Frequently Asked Questions
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What divisions is Nomura looking to hire graduates in 2008?
We’re looking for graduates in the following areas: Investment Banking, Global Markets, Finance, and Technology. Sometimes we hire graduates into smaller areas such as Risk or Human Resources, so it’s worth coming back to this site on a regular basis for updates if you’re interested in these areas.
Does Nomura offer summer internships?
Yes, we have a summer internship programme for Investment Banking and Global Markets. We offer these 10-week internships to undergraduates who are thinking about a career in banking and who wish to find out more. In addition we offer a one year internship in our Finance division.
What academic background must I have?
We value a diverse range of employees and this includes academic background. We encourage applications from all disciplines and look for candidates who average a 2.1 or equivalent in their degree. It’s essential you’re interested in finance and are relatively numerate. If you have the basics, we’ll train you in the rest.
What qualities or skills do you look for in candidates?
We look for people who thrive in a fast moving environment. We value entrepreneurial, creative, team spirited and passionate people, who want to keep learning throughout their career.
Can I apply to more than one division?
Yes, but you’ll have to fill out two separate forms. The business areas are very different so it’s worthwhile to do as much research as possible as you’ll need to demonstrate enthusiasm for the job.
What happens during the interview process?
We conduct the first round of interviews by telephone. These are designed to get to know you a bit better and to learn more about your motivation to work at Nomura. We also understand you have heavy workloads and need to devote a lot of time to applying for jobs, so these telephone interviews should help you save time.
If your telephone interview goes well, we’ll ask you to our assessment centre for a full day of interviews and exercises. Interviews and exercises are conducted or assessed by member of the business area you applied for, so it’s a great opportunity to get to know the people who work at Nomura, and ask them lots of questions.
How can I prepare for the telephone interview?
Prepare for the telephone interview in the same way you would for a face-to-face interview. Think through the application form and the questions you answered. Think about all of the experiences you’ve had in your life, both academic and non-academic and what you’ve learned from them. Also, think about why you’ve chosen this industry and what you can offer an organisation like Nomura.
Remember, the interview is a two-way process so prepare some questions to ask your interviewer and use the time to find out more about the opportunity.
Finally, make sure you’ve organised a quiet place for the interview that’s free from interruptions and distractions, so you’ll be able to relax and focus.
How can I prepare for the assessment centre?
The assessment day at Nomura consists of a case study, further testing, and interviews conducted by members of the business you’ve applied to. The purpose of the day is to test you on the skills we feel are important for new graduates to have. It’s also a chance to see the environment for yourself and meet senior business members and recent graduates.
To make the most of the day, here are a few tips to help you prepare:
- Be yourself – don’t try and guess what skills we’re looking for, but being an individual is really important to us.
- Listen carefully to the instructions you’re given for each exercise.
- Allow plenty of time for your journey to our offices.
- Remember, it’s a two-way process and a great opportunity to learn about our culture and our business.
- Avoid rehearsing answers to questions – they sound staged and we can spot these easily. Instead, think about each question carefully and try to answer in a structured and honest way
What should I wear for my interview?
We recommend you wear a suit or something you would wear to a business meeting.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for the 2008 programme is:
1 December 2007 - Full Time Applications
19 January 2008 - Summer Internship Applications
However please note that applications are currently being reviewed and it is strongly suggested that you submit your application prior to these dates.
What is the culture like – really?
Who better to ask than the people who work here. They say things like “pioneering”, “individually spirited”, “respectful and thoughtful”, “quirky”, “supportive”, “creative” and “stable and secure”.
Are the hours long?
At Nomura, we’re committed to ensuring our employees have a good work/life balance. Naturally, it depends to a certain extent on which business division you work in, but like most other jobs, occasionally there will be times when you will need to be on call or put in extra hours to get things done.
What is the salary like?
We reward all of our employees very generously, and our starting salary for graduates is consistent with investment banks in London.
I need a work permit to work in the EU – can I still apply?
Yes. Nomura can organise a work permit for you should you get an offer.
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