Online Application
For the Sheffield Technology Graduate programme, I recall only having to submit a CV and answer some short questions about why you’re applying to the programme.
How to respond for success
Spend time researching the role. Use job description key words in your application.
Expect a 1-2 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Situational Judgement
There were about three main tests at this stage - logic, situational judgement, and personality tests. The time it takes for them altogether depends from person to person (the logic and situational judgement tests have time limits) It took around 40 minutes - 1 hour to complete everything.
Example
Expect generic workplace scenario questions and answer honestly.
How to respond for success
Practice the logic and situational judgement tests if you’re not comfortable working under time pressure. The tests are similar to what other company uses so you could use sites like Practice Aptitude Tests or Assessment Day to practice. Be honest with your answers. There are no right or wrong ones.
Expect a 1-2 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Virtual Interview
Third stage was a motivational interview. This interview was quite short, about 20 - 30 minutes. Most of the questions asked here are a chance for you to explain why you’ve applied and why you’re pursuing a role in technology/what makes you excited about tech.
For interviews, I typically practice by preparing some main points to common questions. Alongside that, it’s great to practice with people or friends as well because unexpected questions are something you would need to be able to answer too.
Example
Has there been something new you’ve learned about technology in the last year through your own initiative? How did you go about it?
How to respond for success
Use the interview to ask a lot of questions as well! I asked questions about things that only HSBC did and it helped me get a better idea of the people culture at the company which also helped me in the final stages.
Expect a 1-2 week wait before advancing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
If your motivational interview was successful, you’ll be invited to an assessment centre. Mine was virtual but they’ve since moved it to in-person assessments so it might be quite different now.
During the assessment centres, there was three stages (altogether took about 2 - 3 hours) which consisted of: A technology product pitch, a logic test, and an interview.
For the pitch, it was quite free-flowing, you were given a brief overview a week before and you could prepare a presentation about almost anything you wanted. Following your presentation, you would get some questions about your product.
The logic tests were a bit of a case study - I don’t think you can directly prepare for these.
For the interview, it was mostly questions for you to showcase your passion for tech and find out which particular areas you’re interested in.
I mostly prepared by again, speaking to people. For example, pitching your product to different people and letting them ask you questions that you’re not expecting.
Example
Describe a time you had to deal with conflict, how did you go about it? What areas of IT interest you, why? Why did you pick this Technology Programme in particular?
How to respond for success
In terms of advice, try putting your shoes in a business as well! For example, your product pitch - if you think about the kind of problems a business could face while launching a certain product, you could easily answer any question they throw at you. And prep some questions to ask, you get to find out a lot about what working in HSBC is like as well.
I think what made my interview stand out was that I was clear and concise about my thought process - practicing case studies out loud helps thinking out loud easier too. On top of that, I was also aware of the mistakes I made during the process and wasn’t afraid to point it out and explain how I would’ve done it differently if given the chance.
