Curious about the interview structure in HK at BBs for IB in terms of when they actually start asking questions in Mandarin.
Is it generally an english interview and then they say ‘okay let’s switch to Chinese’ and start talking? Or is it Mandarin from the jump? Asking for IB but would love to know how this applies to ER and S&T as well.
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about the interview structure in Hong Kong at Bulge Bracket (BB) banks for Investment Banking (IB):
For Equity Research (ER) and Sales & Trading (S&T), while the specifics might vary, the importance of Mandarin proficiency remains high. The interview structure likely follows a similar pattern, starting in English and then switching to Mandarin to test language skills.
For more detailed insights, you can refer to the following threads: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/2020-summer-an…</a">2020 Summer Analyst Program for Hong Kong/Singapore - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/2021-summer-an…</a">2021 Summer Analyst Program for Hong Kong/Singapore
These threads provide firsthand experiences and additional context on the interview process in Hong Kong.
Sources: 2021 Summer Analyst Program for Hong Kong/Singapore, What you need to know about IBD in Asia, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, The future of Hong Kong high finance, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/wealth-management/interview-series-2-private-wealth-management-in-china?customgpt=1
It may depend whether you are mainland/HK/international Chinese, but as the latter every interview has been almost entirely in English. They at most ask "How is your Chinese" and then maybe 1-2 behaviorals/deal walkthrough, no real technicals. Then quickly back to English again. Wouldn't worry as if they really needed someone that good in practice they'd just find a native mainlander (assuming you're not since you're asking about it), so they're mostly making sure you're not totally incompetent at it.
If you aren't 100% confident, it's counterintuitively best to proactively respond in Chinese when asked if you're good - they typically just say "ah you're good" and move on in English. Responding in English to "do you speak Chinese" tends to invite more probing.
I see, thank you. In my case i’m not from a Chinese background (white) but speak it decently well - my issue is moreso my reading & writing skills are poor. Glad to hear that it isn’t an issue (at least as it sounds) being that if they were looking for a native mainlander, they wouldn’t be interviewing me anyways.
Yeah don't worry about it. Interned in HK before and they wouldn't expect non-Chinese to be even able to speak Chinese too. Had international Chinese (outside of HK/China) that are 100% of Chinese ethnicity but atrocious ability (in their own words, they can barely order at a restaurant without stuttering) that made it through the process. You being able to speak as someone who doesn't look Chinese is more going to be a "wow" factor than anything.
Had a BB IB final-round interview in HK. Started out in English and then switched to Chinese. If you are local/ethnically Chinese they would expect you to have some level of Chinese fluency because over half of their clients are from the Mainland.
That said, if you are White, no one would ever expect you to speak any Chinese. Of course if you do, that is a massive advantage.
Thanks for this. Any insight into if teams hired white guys/girls who spoke Chinese but not at a native level?
I know people who got SA offers, but I don't think knowing a bit of Chinese was a significant boost to their profile. Unless you're fluent, you're not adding much value to the team as they can't put you in front of a Chinese client.
Also, this may vary across firms. I've got a friend who was interning at JP who told me they're more international than others.
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