Interview with RBS

[vanheldan]

Hi,
i've got an interview with RBS coming up soon for a temporary role in their credit risk division. I've just finished uni (not a grad position) and have never had an interview and don't know what to expect. Can anyone help me out in terms what i might be asked? also, any tips would be most appreciated.

this is my first ever interview and want it to go really well (tired of being unemployed, lol)

Thank you!

 

[vanheldan]

one more thing:

i'm thinking of mentioning that i'll work for FREE. all i'm asking is to have travelling expenses met.

my CV is poor (all i have is my education and that's not working in this climate) and the most important thing is i get some experience.

would you recommend this, and do you think it will go down well?

 

[theSheik]

do NOT say you'll w*rk for free !!!!

they'll eat you alive...

also, highly recommend you don't bang on about the bank being owned by jo public

best advice is to;

(a) research the company (know what different product/services they do),
(b) find out ahead of the IV who you're seeing - if possible, find out abt the dept your aiming for
(c) if you haven't got commercial experience, don't dwell on it with the interviewer(s) and don't try to blag (well, too much),
(d) remember that a j.o.b is a commercial transaction whereby you are punting your skills to the business in return for payment,
(e) be enthusiastic - let them know you want to apply your skills to their environment, that you want to learn and gain experience and would look to spend the rest of your life with them if that becomes an option

but above all else, be yourself - a lot of companies look for people who will fit in with the team regardless of qualifications

and finally, good luck

 

[vanheldan]

Thanks for the advice.

i thought working for free would help my cause, showing that i'm enthusiastic and passionate enough to work for nothing to begin with.

 

[Jaffels]

vanheldan

Just to add to theSheik’s comments

Find as much info as you can on credit risk, just Google credit risk. They will ask technical questions, and you don't want to be clueless.

Be confident and friendly. It is all about how you come across. People realize they have to work with you at least 8 hours an day.

Tell them how you can add value and how you have added value before. Even if it is bettering someone’s life. Just think of something. Don't say you will work for free, it means you can't add any value.

Dress appropriately, banking is all about image. And again confidence and attitude.

Good luck

 

[vanheldan]

thank you!

i don't think i'll offer to work for free. i've been told by others that this may not be the right road to go down.

 

[theSheik]

wouldn't worry too much about the semantics of credit risk

it's a temp role and they've already seen your CV

i would swat up on the limitations of the garden variety office stapler and the complexities of navigating the office photocopier beast