I applied online. I interviewed at HSBC in Nov 2012
Interview
Applied online, the first round was phone interview with HR from London HQ and was therefore conducted in English.
The questions were pretty standard although the "World in 2050" topic seems to be important to them:
-Why Trading?
-Why HSBC?
-What will the global economy be like in 2050?
-Which economies (countries) will be the strongest economically? Why?
And how does it impact HSBC?
-Talk me through a recent news story which has interested you and tell me how it impacts HSBC
-What are HSBC’s values? How have these values helped HSBC through the crises?
-What is your greatest strength and which area will you need to work on when working in trading?
-Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
-Who is your role model in the financial industry (it can be someone you know personally or a public figure)?
-What skills are important to be successful in Trading/Global Markets?
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
There was no real surprise since the large majority of the questions asked were mentioned on several career forums, etc.
Plusieurs entretiens technique assez poussé en programmation (héritage, programmation orienté objet) et demande de connaissances assez pointues sur les taux en particulier sur les produits dérivés de taux (cap, floor, swap…)
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at HSBC in June 2023
Interview
Typical 2 rounds of interviews. HR focused on background and Manager on technicals. Process was smoother and clearer than most other companies. Questions were not tricky but experience has to be exact match of the job function, which is very niche.
I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at HSBC (New York, NY)
Interview
Had excellent recommendation from a former manager who had joined HSBC a few months before. My future direct manager was an alumnus from my university and the personal contact was excellent.
Several interviews with different managers after that, none with HR (rubber stamping).
Due diligence was standard for a controlled employee (FINRA registered).
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Standard career questions - progression, motivation, skills. Nothing original.