Online Application
For the initial stage a CV was required, as well as a cover letter type section in the form of 3 questions (300 words each) alluding to motivations for getting into the company and specific role. In addition to this, other basic personal profile questions were asked.
How to respond for success
I did thorough research on the company and their values, signposting to this in all the documents I presented. Also, I made sure to be very specific about why I was interested in the industry, programme and company. Finally I tried to include very clear examples of relevant experience gained in my CV.
To ensure she stood out from the crowd Inheritance still attached a cover letter, even though it was not compulsory. The hiring manager will see you more positively if you can go into further detail about your suitability for the role. Include keywords from the job description.
Expect around a 1-2 week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Psychometric Tests
This stage involves a series of timed questions ranging across numerical and situational topics.
How to respond for success
It is recommended that you undertake practice numerical and verbal tests online. Many banks use the same test providers, therefore similar questions appear. Practicing ensures you feel confident across all kinds of questions. Perhaps you should check out JobTestPrep as for many top IB’s (Citi included) they offer a complete overview of Online Assessment, including inside info, sample questions and free practice tests.
Expect up to a 1 month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Phone Interview
This stage was a 20 minute phone interview with someone from HR. I prepared by studying my CV, Cover letter and the company (their ethos as well as recent news around them). I presented myself as confident and personable to the interviewer.
Example task
They asked me to elaborate on my reasons for wanting to be in the industry, the role I applied for and my knowledge of both. They also asked me to elaborate on some of the things on my CV and Cover Letter.
How to respond for success
I think my answers stood out because my reasoning was honest. They are very used to stereotypical answers so they want to know what truly attracted you to the job and what motivates you. Doing as much research as possible will not only help you answer the questions, but will make you come across as more confident to the interviewers.
Expect up to a 1 week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Phone Interview
This stage was a 20 minute phone interview with someone from HR. I prepared by studying my CV, Cover letter and the company (their ethos as well as recent news around them). I presented myself as confident and personable to the interviewer.
Example task
They asked me to elaborate on my reasons for wanting to be in the industry, the role I applied for and my knowledge of both. They also asked me to elaborate on some of the things on my CV and Cover Letter.
How to respond for success
I think my answers stood out because my reasoning was honest. They are very used to stereotypical answers so they want to know what truly attracted you to the job and what motivates you. Doing as much research as possible will not only help you answer the questions, but will make you come across as more confident to the interviewers.
Expect up to a 1 week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Video Interview
The final interview was a 30 minute zoom call with someone who wasn’t from HR this time. I prepared by ensuring I was dressed well and felt confident on my situational judgement question examples along with my knowledge of the industry.
Example task
They asked a lot of situational questions, such as times where I had displayed traits that were specific to the company, eg: teamwork, learning a new skill and conflict resolution.
How to respond for success
Be confident and personable. The role is not only about what you know, but also how you relate with people so try to get comfortable but still maintain professionalism. It’s also okay to not know the answer straight away, be communicative if you require more time to think something through, that too is a skill they are looking for.
