HSBC Tests

Careers at HSBC

Candidates at HSBC can apply for internships, work placements and apprenticeships, local and global graduate programmes, entry-level jobs and more senior positions.

And they can choose to work in a range of areas including Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, and Global Private Banking.

However, competition for every position is fierce. HSBC receives tens of thousands of applications every year and only has a limited number of vacancies.

To secure a job, candidates must make sure they stand out from the other applicants. The best way to do this is to go into the process fully prepared.

The application process for a job with HSBC involves a number of steps, including online tests and a final assessment centre.

Throughout, HSBC will be looking for evidence of the core values it requires in every candidate. These are:

• Dependable
• Open to different ideas and cultures
• Connected to customers, communities, regulators and each other

You should make sure you are familiar with these values and look for any opportunity to demonstrate them.

Online application form

The first step is to complete an application form and submit a CV. Make sure your CV clearly sets out your key qualities, achievements and experience, linking these to the job you are applying for wherever possible.

You may also be asked to answer a series of multiple-choice questions asking you to rate your skills and experience in relation to the specific role, as well as some competency-based questions.

HSBC Online Immersive Assessment

If your application is accepted you will be invited to complete two online assessments. The first is the immersive assessment.

This includes a situational judgement test, where you will be presented with scenarios you may come across during a typical day working at HSBC. You must select the best course of action from a choice of possible responses.

The answers you choose will help HSBC to confirm whether your behaviours align with its core values. The assessment also includes a numerical reasoning test, where you will be asked questions based on numerical data presented in graphs and tables.

And you will need to take a verbal reasoning test, which assesses your spelling and grammar, your ability to understand and interpret written information, and your skill at adapting your verbal communication style.

The assessment is about an hour long in total. The tests are provided by Cappfinity and you can find some practice questions on its website or try some free online tests.