Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
With FO banking role being the flavour of the month, we tend to receive many resumes whenever we post an opening. Logistically it is challenging to interview more than 10 or so persons.
Here's some of the defining characteristics which stand out when we review resumes to select interviewees-
- relevant internships with prestigious firms (proves the candidate knows what he/she is in for from a work expectation, working hours etc perspective & as a qc check as well cos its not easy to get these internship)
- first class honours (upper 2nd ok if other traits are spectacular)
- track record of academic success (spectacular A lvl results, RJC/HC etc, prior scholarships)
- standout performance in cca (national lvl sportsman, president scout, student council president, etc)
- international contest winner for relevant topic
Of course, not all candidates will have all of the above, but many will have 3 to 5 of the above traits, with the internships being perhaps most important, with academics closely behind, then CCA after. Exceptional CCA performance may get you a look as well.
To be honest, we are very impressed with many of the people we are unable to interview, but the degree of competition out there is mind boggling. Suspect its because the media has really played up FO banking jobs in recent years so there is more interest these days.
Hope this helps.
Rgds |
Looks like we have an recruiter for FO in BB banks here. Agreed that interviewing does consume significant time and resources. A typical recruitment day for a FO role in a BB bank (for c.a 20 canditates) can possibly include
1. Verbal, Math Aptitude test ~ c.a 30 - 40 min
2. Reading and write up on case study ~ c.a 1 hr
3. Presentation on case study to Associate/VP level staff ~ c.a 15 min
4. 3-4 rounds of interview with MD/D/VP/Associate/Analyst ~ c.a 15 m per interview
5. Group exercise ~c.a 30 min
Half a day seems like a short time. But the no. of man hours multiplied by the salary/hr of the MD/D/VP can aggregate to a significant amount.
Indeed the competition for FO roles, especially in Singapore, is remarkable. As a recruiter, could I pose a few hypothetical scenarios for your opinion? Who has the best chance? Anyone else please feel free to comment.
Assumptions
Jobs are for FO roles in Singapore
Candidate A
SMU, Economics, summa cum laude,
Internship experience: BB bank in Singapore, MO
CCA records: 7 (from scale of 1 - 10, 10 being the best)
Presentation skills: 8, ditto
Work Status: seeking first job after graduation
Candidate B
LSE, Economics, 1st class,
Internship experince: Top consultancy (Bain/BCG/McKinsey) in London
CCA records: 6,
Presentation skills: 8
Work status: seeking first job after graduation
Candidate C
University College London, Engineering, 1st class, top student of his course with multiple prizes
Internship experience: BB Bank, FO office in London
CCA records: 7
Presentation skills: 8
Work status: worked 3 years in a Ministry/Stat board, looking for career change (read in between the lines
)
Candidate D
NUS,Business Admin, 2nd upper
Internship experience: Business Development in MNC
CCA records: 9 (Engineering Council Preseident, Sports Captain etc)
Presentation sklls: 8
Work status: worked 2 years in an MNC, looking for career change