Bowen has secured a Graduate Trainee position at HSBC with degree in Digital and Interactive Storytelling.
MA in Digital and Interactive Storytelling student at Westminster University with BSc in Communications.
Bowen reached out to me to make sure she was fully prepared for HSBC’s assessment day. She has already attended two assessment centres before however she struggled to participate in group discussions, finish writing reports on time and answer commercial awareness questions.
The key challenges she was facing were:
• She struggled with commercial awareness questions
• Language barrier and cultural differences
• She struggled to speak up during group discussions
• Too slow in reading and writing case studies
• She lacked experience in presenting her ideas to others
• She lacked experience in writing formal reports
As Bowen has already been invited to an assessment day and had only a week to prepare for it we only worked on improving her assessment centre skills to make sure this time she was successful. I started my coaching with explaining how assessors will be assessing her during the day and then we discussed and practiced various tactics and strategies to make sure she was demonstrating what assessors were looking for. Working as a career coach for 8 years means that I have an extensive database not only of previously asked interview questions but also case studies that various companies have been using in their assessment centres. I’ve not only taught Bowen how to stand out in group discussions and write effective reports but I also shared real case studies used at assessment centres that she would know what to expect on the actual day.
HSBC’s assessment day not only included practical exercises, Bowen was expected to take part in a face to face interview. Together we tackled possible commercial awareness and strength-based questions and she practiced her answers with me to make sure she radiated confidence and demonstrated enthusiasm and interest in joining HSBC. We also worked on boosting her confidence, overcoming interview nerves, discussing cultural differences and creating a professional image.
My coaching has enabled Bowen to finally succeed at the assessment centre stage and receive an offer from HSBC. Bowen was able to start her professional career in the financial industry in London.
“Evelina is an excellent career coach - patient, experienced and knowledgeable. She gave me great advice on how to improve my interview answers and helped me correct some cultural misunderstandings. By the way, Evelina gave me professional tips on how to wear for an interview. Thanks Evelina, I would like to work with you again in the future.”
