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UBS interview questions

UBS Interview Process

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The application process at UBS consists of:

Online Numerical Reasoning Test

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The online test is designed by SHL. There are 8 practice question and 20 real questions. You will have 21 minutes to complete the test.

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

First Round Interview & Assessment

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UBS offer the following tips for interview on their website, and offer a good insight into the core competencies expected of all employees at UBS.

  • Be prepared
  • Use your contacts
  • Build a relationship
  • Make the right impression
  • Don't panic
  • Be honest
  • Play to your strengths
  • Use your initiative
  • Show passion

In some cases the first interview may be conducted as a telephone interview.

Questions you are likely to be asked include:

  • What is your understanding of the division to which you have applied?
  • What are your capabilities?
  • Why i should select you?
  • How to work as a team player and a team leader?
  • What other banks have you applied to?
  • What differentiates UBS from other banks?

First Interview

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The interview is entirely competency based. You will be required to provide examples of when you have:

  • Worked in a team
  • Shown commitment to working in banking
  • Been motivated to complete a task, and when you have motivated others
  • When you have been successful in completing a task
  • When you have been disappointed in failing a task

You will want to discuss experiences you had at university, work and volunteering, explaining how you handled each scenario and what qualities you developed through the experience, and finally what you would bring to UBS.

You will also be asked:

  • Why UBS?
  • Why your chosen business area?

However, beware that some interviewers may decide to skip briefly over competencies and spend some time discussing current economic/business affairs or even items from your application/cv.

Numerical Test

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The numerical test is demanding. It is 35 minutes long and consists of 40 questions. Move quickly and accurately and ensure you move on as soon as the allocated time for the question is up. The test is designed by SHL.

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

Assessment Day

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The assessment day consists of:

Numerical Test

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The numerical test is demanding. It is 35 minutes long and consists of 40 questions. Move quickly and accurately and ensure you move on as soon as the allocated time for the question is up. The test is designed by SHL.

Presentation

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You will be given a stack of notes (around 10 pages) regarding a well known global company. You will then have 45 minutes to prepare a response by yourself, to the question "What must Company X (e.g. Nike) do to continue to be successful?". You will be asked to present this response, with the aid of a flip chart, to a director for no more than 10 minutes. It is suggested that you structure your response according to SWOT (Strengths/Weakness/Opportunities/Threats). This presentation will be followed by a question and answer session related where you can reasonably expect whatever you have said to be heavily scrutinised and criticised. Make sure you speak clearly and logically and back up your arguments.

No technical or outside knowledge not given during the case study is required.

Interview

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The second interview, like the first, is a competency based interview. It differs from the first only in that you will be assessed against competencies not yet covered in the first interview. For internships, this may be your first interview. You will spend approximately half an hour talking to a director on topics such as: Choice of degree? What does the job entail? Example of teamwork? Current events?

Group Exercise

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You will be allocated into a group of, perhaps, 8 candidates. You will each be given some information about the scenario which you will have to discuss and have 10 minutes to read it alone.

You will have to discuss the marketing strategy for launching a new Nike product: Footwear for those aged 60+. What are the features of the new product? How should Nike market it, given a budget of $1 million?

Half way through the group exercise, your team will be presented with an urgent email pointing out that a competitor has already released such a product, and is advertising the product online. What should the rapid response of Nike be?

The company and scenario varies, but it will be the same company you presented on in the previous exercise.

The group discussion will last 20 minutes and you will be closely observed by graduate recruitment assessors throughout.

Now see - Internships, Aptitude Tests and Assessment Centre.