HSBC’s recruitment process
HSBC’s application procedures vary according to the role you are seeking and the location where you are hoping to work. They will typically include the stages outlined below, depending on whether you are applying for a general role or a student and graduate role.

General application details
Candidates for roles at HSBC will usually be taken through a number of steps, from submitting their CV and completing online assessments to telephone and face-to-face interviews.

HSBC aim for an inclusive work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. If you require any adjustments in the recruitment process please contact HSBC. Examples of such adjustments might include supplying materials in large print or Braille or providing assistance to attend our assessment centres.

Your CV is an important part of your application to HSBC and is your first opportunity to demonstrate your qualities and achievements. It also enables HSBC to consider you if another suitable role comes up in the future. In addition to your CV HSBC may ask you to complete an application form.

Begin your CV with a brief summary of your skills, accomplishments and career goals. Follow this with your employment history and work experience, starting with your most recent role. Include full details of your employers, dates of employment, job titles and responsibilities. Make sure you give examples of your skills and achievements, relating these to the role for which you are applying where possible.

Next, give details of the university, college or school you attended, your qualifications and grades and any work-related courses taken. Start with the most recent and work backwards, using bullet points or a table. Finally, mention any hobbies or interests that have a particular relevance to the role for which you are applying. Ensure your contact details are up to date and that the CV is no more than two pages long.

Once you have successfully completed your application, HSBC may send you a link to a website containing some online assessments. These are designed to identify whether you have the skills required for the role and to assess your suitability for working at HSBC. The number and type of assessments will depend on the role for which you are applying.

You can take the assessments at any time within a fixed number of days, as specified in the email. You should complete some of the practice questions supplied before you begin, and start the assessments only when you are sure you can give them your undivided attention.

HSBC conduct interviews in order to assess your compatibility with HSBC’s values, as well as your general skills and motivation for applying. It is also your opportunity to make sure the interviewer knows that you are enthusiastic about working at HSBC. If you are successful in the interview, HSBC will contact you afterwards and let you know the next steps.

HSBC uses several methods to conduct interviews with candidates, which range from video interviewing technology through to over the telephone or in-person meetings. Regardless of the method of interview, HSBC will ask you about specific occasions when you have demonstrated a particular ability. It is important that you identify and know your strengths and be prepared to give examples of when you have demonstrated relevant skills. Focus on your role in these situations and the outcomes. These examples don’t have to be drawn from work. For each example, explain the situation you faced; the specific task required; the action that you took; and the result of this action.

On-Demand video interviews
HSBC has engaged with a video interviewing technology partner called Modern Hire which has On Demand interviewing capabilities. On Demand video interviews are being used for some roles instead of telephone interviews.

On Demand interviews contain questions that are pre-set for you to answer via video which do not require an interviewer either on the phone or face to face to listen to your responses live. It allows you to conduct the interview at a time that suits you.

Read more about how to prepare and successfully complete the On Demand video interview.

Live video, telephone and In-person interviews
HSBC may conduct an interview via live video, telephone or in-person which will last approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the role.

If you are invited to conduct your interview via a live video, read more about how to prepare and successfully connect to the live video interview.

If you need adjustments prior to or during the interview, or don’t understand a question that is asked, please let the interviewer know.

If you require any adjustments in HSBC’s recruitment process, please let them know by contacting your local recruitment team. For example, if you need materials in large print or Braille or help to attend their final stage Virtual Experience Day.

Our process is staying fully virtual to support inclusivity and sustainability and there will be lots of opportunities to showcase your strengths and skills, learn more about HSBC as well as meet recruiters and business assessors in a virtual environment.

At every stage of the recruitment process you’ll be invited to a Preparation Portal. This gives you access to a variety of supportive materials relevant to your stage in the process.

To help you further prepare for HSBC’s assessments you can sign-up to HSBC’s Preparation Plus which gives you access to multiple practice tests, interview guidance and a HSBC work simulation to support you further with your application.

You’ll receive a feedback report after the Online Immersive Assessment and Virtual Experience Day stage in the process to help you learn more about your top strengths and areas for development.

The first stage of the process is to complete HSBC’s application form and any local application requirements. The application form asks some short questions about your eligibility to apply for the role. It doesn’t matter what or where you studied but you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to be considered. You’ll also be asked to complete some questions to help HSBC report on and monitor equal opportunities, any local country requirements will be followed. This information won’t be visible to anyone throughout the recruitment process or afterwards and is treated in confidence. You can choose not to share this information if you’d prefer.

Once you’ve completed this, if you’re eligible, you’ll receive an email with information about the next steps in the process.

If you’re eligible to move forward, you’ll be invited to complete an Online Immersive Assessment.

This assessment gives you an insight into the life of graduates working at HSBC to help you better understand our values and culture. You’ll be asked to respond to multiple choice questions that cover a range of potential work situations and analyse written and numerical data. This helps HSBC assess your behavioural and cognitive skills to see if they are a good match for the programme you’ve applied to.

We suggest that you take a look at the Preparation Plus to help familiarize yourself with these type of written and numerical assessments so you know what to expect.

If you’re successful, the second stage of our online assessment is a Job Simulation that gives you an insight into the specific business area you’ve applied to. You’ll be shown fictitious information and be asked to analyse numerical data, provide written answers and record verbally in response to the questions presented.

Once you’ve completed this step, HSBC will contact you to let you know whether you have made it through to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Depending on the Global Graduate Programme or Internship that you have applied for, you may be invited to take part in a half-day Virtual Experience Day or Assessment Centre.

You’ll be assessed by key members of the relevant business area in virtual face-to-face Strengths-based interview(s) and a series of assessment exercises. All of these exercises and interview(s) are founded within the Strengths-based methodology and have been designed to encourage you to demonstrate your potential and suitability for HSBC.

To support your preparation for the final stage assessment HSBC recommend that you consider why you’ve applied to work at HSBC, but also think about the situations where you truly excel and the achievements you’re proud of.

If you’re successful at the Virtual Experience Day / Assessment Centre, HSBC will contact you and let you know what happens next.

If you’ve applied to a vacancy on one of HSBC’s graduate or intern programmes, you can find contact details for your local team on the careers contacts page. Please don’t send your CV or any sensitive information to these email addresses, as they are for handling application and selection queries only.

If you have any questions during the application process, feel free to ask ‘Stitt’ the Lion, HSBC’s Chatbot who can be found in the bottom right hand corner of your application page and is available 24/7.

HSBC’s business language is English. For student and graduate programmes you will need to speak English fluently, however, for some of the local entry-level roles, this may not be the case. It’s not always necessary to speak the local language of the office you are applying to. Where a second language is essential or preferred, this will be stated in the eligibility criteria within the job description. HSBC’s careers website allows you to view the different student and graduate opportunities available in many countries. Each programme page outlines the eligibility criteria.

Yes. HSBC aim to provide an inclusive recruitment process and if you require assistance with any stage of the application process, please contact your local recruitment team or email at global.graduates@hsbc.com.

For a global bank, being open to different ideas, perspectives and cultures is vital. That is why HSBC work hard to ensure that they are a diverse and inclusive environment.

HSBC aim to be a place where everyone can achieve their potential and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. HSBC believe in treating everyone, clients and colleagues, with dignity and respect – whatever their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality or age.

HSBC seek to attract and develop local talent in the communities where we operate. We also continually work hard to support employees to adopt flexible and alternative ways of working.

No. HSBC actively seek to recruit students from all academic degree disciplines for their programmes.

Yes. HSBC offer a range of apprenticeships across their businesses. You can find out about the different programmes and placements available via the students and graduates programmes page https://www.hsbc.com/careers/students-and-graduates.

Applications in many markets will open from mid-August. HSBC advise that you check their website for opening and closing dates as they are sometimes different depending on the country or territory you'd like to apply to. HSBC offers a range of opportunities to students and graduates and advise all applicants to apply in good time before the application period closes as applications are reviewed on a continuous basis.

Yes. While HSBC host many events on and off campus there is a limit to the number of different schools/colleges and universities we can visit. HSBC encourage applications from all candidates who meet the criteria. If HSBC are unable to meet you in person at one of the events, it is encouraged that you to find out more about HSBC and the opportunitiesoffered via HSBC’s website or you can sign up to attend a virtual event https://www.hsbc.com/careers/careers-events.

HSBC do not encourage deferred entry. However, HSBC look at requests on a case-by-case basis.

You may reapply for a student or graduate programme if you applied in a previous recruitment cycle and year. However, HSBC ask you to consider the reason/s why you may not have been successful in a previous application so that you can work on any skills/development gaps. HSBC offer many events to support your ongoing development and would encourage you to take advantage of these.

HSBC no longer recruit MBA students to a specific MBA programme. However, HSBC encourages MBA students to search their roles for experienced professionals available across their global businesses and global functions.

HSBC have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as Networks. They are similar to clubs and societies you may have had access to at school, college or university. ERGs are voluntary employee-led groups that act as a resource for members and for the organisation as a whole. ERGs are categorised under one of HSBC’s seven core global diversity-themed networks including Ability, Balance, Embrace, Faith, Generations, Nurture and Pride, or as a common interest group which connects employees on a variety of different topic areas. They are open to all employees.

HSBC offers comprehensive training that starts soon after you join. Their approach includes mentoring and coaching, formal training and qualifications, and learning on the job, where you will be supported by your team and manager. For example, if you join HSBC’s Market Operations Apprenticeships in the UK you will get the support of a buddy and mentor and work towards your Investment Operations Certificate. For HSBC’s Global Graduate Programmes they offer sponsorship for exams which will support you in your role. For example if you join their Front office roles you could look to take the FCA/CFA and undertake professional skills training.

HSBC’s application process is designed to allow you to demonstrate your strengths and to learn more about what it is like to be a part of HSBC. Their application process is designed around their Graduate Success Framework which includes a short online application form, online immersive assessments which enable you to understand more about the skills required for the Global Business you have applied for and a job simulation in the form of a video interview where you can share more about your strengths and skills that you can bring to HSBC. The last stage of the process is the virtual experience day where you will have the opportunity to meet HSBC colleagues virtually and take part in a number of exercises. This process may vary between countries. All applications need to be submitted online via www.hsbc.com/careers.

As part of your application with HSBC, you'll be invited to register to their Candidate Preparation Portal which will provide you with a suite of supportive materials and is tailored to each stage of our virtual selection process. You'll have access to practice assessments and other supportive materials as well as hearing from recently hired graduates on their top tips to be successful in the process.

HSBC’s application criteria differs slightly across countries and territories. HSBC encourage students of all ages to apply to the graduate programmes and would recommend that you review the eligibility criteria and consider if a graduate programme is the most suitable route based on your background and experience. HSBC have entry-level and experienced hire opportunities on their Careers site as well as opportunities for current students.

HSBC require all candidates to meet minimum academic requirements for their global graduate programmes which are outlined on the Global Business programme pages. HSBC will ask for documentary evidence of this during the assessment process.

Here are some examples of the minimum requirements we look for:

• Canada: Bachelor's degree with a 3.2 cumulative GPA or equivalent degree

• Mainland China: 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA for students studying in mainland China or a 2.1 or equivalent degree if you are studying outside of mainland China

• Hong Kong: 3.2/4.0 or 4.0/5.0 cumulative GPA from a recognised university. For a recognised university that does not follow the GPA system then a 2.1, or equivalent degree

• Qatar: Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.8/4.0; or Higher diploma, or equivalent degree

• Singapore: Upper second-class honours degree, 3.2/4.0 or 4.0/5.0 GPA, or equivalent degree

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.8/4.0; or Higher diploma, or equivalent degree

• UK: Upper second-class honours degree or equivalent degree

• USA: Candidates must have a cumulative 3.2 GPA or above, or equivalent degree

No. HSBC ask candidates to make an informed decision by first reviewing the different business areas and location sections of this website. HSBC encourage you to come and meet HSBC at one of their career events. Different programmes may have different requirements so you should think carefully about which is most aligned to your skills and interests. However, if it becomes clear during the recruitment process that you are more suited to a different business area, HSBC will discuss this with you.

If you fulfil the eligibility requirements, you will be invited to take HSBC’s online immersive assessment. If you're successful, you will be invited to complete the job simulation through taking part in a video interview which will have a number of questions in a variety of formats. If you are successful after the job simulation you will be invited to attend HSBC’s virtual experience day/ super day.

If you are applying for an internship or global graduate opportunity at HSBC, you need to have the legal right to live and work in the country or territory to which you are applying. In most places, this means that you will need to be a national of the relevant country to apply (e.g. Canada, mainland China, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, USA*).

In some countries and territories, you do not need to be a national to apply (e.g. the UK). We recommend that you check the eligibility requirements for the country or territory that you are applying to.

If you require a visa for your role, HSBC will be able to provide guidance and support during your application process but cannot advise you of your work eligibility status. Please note that HSBC’s ability to sponsor visa applications is beyond the control of HSBC and is dependent on the relevant legislation of the country you are applying to. Any offer of employment is subject to immigration approval being obtained before your start date.

*If you are applying for a role in the USA in Global Banking & Markets, you must be studying at a US university if you are not a US national

HSBC are unable to provide feedback to you at all stages of the recruitment process. However, you will receive feedback after the online immersive assessment where you will receive a report providing information on your strengths, where you have performed well and areas to support your development. Following virtual experience, day / super days HSBC will also aim to provide you feedback from one of the recruiters.

HSBC’s assessment process is fully virtual and this includes assessment centres / super days. In the rare instances HSBC need you to attend an office in person, HSBC will reimburse economy travel costs. If travel on the day of the interview is not a realistic option, you'll be able to reclaim the costs of overnight accommodation, up to a set maximum. All overnight accommodation requests must be authorised in advance by your graduate recruitment team contact.

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 your graduate recruitment team.

In most cases, you will be assessed by senior business representatives at the office to which you applied. HSBC will work with you to make sure all arrangements are made in good time and in line with our travel reimbursement policy.