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Frequently Asked Questions

General:

How many people are you looking to recruit?
We will be recruiting nationally staff within the following categories;

  • Commercial Relationship Managers
  • Commercial Support Staff
  • In-branch Sales Representatives
  • Cashiers
  • Branch Managers
  • Premier Customer Relationship Managers

Please use the search facility to find out more about each role.

Where will the positions be located?
Please visit the website and click on the map to identify the exact location of the vacancies available.

What is the selection process?

  • Candidates who are successful at the initial application stage are asked to complete an on-line work style questionnaire.
  • If you pass this questionnaire, you will be invited to take part in a telephone interview.
  • If you are successful at your telephone interview you will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview at the location you applied to.
  • Offers of employment to successful applicants will be issued shortly after the face to face interview or selection centre.

We will make reasonable adjustments for all candidates with disabilities. Please ensure you discuss your requirements in advance by telephoning HSBC HR on 0114 2520109 or Textphone 0800 5870613.

How can I apply?
Applications should be made via the online application form that can be found at the Application section of the HSBC website. In the Apply section for each Programme, we have provided detailed information and guidance on filling in the application form, and the subsequent stages of the recruitment process. We strongly suggest you read this information.

If you are unable to apply online, please contact HSBC on 0114 252 0109 or Textphone 0800 5870613 to discuss your particular requirements.

When can I apply?
We would encourage you to apply as early as you can to avoid any delay to your application.

Can I apply to more than one of the advertised positions with HSBC?
You can only apply to one advertised position. Before you submit your application you will be prompted to ensure this is the correct position that you want to be considered for.

I have worked for HSBC before - can I reapply?
Provided you have not been dismissed from the bank's service under disciplinary proceedings or been made redundant within the last 36 months, you may reapply.

I have applied before - can I reapply?
You can re-apply for the same position providing six months have elapsed between the date of your original application or if your, original application was progressed, then the date you were advised your application was not successful, and the date of your new application. You can however apply for a different position, should you believe your skills and experience are appropriate.

When could I start?
Start dates will be discussed in more detail at face to face stage. Please be aware that on joining the bank it will be necessary to attend an induction course, ranging from 1 week to 4 weeks, familiarising you with HSBC, our culture and values together with core product knowledge. The course length will be dependent upon the role you applied for.

What are my expected working hours?
On each vacancy you will find information on the expected working days and contracted working hours per week for that position. Generally this is a 35 hour week across Monday to Saturday and actual working hours will be discussed and agreed at the face to face interview. There are a number of roles available with shorter working hours for those looking for a part time position.

Do I have to be eligible to work in the UK to apply?
You will need to be eligible to work in the UK to apply, although for some management vacancies we may be able to apply for a work permit for applicants to these roles. This is however dependent upon whether the role is 'unfilled' after considering all other applicants who are currently eligible to work in the UK. Please note therefore there will be a delay in dealing with your application as we may need to place a further advert for the role and potentially your application may still be declined.

Does it matter if I don't have previous banking experience?
We are looking for individuals who have experience of working with customers, are able to identify their needs and make the sale of the appropriate product. It is not essential to have work experience within another financial organisation.

What do I do if I want to apply for an HSBC role based abroad, e.g. HSBC India?
You should visit www.hsbc.com and in the 'Countries and Other HSBC Services' section choose the country you are interested in working in. This will take you to the home page for HSBC in that country, and each one has its own Careers section.

Do I need any professional qualifications to apply?
Any specific professional qualifications are listed under the relevant role.s job description. Please ensure you read this before completing your application.

Do I need any educational requirements to apply?
For all roles the minimum educational requirement is 4 GCSE's or equivalent, with Maths and English at grade C or above or a minimum of 12 months customer service experience.
Eligibility for each role is indicated when you click on a role. You will be asked some brief questions around specific criteria prior to completing an application form.

What is the salary and benefits?
As you would expect from a global employer we pay attention to the needs of our people. Our total reward package is very competitive, offers a wide range of both financial and non-financial benefits.

The following outlines the various elements of our benefit package: -

Salary
Our salaries are regularly reviewed within the market to ensure they are competitive and take account of the external marketplace and the skills and experiences of the individual. We also recognise that there is a difference in pay rates in some parts of the UK and our salaries reflect these regional differences.

Location Allowance
For some locations we also pay a monthly large town allowance. This is non-pensionable and is dependent on location. If applicable, this will be quoted next to the salary for the role you are considering.

Total salary as quoted on the search criteria -includes salary and large town allowance

Bonus Arrangement
The bank offers an individual performance bonus of up to 30% of salary; dependent on both the individual and the Group meeting set criteria.

Holidays
Depending on the role you apply for our holidays vary from a minimum of 25 days up to a maximum of 30 days plus Public and Bank holidays. If you are applying for a part time position this entitlement is pro-rated.

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
On joining you can decide to join the Bank's defined contribution pension scheme. Full details can be provided on request.

Employee Share Schemes
The bank offers a number of share schemes from Save As You Earn through to monthly Share Ownership plans.

Other Benefits
As one of the world's leading financial organisations, we offer a range of financial products and services at discounted rates for our employees.


Application form:

I am having problems with my on line application form. Can you help?
If your problem is of a technical nature, please email hsbcsupport@wcn.co.uk.

Can I change my application once I submit it?
No. You can save and return to your application form whilst filling it in, but once you submit it, you cannot alter it. Make sure you are completely satisfied with your application form before you submit it.

Can you please send me an application form?
If you are unable to use the online application, please contact HSBC HR on 0114 2520109 or Textphone 0800 5870613 to discuss your particular requirements.

How do I know if my application has been received?
You will receive an acknowledgement email, letting you know it has been received.

Can you tell me how my application is progressing?
Please refer to the application centre on the website, where you will be able to check the progress of your application.


On-Line Work Styles Questionnaire:

I have not received my username and password from SHL. What should I do?
You should have received an email from HSBC that contains a contact number in case of any queries. Please refer back to that email and contact the appropriate person explaining the problem. They will then resend your details out to you.

I can't access the On-Line work styles questionnaire.
If your problem is of a technical nature, please email the SHL helpdesk on hsbcsupport@wcn.co.uk explaining the problem that you are experiencing. If you have a disability and would like to discuss your specific requirements, please contact HSBC HR on 0114 2520109 or Textphone 0800 5870613.

I am having technical problems whilst trying to complete my on-line work styles questionnaire (e.g. loses internet connection, slow connection, crashes during test etc). What shall I do?
If your problem is of a technical nature, please email the SHL helpdesk on hsbcsupport@wcn.co.uk explaining the problem that you are experiencing.

The deadline for my work styles questionnaire has expired. Can it be extended?
Please contact hsbcsupport@wcn.co.uk to discuss. Please note an extension is not guaranteed.

I had a string of numbers appear after completing my work styles questionnaire. What should I do with it?
The encoded number that appeared on your screen is an indication that your test scores have not registered onto the system that we use. To enable us to access your scores, please log back into the SHL system with your username and password. Click on the link for the test in question. The next page will confirm that although the test has been completed we are yet to receive the results. Please follow the instructions that appear on the screen until you have the option to finish. Once this has been done, your scores will register onto our system.

Interviews:

How do I ensure my telephone interview runs smoothly?
Where possible, please provide a landline phone number rather than a mobile number for the telephone interview. Please be aware that the telephone interview is not the most appropriate time to ask questions about HSBC or specific roles as the interviewers are not members of HSBC staff. The best time to ask for information about HSBC will be at the face to face interview.

Please allow up to 45 minutes for the interview, which will be recorded for quality purposes.

I need to change my interview date, is that possible?
Ideally, we would like you to stay with the date we have arranged for you. If you really cannot make this date, please contact your interviewer to discuss your particular requirements. Their contact details will be supplied at the time of arranging the original interview.

When will I be sent my contract and joining details?
All formal contracts and information packs are sent out shortly after the job offers have been made.