CV Screening
An outstanding CV should contain the following:
- Education
Indicate the university you went to and the course you studied. You should also include your GPA score, any overseas exchange programmes you went for, any scholarships awarded and special academic achievements.
- Internship history
List your duties and roles, and show how you contributed and what you achieved.
- Leadership positions:
Indicate the leadership positions you have held, explain how you performed your role, show how you contributed to the project/group and describe your experience in a way that draws attention to your competencies.
- Extra-curricular activities
Indicate the type of activities you were passionate about and the positions held (be sure to include activities outside of school). Show how you contributed and describe your experience in a way that draws attention to your competencies.
- Skills
Indicate your knowledge of important skills, e.g. Microsoft Office, IT programmes, languages, soft skills, etc.
Tips:
- Avoid long, detailed paragraphs; be precise and to the point
- Remember to check your grammar and spelling
- Provide references (if available)
- Attach an equally well-written cover letter to your CV
Online Aptitude Tests
Upon being shortlisted, you will be asked to participate in two online tests that will measure your level of critical reasoning with verbal and numerical information. There are full instructions and practice sessions available before you start each test. Only the real test is timed, and you will only have ONE chance to complete them.
- Verbal Critical Reasoning Test
In the verbal test, you will be presented with passages of information, and asked to evaluate several statements which follow each passage by indicating whether they are 'true', 'false' or you 'cannot say' based on the information in the passage.
(You will have 19 mins to complete the test)
- Numerical Critical Reasoning Test
In the numerical test, you will be presented with some tables and charts of data, and asked to select the correct set of data to answer multiple-choice questions.
You can use a calculator for this.
(You will have 25 mins to complete the test)
Tips
- Make sure you have a calculator and rough paper ready before taking the tests
- Ensure there are no distractions during the period of your test
- Try out the practice tests available at http://www.shldirect.com
Competency Based Interview (CBI)
Candidates who have done well in the online reasoning tests will be invited for a Competency Based Interview. During the CBI, the interviewer will assess if you have the competencies we are looking for.
Tips
- First impressions count: Be confident, be honest, and be on time
- Do ample research on the company and the position you are applying for
- Be aware of your strengths/development needs and how they relate to the position you are applying for
- Be yourself: we want to understand the Real you and whether you can fit into the organisation
- Ask clarifying questions if necessary
Assessment Centre
The main aim of an Assessment Centre is to allow us to understand how you respond in different situations. It is also an additional opportunity for you to demonstrate any abilities you were unable to exhibit during your interview.
The Process
You can expect to:
- Participate in group activities such as case study exercises, as well as individual presentations or even role-play
- Be assessed by multiple assessors who will be observing your behaviour and judging you based on your displays of leadership, creativity, teamwork, customer focus, personal effectiveness and initiative, as well as decisiveness and focus on results
Tips
- Listen carefully to the instructions given
- Read all information thoroughly
- Try to converse with other candidates – this will help when it comes to group exercises
- Be yourself, at your best
- Remain focused and motivated throughout the assessment
- Take any feedback given positively
MAP Networking Session
If you get through the Assessment Centre, you will be given the opportunity to attend a Networking Session.
The networking stage of the selection process is an informal session intended to give you a chance to mingle and interact on a social level with our senior managers. You will gain insights on the bank from our management team, as well as current Management Associates.
As it is extremely rare for majority of our management team to be together in the same place, at the same time for a gathering of this nature, it is a great opportunity for you to get to know them and speak to them on topics and issues that will not usually be covered in your educational syllabus.
As a Management Associate, you will be required to represent the bank at numerous events. The networking session is the best chance for you to showcase your social skills. Remember our tips if you find yourself in an awkward position at the networking session.
Tips
- Prepare a self-introduction that is both relevant and interesting
- Maintain an outgoing attitude throughout the session
- Try and find a common thread between you and the people you are conversing with
- Listen well and attentively
- Ask intelligent questions to get to know more about the person or DBS