Full Guide to the Deutsche Bank SJT and General Ability Test
Shir Enzer

Shir, Finance Sector Expert at JobTestPrep.

Have a question? Contact me at: ask_the_team@jobtestprep.com

Deutsche Bank Hiring Process

 

No matter which program you choose to apply for, the application process tends to be similar.

Step 1

Initial submission of application either online or via a campus recruiter.

Step 2


Online Assessments by Deutsche Bank, Conducted by SHL:

  • Situational Judgement Test
  • Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) Test
  • Comprehensive Ability Test, including Numerical, Inductive, and Deductive Reasoning
  • Pre-recorded video interview

Step 2

2 interview rounds

Step 4 Job Offer

The SJT and OPQ assess personality traits, while interviews evaluate competencies. Conversely, the general ability test measures cognitive skills. Among these, the SJT serves as the most thorough screening phase, where a significant number of candidates are typically eliminated.

Applying to more than one bank to maximize your chances? Check out our HSBC APTA Value preparation!


All You Need to Know About the Deutsche Bank Situational Judgment Test

The Deutsche Bank Situational Judgment Test is an essential online evaluation required for all applicants. This test, which must be accessed through a link that remains active for only ten days, isn't timed. However, it's advisable to complete it within 20 minutes.

Conducted by SHL, this assessment aims to determine how closely your values match those of Deutsche Bank. It achieves this by presenting a series of realistic workplace scenarios, allowing your responses to illustrate your potential fit within the bank, particularly in an analyst role.

The test involves examining 24 different work-related situations, each accompanied by three potential reactions. Your task is to identify both the most and least effective responses in each scenario.

While it might seem straightforward, don't be deceived. This test can be quite challenging. Let's delve into why, but first, let's look at an example:

You are participating in a graduate training program at a bank in London, where you are currently under the mentorship of two managers. The first manager has assigned you to deliver a presentation to a client later in the week, while the second manager is expecting a comprehensive report for a significant new client. With a deadline approaching at the end of the week for both tasks, you are diligently working to ensure timely completion. However, a third manager has just informed you of an urgent client complaint that requires immediate attention, potentially hindering your ability to finish the other two assignments.

In this situation, how would you proceed? Please rank two of the following strategies, selecting one as the most effective and one as the least effective.

1. Take some time to evaluate all three tasks. Rely on your judgment and past experiences to determine which task could be delayed with minimal issues.
2. Contact the clients and explain that an urgent matter has arisen, necessitating the rescheduling of your deadlines.
3. Consult with all three managers to understand the priorities and deadlines of each task. Then, review your work schedule to identify potential adjustments, remaining open to the possibility of working additional hours to meet all deadlines.
4. Opt to work extra hours to ensure the presentation and report are completed on time, allowing you to maintain a high standard of work on these projects while also addressing the client complaint.

Solution and Explanation

Primary Skills: Effective Decision-Making
Supporting Skills: Autonomy; Ability to Work Under Supervision; Adaptability; Goal-Oriented Approach
Preferred Response: 3
Least Effective Response: 2

Rationale: Faced with a scheduling conflict, the most effective approach involves thoughtful consideration before acting.

Effective responses demonstrate careful thought and planning, whereas less effective responses appear impulsive.

In scenarios like this, organizational skills are crucial for prioritizing tasks and managing time and actions independently.

Evaluating Each Response:

Response #1: Exhibits planning and prioritization skills, making it a positive choice.

Response #2: Lacks evidence of prior thought; actions are taken impulsively, postponing commitments for an apparently urgent issue. This response is negative as it fails to show planning skills. Hastily delaying client deadlines reflects poorly on the company.

Response #3: Demonstrates planning and prioritization skills, marking it as a positive choice. It involves seeking information from managers, not relying solely on intuition. Additionally, it shows adaptability in rescheduling to accommodate new requirements and a commitment to completing all tasks, indicating a goal-oriented approach. Thus, this is an exemplary response.

Response #4: While not the best in terms of planning and prioritization, it suggests a strong work ethic and a tendency towards overworking. Consistently choosing such responses may indicate either difficulty in managing workload (decision-making skills) or an attempt to appear as an ideal candidate, which could be perceived as dishonesty.

Advice: Opt for replies that consider the requirements of all parties involved (yourself included), facilitate resolution, and reflect the skills you wish to demonstrate.

This guidance and additional tips can be found in the comprehensive SJT study guide, available in our preparation package.

What Makes the Deutsche Bank Situational Judgment Test So Tricky?

Deutsche Bank uniquely employs a situational judgment test as its sole initial screening tool, placing significant emphasis on this critical assessment. It's indeed a pivotal stage; numerous candidates report being eliminated immediately after this test, underscoring the importance of scoring well.

It's essential to understand that there are correct and incorrect responses. The test's aim is to immerse you in scenarios, prompting instinctive reactions. However, these instinctual choices may not always align with the best response.

The test presents ambiguous situations, with potential answers often falling into a gray area, making the correct choice less apparent.

A unique aspect is the ranking system, requiring you not only to identify the best response but also to pinpoint the worst one. This format is unconventional and may require time to adapt to.

Despite these challenges, adequate preparation and guidance can lead to success.

To align your responses with the expectations of Deutsche Bank's work culture, understanding the underlying purpose and competency each question assesses is crucial.

Our preparation package offers practice questions with comprehensive explanations, enabling you to effectively analyze each scenario.

Additionally, we provide an in-depth study guide with strategies and tips tailored for this type of test.

Start your preparation now to become familiar with the nuances of the Deutsche Bank situational judgment test and excel in it.


Deutsche Bank Programmes

Deutsche Bank Spring Week

Spring Week is a week-long insight programme with eligibility for 1st-year students in a 3-year course or 2nd-year students in a 4-year course.

This program offers an insightful preview into the role of an analyst at Deutsche Bank, along with an overview of the firm's diverse business sectors. Participants will experience rotations across various desks and divisions, engage in work-shadowing with experienced analysts, and acquire fundamental skills essential for future roles.

A significant advantage of this program is the accelerated pathway to the interview phase for the summer internship. Additionally, participants will benefit from early interview opportunities, enhancing their prospects of receiving an internship offer.

For those who excel remarkably as spring interns, there is the exciting possibility of receiving an immediate internship offer!

Deutsche Bank Internship Programme

Participate in an 8-10 week internship at a specific division within the bank, open to students in their second-to-last year of study. Application period typically runs from June to August, and interviews are conducted on a rolling basis, so early application is advised.

This opportunity is available across various departments, including Investment Banking, Corporate Banking, and Finance. Your training will commence with an introductory session lasting a few days, providing a basic overview and a warm welcome to Deutsche Bank.

Following this, you'll experience rotations across different desks within your chosen division, engaging in practical, hands-on work involving real cases and clients. The program also includes lectures and opportunities to network with senior staff members.

A standout benefit of this internship is the potential offer to join the bank's graduate programme for those who excel during their internship.

Deutsche Bank Graduate Programme (Graduate Scheme)

This position is a full-time role, requiring a complete year of training prior to advancing in your career as an analyst.

The training commences with an in-depth orientation about Deutsche Bank, covering its assets, clientele, and various projects. This phase also involves interactions with the senior management, who will present their strategic vision for the future of Deutsche Bank.

From the very first day, you will be actively engaged in your assigned department or business unit within your selected division. Your responsibilities will not only include working on actual, live projects but also continuing your education to acquire diverse skills essential for an analyst role.

Timeline:

- October to December: Submission of Applications
- January to April: Conducting Interviews
- April: Start of Graduate Training Program


FAQ

I heard that Deutsch Bank also uses other aptitude tests such as numerical and logical reasoning. I’m confused.

Deutsche Bank used to administer a range of aptitude tests, up until two years ago. They decided to stick only to the SJT and leave the technical stuff for later in the application process.

How is it possible to prepare for a situational judgment test? Can you actually do it?

While it may appear that the Situational Judgment Test (SJT) assesses personality, it's important to recognize it as a phase of evaluation where correct and incorrect responses exist. Your responses are evaluated and scored based on their alignment with the expectations and standards of Deutsche Bank.

It's crucial to be aware that your performance is assessed in terms of how well you align with the bank's values and expectations. Understanding which specific competencies are being tested in each scenario is essential for responding appropriately. This understanding and ability to respond effectively is a skill developed through practice.

 

 

 

 

I have studied in a field outside of finance. Is it still possible for me to apply?

Certainly, Deutsche Bank has announced that they are open to applicants from various academic backgrounds, provided they demonstrate enthusiasm and a keen interest in the finance sector.

 

 

 

 

I completed my studies a few years back, am I still eligible to apply for the graduate program?

Unfortunately, you can only participate if you have graduated within the last 12 months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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