Treasury Manager at Hays - Interview Preparation Plan | RealPrep

Treasury Manager at Hays - Interview Preparation Plan | RealPrep

Hays - What You Should Know

Hays plc is a global professional and skilled recruitment company, operating in 225 offices across 33 countries with approximately 10,300 employees. The company specializes in recruiting across 21 sectors, with technology, accountancy & finance, engineering, and construction & property being its largest areas. Hays generates a significant portion of its revenue from temporary placements (62%) compared to permanent placements (38%), with international business accounting for a substantial 80% of its net fees. Despite facing challenging market conditions, Hays has focused on strategic progress through improved resource allocation and operational restructuring, aiming for enhanced profitability and resilience. The company is committed to sustainability, embedding ESG considerations into its strategy and operations. Hays positions itself as a partner in the world of work, emphasizing its role in connecting employers with the right talent and supporting individuals in their career development. The company culture is geared towards growth and development, with initiatives focused on supporting employees from early career stages to senior leadership. Feedback suggests Hays is viewed as 'a place to grow,' and the company actively engages in corporate social responsibility, including supporting inclusive employment for underrepresented groups. Recent news indicates a focus on cost savings and operational efficiency, alongside navigating macroeconomic uncertainties that impact the global hiring market.

Core Values

ProfessionalismExpertisePassionIntegrityCustomer focus

Recent News & Developments

Hays plc reported a challenging first half of the fiscal year ending December 2024, with a 13% decline in net fees, but achieved strategic progress through improved resource allocation and cost savings. (£25 million in annual structural cost savings)
The company refinanced its revolving credit facility and completed a full buy-in of its defined benefit pension, expected to enhance free cash flow from FY26.
Hays warned of a significant slump in global hiring activity, expecting profits to more than halve for the current financial year due to macroeconomic uncertainty and reduced client/candidate confidence.

Interview Process

Hays typically follows a structured interview process that begins with an initial telephone screening, followed by one or two in-person or virtual interviews. For some roles, an assessment center may also be part of the process. The process is designed to evaluate qualifications, skills, cultural fit, and potential for development. Applicants can often track their application status through a personal tracking page.

Expected Timeline: Approximately four weeks from application to offer, if the candidate is available immediately.

Telephone Interview

20-30 minutes

An initial screening call with a recruiter to discuss qualifications, motivation for the role and company, and basic suitability. This is often the first qualified step in the application process.

What to expect: Be prepared to discuss your CV, why you are interested in recruitment/Hays, and demonstrate drive and willingness to learn. Have your resume handy and be ready to present your career flexibly. Ensure a quiet environment with good reception.

Face-to-Face/Virtual Interview

Varies, typically around 30 minutes for initial stages.

One or two further interviews to get to know the candidate better, align mutual expectations, and assess suitability in more detail. These can be conducted in person or via video conference (e.g., MS Teams).

What to expect: Expect a more detailed discussion of your CV, role-play scenarios, and questions about your understanding of the business and the role. Prepare to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and how you align with Hays' values.

Assessment Centre (Potential)

Full or half day

In some cases, candidates may be invited to an assessment day, which might involve role-playing, group activities, and further interviews to assess practical skills and fit.

What to expect: Be prepared for various assessments designed to evaluate your skills in action, teamwork, problem-solving, and suitability for the role and company culture.

Final Interview

15-20 minutes

Potentially an interview with a senior manager or regional director, often at the office where the candidate would work.

What to expect: This stage may focus on your commitment level and overall fit. Be ready to articulate your career aspirations and how you see yourself contributing to Hays.

Interview Types & Description

Behavioral Interview

Assesses past behavior and experiences to predict future performance. Focuses on how candidates have handled specific situations.

Preparation Tips

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Prepare specific examples related to cash management, risk mitigation, financial analysis, and stakeholder management.
Highlight instances of problem-solving, decision-making under pressure, and successful collaboration.

Sample Questions

Tell me about a time you identified a financial risk and mitigated it.
Describe a situation where you improved a treasury process.
Give an example of how you managed a high-pressure financial situation.
Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with other departments to achieve a financial goal.

Quick Practice - Behavioral Interview

Technical Interview

Evaluates knowledge and skills directly related to the Treasury Manager role, including financial concepts, tools, and regulations.

Preparation Tips

Brush up on core treasury functions: cash management, liquidity planning, foreign exchange risk management, debt and investment management.
Be prepared to discuss your experience with treasury management systems (TMS), financial modeling, and data analysis tools like Excel.
Understand Hays' business model and how treasury operations support it.

Sample Questions

What do you consider to be the key responsibilities of a treasury manager?
How do you manage cash flow forecasting and what tools do you use?

Situational Interview

Presents hypothetical scenarios to assess problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and judgment in relevant situations.

Preparation Tips

Think through potential challenges a Treasury Manager might face at Hays, considering the current economic climate.
Clearly outline your thought process, the steps you would take, and the potential outcomes.
Emphasize a proactive and risk-aware approach in your responses.

Sample Questions

How do you respond to sudden declines in cash flow while ensuring operational stability?
Imagine our company faces a significant currency fluctuation; how would you advise senior management to hedge against this risk?