Put your questions to the head of graduate recruitment at the Royal Bank of Scotland

Michael Maddick, head of graduate recruitment at Royal Bank of Scotland has agreed to answer some of your questions and offer some advice as this year's graduate recruitment season kicks off.

We've got the ball rolling with the Q&A below, but if you'd like to post your questions in the comment box at the bottom of the page, we'll select three per day from 26-30 September inclusive for Michael to answer.

What are the three main qualities or traits that you look for in candidates?

Investment banking is a competitive industry, so obviously a strong academic track record is a must. Interestingly, there is a tendency to believe that only students studying economics, finance or maths based subjects will be considered for roles in banking. This is simply not the case - people studying a variety of subjects can be successful.

Candidates who are able to demonstrate proactivity and an appetite to take on responsibility really helps to make you stand out. Numerous candidates have strong academics, but cannot always effectively translate this into practical output.

Effective communication skills are also crucial. Clear, effective and confident communication is fundamental to working effectively in teams, on projects and with clients.

What are definite don'ts - or turn-offs?

Try and tailor your CV to the organisation and role. Generic CVs and covering letters do not stand out in a competitive market.

Be careful not to over-elaborate on what you have done academically or from an extra curricular perspective - it will be obvious to an experienced interviewer.

Do not undersell yourself. It is OK not to have worked in a bank or another professional service organisation - not everyone is able to do an internship. You can still demonstrate time management, proactivity etc working in a cafe, bar or in supermarket.

What makes a favourable impression in a CV?

Demonstrating at interest in financial services. This can be through work experience or internship but equally by the course you are studying, the activities you undertake in your spare time and the lengths you have gone to in finding out about the industry and the firm to which you are applying.

A clear and concise format. Only include detail that is essential to demonstrating your suitability for the role. If you are going to include an interest or extra curricular activity make sure you link back why this is relevant.

Travel, volunteer work, roles in student societies are all interesting and offer an employer the opportunity to understand more about you as a person.

What are the main pitfalls of the application process - and how can one avoid them?

Believing that your application will not be read. RBS reads all applications and it is therefore advisable not to settle for a generic application. Take your time. Chose the organisations that your really want to work for and take the time to fill the application out properly - try and avoid mass applications.

Do not rest on your laurels. Follow your application up by attending events. The more interaction and engagement with the firm the better.

Be self aware. Think about your skills and interests and understand where your strengths lie. If you are not sure ask your friends and family. Do not apply to a role you are patently not suited for. For example, if you are a little shy or lack strong communication skills be honest with yourself and avoid applying to sales.

QUESTIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

YOUR QUESTIONS:

Vugar: What is the situation with candidates requiring work permits? The two year post study visa regulations are due to expire by April 2012. Will the bank still be considering taking on board overseas graduates?

Michael Maddick: Currently RBS are still sponsoring work permits and we work closely with the UK Border Agency to ensure that we reflect their requirements and operate within agreed Home Office guidelines. However, as you're aware, the visa landscape has changed considerably over the last couple of years and we are therefore constantly reviewing our approach in line with appropriate guidance.

Mike: I have just finished MSc Finance with the first degree classification; however the University I attended is not top in a country. How much emphasis do you put on the University reputation when reviewing CVs comparing to other attributes? Thanks

Michael Maddick: Whilst RBS has developed strong relationships with leading universities across the UK, we do not use place any emphasis on where a student has studied. What is more important to us is that you have the relevant academic requirements and spend time demonstrating that you possess the key skills and behaviours that we look for. These include; analytical and problem solving skills, ability to work under pressure, initative, commitment and drive, excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team.

Rinosh: Given the current state of Global Markets, do you still believe it is a good time to join this area? If so why?

Michael Maddick: RBS Global Banking & Markets is in the third year of a turnaround programme. We've changed the way we work and fixed the things that needed to be fixed. We're building a new organisation that will be safer, stronger and more profitable. Not just for today, but for many years to come. Good progress has been made but we need new talent. We need people with fresh ideas and ways of thinking to continue the momentum and push us forwards.

For you, this is the chance to do something out of the ordinary. We won't just invest heavily in your development; we'll place you at the very centre of our regeneration. You'll find yourself delivering solutions that will shape not only our business but the very future of banking.

Sally: What mobility process do you have for your current graduates that have recently completed their graduate scheme with you but are interested in exploring other roles within RBS GBM? i.e. Moving from Equity Operations to Equity Sales.

Michael Maddick: We hire all graduates with the expectation they will complete the full graduate programme in their business of choice. On completion of the programme employees have access to all our internal vacancies via internal job posting boards and additionally in a number of businesses, mobility forums that actively manage internal career movement. RBS actively promotes internal mobility ahead of external hiring to ensure our employees are supported in developing successful and varied long term careers within the Group.

Anu: I have over eight years of experience in the financial services industry mainly in the securities services sector (custody and clearing, fund administration, global custody, treasury), have a management degree - Is it possible to move to core investment banking with such kind of profile?

Michael Maddick: Moving to core investment banking is possible although in this market it may take some time and perseverance. At your career stage there are two routes - experienced hire opportunities or an MBA Programme. For the former talk with recruitment consultants to build your profile and gain an understanding of what's happening in the relevant market. Studying an MBA will benefit your skills and help build a strong network - but is an expensive option. Focus on utilising the networks you already have and talk with professionals working in the relevant area - when they're looking to hire you'll be at the forefront of their minds.

Charles: Would a graduate in Engineering from a red brick Uni, who did not get a 2:1 (in fact one with just a pass degree), but one-year industrial experience as a .NET software developer still be considered for graduate GBM Technology program? Thanks.

Michael Maddick: Having industry experience is welcomed, however, obtaining the academic requirements are an important indicator of discipline in learning. Part of fulfilling the requirements of the Technology Graduate Programme is obtaining a 2:1 at the end of the university degree. We would suggest you attend an RBS Technology event during milkround. We have a new Technology Simulation Game this year which we're taking to campus -it would be a good opportunity to demonstrate your strengths. This might help you to focus on your next career option.

Bankole: Can accountants be recruited? I.e those who did not go through university but went into accounting professional exams with bodies such as the institute of chartered accountants England and Wales (ICAEW) or the association of chartered certified accountants (ACCA)

Michael Maddick: The Finance Graduate Programme at RBS recruits final year graduates who are interested in gaining on the job financial training alongside completing a professional accounting qualification (ICAS and/or CIMA). Individuals who have already completed their accounting qualifications and/or haven't been to university are certainly of interest to the RBS Finance function and would be encouraged to apply for lateral roles where their specific experience can contribute to the wider business.

Jsk: How important is performance in the online tests as part of the overall application? I know you review every application but are these tests used as some kind of filter or if, for example, average performance in them might be weighed against demonstrable hard and soft skills in other areas, in addition to academic achievement?

Michael Maddick: Online tests are an important part of our selection process and assist us in making decisions on a candidates suitability. The tests we use have clear links to the skills required to be successful in the role. Performance in these tests is important and we do screen out candidates who fail to meet our minimum level given there is clear correlation between success in the tests and success in role. If a candidates test performance is borderline we review their entire application to see if there is alternative supporting evidence of ability in these areas before making a final decision on whether to progress.

James: Is it true that not as many interns received full-time offers this year? Does this mean more actual vacancies are available?

Michael Maddick: Interns are a key pipeline for our graduate programme and typically make up over 60% of our graduate hiring for the following year. This does fluctuate a little from year to year but 2011 intern and final year hiring levels are consistent with the year before. We deliberately ensure we have graduate positions to offer final year students when we are out on campus - we want to be open to all talented graduates whether they have completed an internship or not.

Mark: I am an engineering graduate with 4yrs work experience looking to move into the Finance industry. I am currently completing a part-time MSc Finance at LSE hoping that this will help me make the transition. What are my options and chances, given that the course is in the evening?

Michael Maddick: Studying at LSE will provide many opportunities to explore careers in Finance and your engineering background should help. You should register with the Careers Service and industry related societies to receive information on recruitment events as this will allow you to meet companies who are recruiting and to establish relationships with them. Graduate Programmes will provide you with an ideal entry level position, and you may wish to consider applying for an internship as many employers look to this cohort as good potential. However be mindful that you may have to wait up to a year to join the next graduate intake.

Magda: How can a Humanities student with 3 European languages and some experience in corporate finance can make their way to get a job in Private Banking / Wealth Management?

Michael Maddick: We offer 2 graduate programmes within RBS covering Private Banking and Wealth Management, where no prior experience or specific degree subjects are required. Try and demonstrate that you have an interest in the industry and have been proactive about pursuing this through work experience, internships and insight programmes. Make sure you stay up-to-date with market news and perhaps think about getting involved with relevant societies at university. Also take any opportunities that are present to attend open days or events, and get in front of some of the decision-makers so you can impress them in person as well as on paper.

Tomeo: Does investment banking really have a future, or are there other growth areas of financial services we should be considering?

Michael Maddick: All banks are dealing with historic problems created by the previous credit crisis, global regulation of activities and the difficult economic environment, particularly in America and Europe. However the core services and skills investment banks offer are still in great demand. Global markets provide the liquidity and investment that funds growth and development around the world and our investment banking division continues to offer clients connectivity to that pool of capital. For people who aspire to work in complex and changing environments or see the personal career opportunity change brings, then banking will be a good place to work for some time.