Standard Chartered Assessment Tests

Careers at Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is a bank recognised around the world for its history and heritage. It values diversity and inclusivity, and supports its employees through networks promoting gender equality and LGBT inclusivity.

The company takes care of its employees and their growth, offering careers in legal, private banking, human resources, corporate affairs and retail banking, among others. To apply, head to Standard Chartered’s careers page and find an open role.

Alternatively, Standard Chartered offers an International Graduate Program and internships. Again, the company has an extensive range of paths you can browse and choose from. The website offers an overview of the training, where you can progress to and what you can expect to be doing during the programme.

If you’re applying via Standard Chartered’s career website, you’ll need to submit a CV and cover letter. Although a standard process, this is where you want to really get noticed.

Double-check you added all relevant skills to your CV and write a cover letter detailing why you’re the perfect candidate and what motivates you to work for Standard Chartered.

If your CV is selected, you will go through a lengthy process of psychometric tests and interviews, which can take anywhere between four weeks to two months to complete.

Below, you can find information about each stage and how to best prepare for it.

Standard Chartered online application form

Applying to work for Standard Chartered starts with an online application form. This will include submitting your CV and cover letter.

Make sure both stand out: list all your competencies relevant to the job in your CV and make your cover letter personal. Highlight why you are the perfect match for the job and show you’re familiar with Standard Chartered’s work.

Standard Chartered Aptitude Tests

Standard Chartered situational strengths assessment

The first aptitude test you will be asked to take is a situational strengths assessment. Companies use this type of test to see if an applicant’s character is a good match for their ethics and standards.

A situational strengths test consists of multiple-choice questions. You will be given a scenario and possible resolutions — you should choose the best course of action from the answers provided.

Other questions will present you with a skill or a strength, and you will choose how likely or unlikely you are to match it.

Although a situational strengths assessment is a character-based test, you can still prepare for it. Take a free situational test and familiarise yourself with the format.

Researching the company can also help you understand what specific skills the role requires. You can then answer with those skills in mind.

Standard Chartered numerical reasoning test

Numerical reasoning tests are also a part of your psychometric evaluation. This is no surprise, as any banking group has to verify the candidate’s competencies processing numbers.

The questions will be particular to the position you’re applying for and they will feature graphs, data, and financial analysis.

To be ready, learn how to best prepare for a numerical reasoning test. One thing worth knowing before you start is that Standard Chartered calls this stage the Skills Insight Assessment, and the reasoning questions all arrive inside a single timed section of 36 minutes rather than as separate invitations. An untimed behavioural section sits alongside it.

The bank routes assessment support to SHL and publishes its own page of SHL practice questions, so SHL practice tests are the style worth getting familiar with.

Standard Chartered abstract reasoning test

An abstract reasoning test, as the name suggests, is a non-verbal and non-numerical type of psychometric test. Companies use it to assess a candidate’s critical thinking skills.

The questions will present you with a series of shapes and patterns and you will have to identify the connecting factor.

Abstract reasoning tests can be tricky. Seeing all the different images can be overwhelming, so it’s best to take a look at sample questions and answers and familiarise yourself with the format.

Standard Chartered’s own wording for this part is inductive reasoning, and it sits in the same timed section as the numerical questions. We offer a first test for free and a full package of SHL-style practice tests to work through.

Standard Chartered HR interview

If you score high enough in your psychometric tests, a member of the HR team will give you a call. This is similar to a pre-screening call, as they will ask you about your competencies and what motivates you to work for Standard Chartered.

The questions will be mostly based on what you put on your CV and cover letter. Make sure you have them in front of you while answering, to avoid getting caught off guard.

Standard Chartered video interview

Following the HR interview, you will be invited to take a recorded video interview. Standard Chartered asks you to set aside about 20 minutes for it. Each question appears on the screen and you get a minute to prepare your answer.

The recording then gives you two minutes to respond. You are allowed one re-record per question, but the second attempt is the one that gets submitted, so use it deliberately.

Although the strict timing adds some pressure, the questions use the common STAR method and you shouldn’t be too worried about them.

Some examples are ‘What was one project or piece of work you’re most proud of?’, ‘Why do you think you are the best choice for the job?’ and ‘How do you feel about giving others advice?’

Standard Chartered face-to-face interview

The last stage of the application process is a face-to-face interview with representatives of Standard Chartered. These could be your future manager, colleagues, or members of the board.

The questions can include case studies, business discussions and group exercises.

To prepare, familiarise yourself with Standard Chartered’s investors, past and future projects, press releases, and latest articles. This will give you an insight into how Standard Chartered operates, and confidence in how to approach the interview questions.