The process is comprised of typical online verbal and numerical tests, phone interview with HR, then Assessment Centre where you will come across different types of tasks and challenges with a number of interviewers from the bank, who are often senior managers who are also Management Associates themselves.
Offer phone call was made the next day after the interview.
Numerical and verbal online assessments (standard ones) followed by a phone interview (questions like why HSBC, why this program, your strengths & weaknesses) followed by an assessment center (6-8 people, group case study, one-to-one role play, one-to-one interview)
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Role play was quite unexpected but fun. Given a role to play out, have to act it out and negotiate a settlement.
I applied online. The process took 4 months. I interviewed at HSBC (Hong Kong) in Apr 2014
Interview
1) Online Application
2) Verbal and Numerical Reasoning Tests
3) Phone Interview
Behavioural questions
Motivational questions
Questions about your previous work experience
- Why HSBC?
- Why did you apply to the MA Programme?
- Describe a time when you had to use your network connections.
- Describe a time when you led a team
- Describe a time when you solved a problem
etc...
4) Assessment Centre
- Business Case Study (4 people in a group, 20 minutes to read a case and 25 minutes to discuss the case. One HR and two line managers were there)
- Role Play (One on one with line manager)
They then evaluated your performance for the two tasks then would ask you for a final interview with one of the line managers if performed well.
- Final interview: Questions were similar to those in the phone interview.
They then asked me to wait for a phone call and I would be contacted within 2 weeks - still waiting now. But I heard some people got their offers the day after the AC.