the bank. But she resigned because the bank implements the lowest performance elimination principle and her performance was the lowest at that month. From this short story, we should be more clear that positions in Chinese banks are not as bright and beautiful as you think. Once you really start to work for a bank, what you will truly experience is the reality.