FAQs

To ensure an objective, fair and consistent recruitment and selection process, we ask all applicants to submit their application formally online via this website.

Structured questions will enable you to demonstrate your potential and motivation for wishing to work for HSBC and the programme/business you have applied for. Do also ensure that you have uploaded your CV (and cover letter if applicable) to enable a thorough review of your application. Please note, we are unable to accept any CVs sent to us directly in the Graduate Recruitment Team, as we are mindful to ensure a fair and robust selection process.

Please refer to the Deadlines page for our specific application deadlines by programme/region.

Although we offer a wide range of opportunities, we advise all applicants, having made an informed career decision, to apply as soon as possible after the application system opens in early September 2011. Places are limited and competition will be strong.

Please refer to the Deadlines page for our specific application deadlines by programme/region.

You can monitor the status of your application by logging back onto it using your e-mail address and password. If you have not received a further update, your application is under review and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Please also check the e-mail address you have applied with on a regular basis, along with your junk inbox, to ensure that you have not missed any communication from HSBC.

If you have an 'exploding offer', please let us know by contacting the Graduate Recruitment Team directly at hsbc@graduatequeries.co.uk and we will try to speed up your recruiting process for you.

We do take our recruitment and offer decision process seriously and hope that you show equal integrity towards us.

If you require assistance throughout any aspect of our recruitment and selection process, in the first instance, we encourage you to please contact us directly at hsbc@graduatequeries.co.uk We will be happy to assist with your individual query and offer guidance regarding your particular requirements.

We receive a large volume of applications and work hard, screening each and every individual application in person. We reply to each candidate individually as soon as possible. However, this date may vary depending upon when you applied and which programme you applied for.

If you experience technical difficulties, please contact us directly, explaining the nature of your query, at hsbc@graduatequeries.co.uk or on +44 (0)208 123 3823

Our technical support team should be able to assist with your query.

If you have forgotten your log-in details, please contact us directly at hsbc@graduatequeries.co.uk or on +44 (0)208 123 3823

Our technical support team should be able to assist with your query.

We hope you will find all the information you need on this website. We also encourage you to come and meet us at one of our many on-campus events. If you then have an unanswered question, please contact us at hsbc@graduatequeries.co.uk or on +44 (0)208 123 3823

You can disclose your disability on the application form, under the equal opportunities section. This section is not mandatory but is open for those that wish to disclose their disability. If you would like to discuss your disability and any specific reasonable adjustments ahead of any stage of your assessment through the recruitment process, please contact INSERT GTI SERVICE CENTRE.

To withdraw your application, please notify us formally in writing at hsbc@graduatequeries.co.uk. We will then take this as a formal instruction to withdraw your application on your behalf.

We advise that you first research this website and the wider industry before making an informed decision regarding which business area you would like to join before applying.

HSBC is a large international organisation, offering many opportunities, however, upon joining your relevant programme you will find that you have much to learn and develop and it is expected that you therefore commit to your chosen programme for the full duration. Do also bear in mind that the skills and experience you require for one business may not be equally transferable across other businesses.

As a minimum, we require all candidates to meet the minimum academic requirements for our programme and will ask for documentary evidence of this prior to joining. Please see below a few, but not exhaustive, examples of the minimum requirements we look for:

• UK – 2:1 honours degree – 320 UCAS points (340 UCAS points for Global Banking Advisory and Equity Capital Markets)
• Americas – GPA 3.2/4.0 GPA
• China – 75% to 85% in a percentage-based system, 3.2/4.0 GPA
• Hong Kong – 2nd Class Upper Division, 3.2/4.0 or 8.5/12.0 GPA
• India – 65%/1^st Class degree
• Singapore – 2^nd Class Upper Division, 3.2/4.0 or 4.0/5.0 GPA

Yes. We are looking for talented individuals with a broad range of skills and actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates from all degree disciplines.

A background in finance is not essential as we will provide you with relevant, comprehensive training once you join your programme. You will, however, be expected to demonstrate a clear interest in HSBC, the world of finance and the business area you have applied for.

Generally, undergraduates (first degrees) and graduates (second degrees) will apply for our Analyst Programme (Global Businesses Analyst Programme). Whilst we realise that further education is a valuable experience, it is not essential for joining us at the Analyst level. Applications from students with additional qualifications will be considered for entry-level Analyst positions in the same way as students without further qualifications and based on merit.

Students studying towards their MBA should apply to the MBA Associate or Summer Associate Programme.

No. We ask candidates to make an informed decision regarding their career preference by first reviewing the different business areas and location sections of this website as well as wider publicly available information. We also encourage you to come and meet us at one of our forthcoming campus events to aid your decision making. You may also find that the skills requirements vary by programme and we encourage you to think carefully about which is most aligned to your skills set and motivation. However, if during the recruitment process it becomes clear that your skills and motivations are more suited to a different business area, we will forward your application accordingly and as appropriate.

Having decided which location and programme you are interested in, you may only apply to one programme, in one region, per recruiting year. We are unable to accept multiple applications.

You may re-apply if you applied in an earlier recruitment cycle and year. However, you should think carefully about re-applying, particularly if you reached the latter stages of the selection process previously. For example, do you feel the reasons you were unsuccessful previously have significantly changed?

Yes of course. While we host many events on campus across EMEA, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, we are limited to the number of different universities we can visit. We actively encourage applications from candidates who meet our criteria, from all universities. If we are unable to see you in person at one of our events, we encourage you to research HSBC and the opportunities we offer via this site.

The Americas

Candidates must be able to work in the US over the summer. You must be able to prove your employment eligibility when you join (either via your social security card or a related document). If you are on an international student visa, you must obtain a document from your school, which shows eligibility to work in the US.

Asia-Pacific

We welcome applications from individuals who require a work permit, both for our full-time and summer programmes, and we will apply for a work permit for you as part of the on-boarding process.

EMEA

We welcome applications from individuals who require a work permit, both for our full-time and summer programmes, and we will apply for a work permit for you as part of the on-boarding process.

In general, we do not encourage this. However, under particular circumstances, we are willing to consider deferring offers on a case-by-case basis.

Our full-time Analyst and Associate programmes will start in July/August 2012. Our Summer Analyst and Associate Programmes run for 10 weeks throughout the summer and will start late June/early July 2012. Candidates will receive full details regarding the start date for their programme when they formally accept a position with us.

We encourage students from all degree disciplines who are in their first year (or second year of a 4-year degree) to apply for our Spring Programme.

The HSBC Spring Internship Programme is an in-depth introduction to our Global Banking and Markets business at HSBC. The three-day event is held in our headquarters in Canary Wharf, London. Join us, and you will get the opportunity to hear about the history and culture of HSBC, and learn about our Global Banking and Markets businesses, including the products we offer. You will take part in on-the-floor work-shadowing, building tours, seminars, workshops, presentations and networking events with both recruiters and business representatives.

For details of the application process and key dates, visit the Apply section. Here you can also submit your CV and covering letter informing us why you would like to be selected for this programme.

We offer a Summer Analyst Programme for graduates in their penultimate year of university study (graduating in 2013) and also a Summer Associate Programme for first-year MBA students. The programmes last for 10 weeks between late June and September 2012. Please refer to the Programmes page of this website for full details.

HSBC is working with schools in and around London to help educate students on our organisation and the opportunities that exist for sixth formers and beyond.

HSBC is partnering with Bright Network and Head Start Careers to raise awareness of our industry, educate participants on our business areas and to provide skills sessions and work experience opportunities.

HSBC are also partnering with The Brokerage Citylink (a not-for-profit organisation) to provide students from inner-city London schools with the soft skills required to perform well during the recruitment process and to make the most of a summer internship/work experience opportunity.

HSBC also offers a one-day Insight event sponsored by our Balance Network that provides female participants with an insight into our Global Businesses divisions and the opportunity to meet industry professionals and learn about our organisation first-hand. This event allows you maximum exposure to HSBC, our culture and our people through interactive presentations, games and networking sessions.

For information on all these experiences, please visit our Pre-University Recruitment page.

We have Analyst and Summer Analyst opportunities available in:

• Global Banking Advisory
• Client Management
• Global Markets
• Global Research

We also recruit MBA Associates and Summer Associates into Global Banking Advisory and Global Markets.

We have Analyst and Summer Analyst opportunities available in:

• Global Banking Advisory
• Equity Capital Markets
• Leveraged and Acquisition Finance
• Global Markets
• Global Research
• Global Infrastructure

We also recruit MBA Associates and Summer Associates into Global Banking Advisory and Global Markets.

We have Analyst and Summer Analyst opportunities available in:

• Global Banking Advisory
• Global Markets
• HSBC Amanah

In London, we have Analyst and Summer Analyst opportunities available in:

• Global Banking Advisory
• Equity Capital Markets
• Leveraged and Acquisition Finance
• Client Management
• Global Markets – Sales, Trading and Debt Capital Markets
• Global Research
• Global Infrastructure – Compliance
• Global Infrastructure – Finance
• Global Infrastructure – Global Markets Operations
• HTS GBM Technology
• Global Private Banking (a global programme managed out of London)
• Global Asset Management
• HSBC Amanah

We also recruit MBA Associates and Summer Associates into Global Banking Advisory and Global Markets.

Analysts and Summer Analysts

After submitting your application online, if you are successful in meeting the criteria we set, we will invite you to complete an online numerical reasoning aptitude test. We advise that you practice these skills in advance at www.shl.com.

If you are successful at this stage you will be invited for a first-round interview, lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, conducted by a member of the Graduate Recruitment Team. The purpose of this interview is to find out more about your skills, capabilities, experiences and importantly your motivation to join HSBC and the programme you have applied to. Depending on the location you apply to, this may take place over the telephone, face-to-face on campus or at one of our offices.

Perform well here and the final-round assessment centre will take place either at the HSBC office you have applied to or on campus, depending upon the programme/location you have applied to.

Please note, for the Americas, this stage will constitute a series of panel interviews with key business sponsors.

At this stage, you will be assessed by key members of the business area you have applied to across a variety of exercises such as: motivational as well as business interviews, a business-related written exercise, presentation and group exercise. All are designed to encourage you to demonstrate your potential to the full. Equally as important as your motivation and commercial acumen is your suitability for HSBC and your demonstration of our key behaviours and values.

We encourage you to undertake comprehensive research in advance and come prepared to answer questions on your motivation for joining HSBC, the industry and the business you have applied to as well as the key factors that differentiate HSBC from our competitors.

Ours is very much a two-way process so you will be given plenty of opportunities to ask us questions that will help you decide if HSBC is right for you.

MBA Associates and Summer Associates

As per the School recruitment timetable, we will host first-round interviews for successful candidates on-campus, conducted by senior members of our business, many of whom are part of our dedicated School Teams. Final-round interviews will follow at the offices you have applied to.

Owing to the high volume of applicants and interviews, we are unable to provide feedback prior to the final-stage assessment centre/interviews.

For candidates who have been successful through to the final stage of assessments, we will be happy to arrange a convenient time with you to share our feedback.

The online numerical reasoning test is timed at 20 minutes.

In preparation, we encourage all applicants to visit the SHL website at www.shl.com.

To ensure an objective and fair assessment process, all candidates will also be required to complete a further similar paper-based numerical reasoning aptitude test at the final round of assessments.

At HSBC, we are committed to your ongoing learning and development and offer four distinct programmes depending on your background and eligibility. These are:

Global Businesses Analyst Programme (GBAP)
Summer Analyst Programme
MBA Associate Programme
Summer Associate Programme

Please click here to read full details regarding each programme and the structured learning and development opportunities available to you.

Towards the completion of your programme, you will participate in a formal review to plan your future career path. A variety of opportunities may be open to you based on your performance and interests.

We are committed to investing in our employees and, in support of the structured programme you join, we will also offer you a continued learning path, designed to equip you with the ongoing technical and behavioural skills you will need to succeed in your career with us and beyond the programme.

As part of this, we will also support you to study towards recognised and relevant professional qualifications. Please see examples below:

• CFA or overseas equivalent (for those joining Global Private Banking, Global Banking Advisory or Global Research)
• IAQ (Investment Administration Qualification) for those joining Global Markets Operations
• ACA (The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) for those joining Finance

For a more in-depth view, please visit our Learning and Development page.

Throughout the programme, designated mentors will ensure you receive the support, guidance and coaching you require to perform in your role. Your line manager, with support from our Development Advisors, will assess your performance on a regular ongoing basis to support you in building a successful career.

At HSBC, we recognise and value contribution, high performance and the right behaviours. Throughout your programme you will be encouraged to take early responsibility, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate what you are capable of achieving. Our high performers are recognised accordingly.

Please refer to the Events section of this website for details of events at your campus or in your region.

Yes. We will reimburse economy travel costs for candidates involved in the selection process, in accordance with the company's travel policy and the maximum limits outlined. These will be shared with you as relevant during the selection process.

If travel on the day of the assessment is not a realistic option, you will be able to reclaim the costs of overnight accommodation, up to the maximum limits outlined in our policy. All overnight accommodation requests must be authorised in writing in advance by the Graduate Recruitment Team by contacting us at the following address: hsbc@graduatequeries.co.uk

Please note, we do require original receipts for all expense claims.

Once you have submitted your travel expenses claim, the process should take approximately four to six weeks. If you have not received payment after six weeks, please contact the Graduate Recruitment Team at campus.recruitment@hsbc.com

At HSBC, diversity is central to our brand and is an integral part of our culture. In a world where uniformity dominates, we are building our business in the belief that it is difference that creates value. We know that progress and success is reliant on having a mixed and diverse workforce.

Diversity is not simply about gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality or age; it is about respecting individuals and treating everyone, clients and colleagues, with dignity. We deliberately recruit from a broad talent pool and encourage our people to share their unique backgrounds with others. We do not accept stereotypes and look for the value in everyone. Our robust policies demonstrate the values that we are known and respected for by our employees, clients and stakeholders.

In an organisation as global and as well connected as HSBC, being open to different ideas, perspectives and cultures is vital. Our future success depends on connecting with customers, communities and each other – no matter who or where they are. That is why you will find diversity at the heart of our business.

HSBC is a global community. An open, multilingual, multicultural and supportive working environment. Our professionalism, entrepreneurial spirit and ethical business principles guide everything we do.

Diversity is part of the DNA at HSBC. Since 1865 HSBC’s business has been built on our heritage, deep roots in many different countries and regions and globally mobile management culture.

The Diversity and Inclusion team aims to ensure people feel valued and that they are working in an environment where discrimination, bullying and harassment are not tolerated, and employees feel their opinions count, their views are heard and their concerns are addressed.

Please refer to our Culture and diversity page for more information.

For HSBC, corporate social responsibility (CSR), means managing our business responsibly and sensitively for long-term success. Our goal is not, and never has been, profit at any cost because we know that tomorrow's success depends on the trust we build today.

Being one of the world's biggest banks means the decisions we make can have a big impact. We aim to lend and invest responsibly, avoiding projects where the potential for social and environmental damage outweighs the economic benefits.

Involving our employees in the community brings many benefits. Our employees gain in understanding, confidence and self-esteem. Being recognised in the community also helps HSBC to attract great people.

Please visit our Community and philanthropic page for more information.