5.  What are the stages of the Management Trainee (MT)/Graduate Trainee (GT) program?

For the 2024/25 recruitment cycle, the MT/GT programs generally include the following stages:

• CV Screening

• Aptitude Test

• Video Interview/HR Interview

• Assessment Centre

• Panel Interview

 

⭕ Details of Each Stage and the Respective Preparation Methods:

 

1️⃣ CV Screening:

After submitting an application for the Management Trainee (MT)/Graduate Trainee (GT) position online, some companies will conduct a CV screening process (using artificial intelligence) to filter out unsuitable candidates and select those who meet the criteria to proceed with the aptitude test and other subsequent stages.

 

If you want to secure your desired MT or GT offer, the crucial first step is to have a professional and competitive Curriculum Vitae (CV). Many students tend to include all their information in their CV, thinking that longer is better. However, each item or keyword on the CV should be relevant to the industry and position you are applying for, highlighting your abilities, character, experience, and distinct qualities. Whether it's the HR department or AI, they should be convinced that you are capable of handling the MT position and having the potential to become a part of the company's management. If you include inappropriate information in your CV, you may be eliminated at the initial stage of CV screening, even before entering the assessment process.

 

However, writing a persuasive and competitive CV on your own can be challenging. How would you know what qualities or backgrounds different companies or HR departments in various industries are looking for in employees? This is where attending a personal CV and cover letter workshop might help you! HKCareers has got professional consultants who can analyze your CV from an insider's perspective during an one-hour session and provide objective suggestions for improvements, allowing you to showcase your abilities and strengths on a single page CV while meeting the requirements of the target companies. Our goal is to stand out from thousands (or even tens of thousands!) of job applications and increase your chances of success.

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2️⃣ Aptitude Test:

There are various Aptitude Test systems available in the market, commonly used by Hong Kong companies, including SHL, Talent Q, CUBIKS, GradeAce, Cut-e, and Game Assessment, among others. Different companies adopt their own systems to assess different aspects of candidates' abilities. To pass the Aptitude Test successfully, you generally need to complete or answer correctly 85% to 95% of the questions.

 

Even if your CV is outstanding, if your Aptitude Test scores do not meet the standard, you won't proceed to the next stage of the selection process. On the other hand, if your CV is not particularly outstanding, but you have the ability to perform well in the Aptitude Test, you still have a chance to advance to the next round and compete with others.

 

Since the Aptitude Test is crucial, it is essential to understand the winning strategies and methods for different types of Aptitude Tests, enabling you to excel regardless of the specific test type and secure the desired offer.

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3️⃣ Video Interview/ HR Interview:

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies (including HSBC, JP Morgan, MTR, etc.) have adopted video interviews to select candidates for further assessment. However, a small number of companies like Hang Seng and Citibank still use traditional HR interviews. In a video interview, you generally won't face a live interviewer. Instead, you need to log into the company's system (commonly using HireVue) within a specific time and answer a list of pre-set questions. You only have one chance to provide your responses, and the entire process is recorded on video, which is evaluated by both AI and HR personnel. It's worth noting that companies don't just assess the content of your answers; they also pay attention to every detail: the video-taking environment, hardware setup, audio and video quality, personal appearance, manner of speaking, and even facial expressions! Your every movement and gesture in front of the camera are scrutinized, along with data analysis by the system. In some video interviews, HR managers may include certain keywords or descriptions in the system based on industry background, company culture, and job nature. The AI then tracks the frequency of your mention of these keywords to assess your personality and determine how suitable you are for the company's position. Therefore, don't underestimate the video interview just because you can do it from home. It can be more challenging than traditional interviews, and many people often stumble in this stage without fully understanding why.

 

Tips for Video Interviews:

• Test your camera beforehand and choose a well-lit location. Adjust the camera angle to ensure that your face and chest are visible in the frame.

• Speak slightly louder than usual to ensure clear recording of your responses by the AI.

• Prepare a script for common CV-based or behavioral questions and familiarize yourself with it to avoid improvising during the interview.

• Time your script accurately. Generally, video interviews provide two to three minutes for each question, and you usually have only one chance to record your response. Make the most of this opportunity.

• Manage your time properly and start wrapping up when you have 10 seconds left.

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4️⃣Assessment Centre:

An Assessment Centre (AC) refers to a company conducting multiple assessments on the same day. It usually includes a written test, onsite aptitude test, case analysis, group discussions, role plays, and individual interviews. Case analysis is often the most challenging part and requires more preparation time. Some companies, particularly in property developers or specific conglomerates, may also include team games to assess group cooperation skills.

 

Case analysis involves:

In a typical case analysis, people are often assigned to work in groups of six to eight. They are required to read a 10 to 20-page business case within a limited time frame, which includes company information, financial statements, accounting ratios, product details, etc., and to engage in group discussions ir order to accomplish one of the following assigned tasks:

 

1. Analysis Type: Analyzing the case background, identifying problems, providing effective recommendations, and delivering a presentation.

2. Proposal Type: Proposing a theme and outline for the case, discussing detailed aspects such as manpower allocation, cost control, and marketing promotion.

 

Tips for Case Analysis:

• Set a discussion agenda and allocate time for each agenda item.

• Do summarize the discussion progress from time to time (recommended every five minutes) to ensure efficiency.

• Demonstrate your analytical skills. Make good use of tools or models and consider various perspectives, including financial, market, competitive, and risk aspects, when expressing your viewpoints.

• Strike a balance between leadership versus teamwork, assertiveness versus compromise.

• Utilize tools such as flip charts (around 5 to 10 sheets).

• Prepare for common questions in the Q&A session, such as contingency plans, foreseeable risks, alternative solutions, etc.

 

Case analysis assesses not only theoretical knowledge, numerical and analytical abilities but also evaluates soft skills such as stress tolerance, leadership, and communication skills. Although it may seem challenging to read and analyze multiple pieces of information within a short time frame, preparation and practice can improve your performance. HKCareers provides support for all stages of the interview process, including the first round, assessment center, and final superday, offering the latest and most comprehensive interview sources and briefings for different investment banks, banks, and companies.

 

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5️⃣Panel Interview）

Panel interviews usually occur in the final round, where the interviewers are often division heads or managers. They ask situational and industry-specific questions to assess your professional skills, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for the role.

 

Common interview questions include:

• Tell me about a time you worked in a team.

• Tell us about one of your biggest setbacks at work or in life.

• How do you deal with stress and failure?

• Where do you see yourself in ten years? What is your ideal career development plan?

• Can you propose a new digital initiative to attract more young professional clients to our bank?

• Walk me through a discounted cash flow model.

• Can you share any recent financial news?

 

In addition to the commonly asked questions, panel interviews may also include unconventional questions to test your ability to think on your feet. HKCareers provides in-depth industry knowledge and technical skills training, as well as professionally crafted answering scripts to help you leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.