Hints and tips
General Tips
- Research and prepare – look at our website and brochures, attend campus events (such as employer presentations and skill development sessions) and visit careers fairs.
- Keep up-to-date with the news, events and trends within the financial services industry.
- Find out who we are and be ready to tell us why you want to work here.
- Be ready to give reasons for your choice of scheme.
- Check your emails regularly.
- Inform us of any changes to your personal details.
- Ensure you keep track of your interview and assessment centre attendance dates and times.
- Answer the question being asked, not what you'd like it to ask.
Completing the Application Form
- This is the first impression we’ll get of you, so details like spelling and grammar are important – make sure you proof read your form before submitting it.
- Avoid 'text speak'!
- Ensure that your application is for a role with HBOS and not another company.
- Try to use the full word allocation to explain your answers, so you can sell yourself as much as possible.
- Be specific with your answers and use solid examples. We want to know what you did so use examples with 'I' and try to steer away from examples using 'we'.
- Stand out from the crowd! Don't just repeat what's on our website or brochure.
- Be honest about your achievements.
- Save and print a copy of your application form – you’ll need it when preparing for your interview and assessment centre.
- Be sure to include all your details and clarify any gaps in work history/education.
Interviews
- Answer the question. Be concise and to the point.
- Think about the skills and qualities we are looking for and prepare examples that demonstrate these.
- Try to give recent examples (i.e. within the last 12 months)
- Don't be afraid of silences. If you need time to think about a question and formulate your answer, just say so.
- Use your careers service to undertake mock interviews.
- Have some questions ready to ask. We see the interview as a two way process; we are here to learn about you and you about us.
- Use this time as an opportunity to really sell yourself and your achievements.
Tests
Practice is key, so take full advantage of the various resources available to you.
- Careers service – many provide sample tests under test conditions.
- Text books providing sample questions and timed tests.
- Various aptitude/ability test sites including: shldirect.com ase-solutions.co.uk and practicetests.cubiks.com
- Work quickly but accurately and don't get stuck on one question, move on if you are unsure.
- Make sure you are relaxed and will be undisturbed for the duration of the test.
- Ensure that you take the test yourself as you could be re-tested at a later stage.
Assessment Centres
Our assessment centres vary depending on the scheme you have applied to. You’ll find details of these on the 'Application Process' section of the website. Always make sure you’ve checked the timings and venue, and turn up on time!
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