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Application zone
Selection process
hints and tipsFamiliarise yourself with our recruitment process
Perfect your application with our hints and tips
We’re here to help you succeed every step of the way. Discover how to prepare for your application, online assessments, interviews and Assessment Centre. These resources will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to put your best foot forward throughout our recruitment process.
Watch our video on why you should apply to one of our Early Careers Programmes.
Application tips
- Submitting your application shouldn’t take too long if you’re prepared. We recommend you complete your application on a laptop or desktop rather than a phone. Before you start, make sure your CV is up to date and ready to upload.
- Your CV should work backwards from your most recent work experience or education, so what you’ve been doing most recently is the first thing we see. For your work experience, include your responsibilities, job title and achievements.
- Make sure you include dates of all of your education, work experience and previous employers as well. And keep it concise – your CV shouldn’t be longer than two pages.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you may be asked to take some online assessments (Skills Insight Assessment and for tech roles a Coding Simulation) to identify whether you have the right skills for the role you’ve applied to. You’ll be provided full instructions in the email inviting you to participate. You’ll have a few days in which to do it so make sure you set aside a time when you can concentrate fully on the task at hand.
Online assessment tips
- Manage your time: the reasoning skill element of the Skills Insight assessment and the coding simulation are timed so you will need to work steadily throughout, whilst keeping an eye on the timer. If you are given the opportunity to practice, make sure you use it!
- Be yourself: there are no right or wrong answers for the behavioural skill element of the Skills Insight assessment. You don’t need any work experience to answer these questions. You can think about your preferences from school, university, your hobbies and/or home life. Just answer honestly and instinctively.
- Create a suitable environment: find a quiet and distraction-free space to take the assessments. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and that your computer or device is fully charged.
- Read instructions carefully: take your time to understand the instructions for each assessment. Different tests have specific rules or requirements.
- Stay calm and focused : don’t let time pressure or difficult questions overwhelm you. The assessments are used to assess your skills, not to catch you out.
- Avoid distractions : ensure that notifications on your device are turned off, and you won’t be interrupted during the assessment.
Special Requirements
Accessibility, Adjustments and Accommodations
We want all applicants to feel able to perform at their best throughout our hiring process. We’ll support you with reasonable adjustments or accommodations, which you might need due to your long-term health condition, neurodivergence, disability or mental health condition.
We’ll need you to contact us before starting any assessments.
Because we believe in diversity, we won’t ask everyone the same question. Instead, we’ll get to know you to understand if you’re the right fit for us and we’re the right fit for you. Things you can do to prepare for your interview:
- Demonstrate what you, and only you, will bring to the role: draw upon your experiences from your studies, hobbies, home life and any work experience to answer questions. You don’t need any work experience to answer these questions.
- Manage your time: both your preparation and answer will be timed. Try to be concise in your answer so that you don’t run out of time.
- Listen and read carefully: this assessment contains both videos and content to read. You may find it helpful to take notes.
- Check your technology: ensure you have a reliable internet connection, your camera and microphone are switched on, and that your computer or device is fully charged.
- Create a suitable environment: find a quiet and distraction-free space to take the assessment. However, please do not worry about what your background or clothing looks like, all that matters is that we can see and hear you – we are only interested in what you have to say.
- Stay calm and focused: don’t let time pressure or difficult questions overwhelm you. The assessments are used to assess your skills, not to catch you out.
- Avoid distractions: ensure that notifications on your device are turned off, and you won’t be interrupted during the assessment.
- Demonstrate what you, and only you, will bring to the role.
Special Requirements
Accessibility, Adjustments and Accommodations
We want all applicants to feel able to perform at their best throughout our hiring process. We’ll support you with reasonable adjustments or accommodations, which you might need due to your long-term health condition, neurodivergence, disability or mental health condition.
We’ll need you to contact us before starting any assessments.
Assessment centres are designed to evaluate candidates comprehensively, so remember to showcase your skills, teamwork abilities, and positive attitude throughout the process. Even if you don’t succeed this time, view it as a valuable learning experience for future opportunities. Remember to showcase your motivation, skills and a positive attitude throughout the process – but more importantly, be yourself. Even if you don’t succeed this time, view it as a valuable learning experience for future opportunities.
- Be prepared: research the format and the specific exercises you’ll be facing. Take time to also research our business, the programme you’ve applied for, and think about examples from your studies, work experience or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills. And get a good night’s sleep beforehand!
- Dress for the day: present yourself in a professional manner, even if your Assessment Centre is online. Follow any dress code guidelines we send you.
- Arrive early: if physically attending our offices, plan your journey in advance and aim to arrive early. Being punctual shows your commitment and reliability, and avoids you arriving flustered!
- Stay positive and confident: keep a positive attitude throughout the day, and approach each exercise with confidence. Believing in your abilities will help you to stay composed under pressure.
- Engage with others: interact with your fellow candidates respectfully and professionally. Assessors will be observing how candidates interact with one another.
- Listen carefully: pay close attention to instructions provided by assessors for each exercise. Make sure you fully understand what is expected of you, and feel free to ask for clarity if necessary.
- Be yourself: while it’s essential to showcase your skills, don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be authentic and let your true personality and perspectives shine through. You were invited for a reason!
Special Requirements
Accessibility, Adjustments and Accommodations
We want all applicants to feel able to perform at their best throughout our hiring process. We’ll support you with reasonable adjustments or accommodations, which you might need due to your long-term health condition, neurodivergence, disability or mental health condition.
We’ll need you to contact us ahead of attending the Assessment Centre.
Discover more
Our early career programmes
We recruit into many different countries across the world. Find out more about the local student programmes we offer.
Where can you join us
Explore our early careers programmes in your market to learn more about our graduate programmes, summer internships and apprenticeship opportunities.
Our business areas
Learn about the different teams across the Bank, discover what they do, and find out about the different routes to entry for students and graduates to find your fit.
Application zone
Ready to apply? Find out what happens next in our application zone, including hints and tips to make sure you’re fully prepared for interviews and assessment centres.
Diversity and inclusion
We value and celebrate the diversity of our teams across all our locations and business functions so that everyone feels respected and can realise their full potential.
Rewards and benefits
As well as gaining the great benefits of working in our ‘here for good’ culture, we offer competitive salaries that fully reflect your skills and experience.
Our culture and values
Find out more about the purpose that underpins everything we do at Standard Chartered, and the behaviours and culture that drive this purpose forward.