HSBC Insurance is hiring employees to meet its expansion needs. "We see good momentum for our bancassurance channel and branch sales staff have achieved excellent results in the first quarter this year," says Polly Yip, head of human resources, Hong Kong, at HSBC Insurance (Asia). "For our retirement business, we are fully geared to deal with MPF member-choice initiatives and want to ensure we have adequate resources."

There are about 30 openings for frontline and middle office roles. Candidates should possess good communication and interpersonal skills, integrity, creativity and excellent business sense.

"We want people who are achievers, take the initiative, are willing to pilot new ideas and are passionately interested in insurance," Yip says.

Recruits for sales and customer-service positions will support the selling of insurance products and retirement services. They will do this through the HSBC branch network, telesales and direct channels. Those who join in actuarial roles will be responsible for actuarial reserve valuations, financial reports, product development and pricing.

Staff who excel will have the chance of going on assignments overseas.

To encourage outstanding performance and get people to maximise their potential, a special staff recognition programme includes quarterly success stories and identifies individual "insurance heroes". "We believe in giving timely recognition for staff," Yip says.

The way ahead

• Applicants should be prepared to talk about their career goals, and key achievements and milestones in their careers
• Being able to present information in a way that is succinct and specific is seen as a strength