Telephone Interview

If you successfully reach this stage of the application process, the email you will receive will contain the following information:

"There are two sections of the interview.  Please read the hints and tips below to help you prepare for this stage in the selection process:

The first section will involve you talking about the programme that you have applied to and how it fits with your career aspirations and experience.  You will need to demonstrate the required level of understanding expected from a graduate to be able to progress with your application.

The second section will involve two questions designed to give us a better understanding of you as an individual. These questions will relate to:

- A topic that you feel passionate about (this can be any topic and does not have to be business related).

- A personal achievement that you feel proud of

You will need to think about these in advance of the telephone interview as you will be expected to talk about them in some detail."

The advice provided in the email is pretty much spot on and about what to expect. 

The first section was essentially an expanded version of the following questions:

Why RBS?

For this question you can certainly use many of the points that were utilised on your application form. The individual interviewing you is highly unlikely to have read through your application form, so you are by no means disadvantaged by using the same examples.

I mentioned how the firm is dominant in terms of assets and tier-1 capital, the firms ability to minimise it's losses and beginning to make profits. I also mentioned and went into some detail about CEO Stephen Hester's five year plan and how the firm is now taking a longer term view. I would try and use some specific statistics and facts where possible.

Why CIB?

As above, feel free to use as much of your application as you feel comfortable with. My advice again would be to use the CIB information page:

https://www.makeitrbs.com/uk/rbs-leadership-and-professional-home/programmes/corporate-and-institutional-banking

I mentioned the specific areas that appealed to me; I think this would be quite a good idea as you'll be able to show genuine interest. 

Why You?

Once again, this question is very personal. My advice would be to mention as many things as you possibly can that will impress the interviewer. I gave a list of qualities, and then gave specific examples of where I showed them. If you can mention and highlight examples of showing the following, it will certainly put you in good stead:

Client Skills + people skills.

Team Player

Enthusiastic

Self Motivators

Challenge of real responsibility

Fast passed environment.

Leader.

Communication

Language.

Building relationships.

Confident and credible communicator.

What I would like to make clear is the importance of preparation for a phone interview, and the necessity of confidence in this situation. My personal preparation began with answering each of the individual questions, and then noting each question down on flash cards and laying them all out on your desk in front of you so you can answer with the information fresh in front of you.

The second part is an opportunity to inadvertently convey many of the key competencies that RBS look for. The passion should highlight how you go the extra mile to enhance your interest in that specific area. The achievement you are particularly proud of should be something you are genuinely proud of; definitely try your best to impress and try and leave a lasting memory!