hsbc job interview - mtge arranger

boltonangel

have a job interview for mortgage arranger at hsbc tomorrow.

i was just wondering whether anyone works for hsbc and can give me any tips.

also what are they like to work for?

sarah

dunstonh

Hated working for a bank. Would never do it again. However, for those starting out and getting the bank to pay for it, then its a good move. Banks are generally good at getting you through the exams.

You will soon realise what a sales environment it is though and want to move on to give real advice.

boltonangel

hi

i passed my cemap in may, and have been working for a building soc. i just need a change of scenery.

working in a bank seems to be the way to go with me only just qualifying.

i've also got an interview arranged for a company called Mortgage Sense based in ormskirk, lancs, has anyone any experiences of them?

sarah

_Andy_

I worked for HSBC for several years - in some ways they're just like any big bank - greedy, etc.
I personally would never consider working for them again - I worked within the telephony sector but all of my colleagues I knew/know working in the branch network hate it - MAs are constantly overworked (working extra/unpaid hours to do your own paperwork is assumed).
Much of your success as an MA will depend on the area you work in, some of the area directors for wealth management are absolute bullies.
HSBC is also 'hot' on attendance management (sorry, 'performance management') so expect to be treated like complete scum if you dare to go off sick for more than a day or so.
PM me if I can be of more help.

Leon_W

To broaden your experience with mortgages there is no better place to work than an estate agent.

You'll see everything, do everything, learn everything, which will set you up for a bright mortgage career.

I agree with the others that working for banks will get on your wick.

AndrewSmith

agree wiith Leon W.

In the estate agency environment you will see not only the mortgage process but get involved with the whole purchasing process etc which will prove invaluable when you make the move to working for yourself

regularsaver1

You can never win working in a bank - never good enough as i feel right now

_Andy_

Bear in mind that if they pay for your CeMAPs, if you leave, they can claw the cost back.

boltonangel

hi

i went for the interview today - and got through to 2nd stage (assesment day).

the role wasn't for mortgage arranger, but for trainee financial planning manager, so would involve completing my FPC.

i have applied for a few estate agents, but heard nothing - well i had 1 interview, but the agency didn't think to tell me!!!

Zoetoes

I started as a Trainee MA in July with a building society and finally got signed off as an Authorised MA today. Has been a long and sometimes frustrating period but I'm there now.

We've had our branch lending target for 2007 this week and its gone up from £21m to £30m. We're actually gonna hit £19.5m for this year based on our forecast for December so god knows how we're gonna hit next years.

I see my current role as paid education.

dunstonh

If you want to go for full authorisation then go for it. Banks are great for getting you through the exams and you get to make all the mistakes on banking customers with no personal liability. You can spend a couple of years learning the job properly and then move to independent status with some clients and experience.

This is going back some time but when I was a Lloyds, I was approached by Halifax to join them. I went and took a look and found the Halifax to be totally amateurish and they treated the financial advisers just as another member of staff. I was highly critical of their way of working and walked out. That same evironment now exists in LTSB and a number of the other banks according to those I remain in contact with.

Its all sales, targets and pressure to perform and those that used to have a free reign no longer have that.

I'm so pleased I am no longer in that environment but if you want to do it, then that is where you really need to start nowadays.