Online Application
For the initial stage you are required to submit a CV and cover letter via email.
How to respond for success
I tried to put in as much work experience as possible, but I don’t think the CV is essential. What surely made the difference is the cover letter where I aligned my previous experience to the core values of Lloyds and what I would be doing at the job. To structure this, I used the STAR method. I found most of the relevant information on Lloyds's “about us” page and by going on OurGen and reading other insights like this Summer Intern at Lloyds. They really helped me point out what was most relevant and what the recruiting staff would be looking for in my application.
Expect a 1-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Final Interview
I was invited to a 2.5-3hr interview where I firstly had to answer the classic questions of “what are my passion”, “why Lloyds”, Why this role”. I then had to do a presentation, followed by easy math questions. I don't think I performed exceptionally well, but I was very natural and friendly with my interviewers, and I believe that's what got me the job.
13:20.13:30: - Introduction and welcome. Here the 2 interviewers presented themselves and tried to make me feel comfortable. It was instrumental in reducing stress.
13:35-14:30: here it was the classic Interview where they asked me about my cv, cover letter, why I applied to Lloyds, why the role, and my passions,.... I tried to answer using my research on Lloyds and the information my mates gave me at OurGen.
14:35-15:30: presentation and Case Study. Before the Interview, I was given 2 presentation questions to choose from that I had to prepare. While I thought my research was good, they did not seem to think that way. They asked me many questions I did not have the answers to, so I just showed my very interest in their correction and asked further questions to the answer they were giving me when I could not answer myself. It was a good strategy because it showed that I was very interested while I did not know.
15:35-15:45: These were easy math questions like dealing with fractions and percentages. The final question was probably the most important. It was a case study with specific information about 4 people who were asking for a loan, and I had to classify them from the most to the least suitable. They were not really in order but mainly on the justification.
Example task
The choices I had for the presentation were between the impact of Coronavirus on the banking industry and its customers or the potential impact of climate change on the banking industry and its customers.
How to respond for success
I don't think my answer was perfect, but I always kept calm, had a big smile and tried to make the interviewers laugh. They did! I would advise understanding the company you are applying to very well. While it is not that bad if you can't answer a question, you absolutely have to show passion for both the company and the role you are applying to. The employer won't choose you solely based on your answer but how your act in the Interview. As graduate students, we are pretty dumb to the employers. We have a lot to learn, and they just want to see if you are someone they can work with, easy to teach and mould into the role. Be enthusiastic and interested.
