Building your case to apply
When you are choosing your career, applying for a job and tackling the selection process, you could well feel that the onus is on you to prove that you have the right stuff to succeed, whether that’s first-rate academic qualifications or leadership qualities. This is true to a degree: Citi needs the best and most appropriate talent in every area of our business if we are to meet our own objectives. But this is not a one-way process.
Know your own mind
It’s just as important that you satisfy yourself that we are the right organisation for you, and that we offer opportunities and support which are compatible with your strengths and ambitions. So as you choose the career that interests you and start to apply, make sure you are honest with yourself. The better you know your own mind, the more likely you are to end up in the right job.
For example
So if you don’t like getting up in early in the morning, don’t apply for Sales and Trading. If you’re going to apply for Investment Banking, make sure you understand how hard and long the hours can be. On the other hand, it’s worth exploring what’s on offer in less obvious areas like GTS, Technology and Operations; the biggest growth in the business (and the best opportunities for you) may not be where you expect.
The core profile
Ultimately it’s not about persuading us that you are right for Citi; it’s about making the right choice for you. There are certain qualities, credentials and aptitudes that we look for in every new analyst, irrespective of business area, but the relative importance of these elements varies depending on the business area and working environment.
- Motivation and ambition
- Results focus
- Good communication skills
- Problem–solving aptitude
- Analytical intelligence
- Strong numeracy
- Responsibility and accountability
- Personal organisation
- Confidence
- Integrity
Remember, temperament is important too: you could theoretically have the ability and potential to perform a particular role, but still be happier and more successful in a different one. Here is the bottom line: if you can honestly tick all ten of these boxes, we will probably have an opportunity that is absolutely right for you.
