Annie Chow, Former Assistant Vice President, Graduate Specialist, Human Resources, Deutsche Bank
This interview was conducted in 2017 when Annie Chow was serving in Deutsbhe Bank.
Annie Chow, Former Assistant Vice President of the Human Resources Department of Deutsche Bank in Hong Kong, is specialized in graduate recruitment. She says that a policy of three rounds of interviews applies in globally. The three rounds consist of interviews conducted by line managers and written assessments. The interviews aim to evaluate the technical and soft skills of the candidates and ultimately to identify the future leaders of the bank. Recruitment is set according to the needs of each individual department as well as the Bank’s overall business strategies. Posts may include those in the front, middle and back offices.
Annie suggests that graduates should understand the background of the related industries and organizations before any interview. They should also understand their own goals and whether the organization is the place for them to work towards the goal. “Before an interview, go talk with a friend who has worked or is working in that organization and see if the company culture fits you.”
“Be relaxed during the interview and try to ask questions. We want to know how committed you are in joining the industry and whether you will enjoy our culture. There are rapid changes in the market in recent years. People very often see the glamorous side of the industry but it also has tough time. You must be prepared for a lot of changes and challenges.”
Deutsche Bank has a structured programme for graduates. During their first year in the bank, they will be assigned to various positions so that they have the opportunity to explore, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Their final position in the bank will depend upon their ability, choices and the bank's needs and assessments.