The bank is also looking for fresh talent for general banking officers and counter service officers.

One of the most important qualities for a good wealth management professional is 'genuine interest' in customer service, says Virginia Ng Yuen-wah, senior manager for human resources, Hong Kong and Greater China, of the bank's personal financial services.

'What distinguishes a successful relationship manager from an average one is whether they can truly put themselves in the clients' shoes,' Ng says.

'They have to look within themselves and have the predisposition to interact with clients day in, day out.

'They have to possess the right personality with excellent people skills. As you can imagine, this can't be obtained overnight.'

Professionals in the field are responsible for managing their clients' capital and asset portfolios - a task that takes more than razor-sharp financial acumen and the ability to foster a bona fide trusting relationship, Ng says.

They should also be team players who are result-driven, outgoing, self-motivated, confident and willing to work under pressure.

Individuals eyeing the job of a premier relationship manager, who manages a client account worth at least HK$1 million, should have a university degree, while those interested in becoming a wealth management manager should have a secondary-level education. Candidates for the roles of business development officer and customer care officer in phone banking should have a post-secondary qualification.

For Dickson Tsang Tak-sun, a premier relationship manager based in HSBC's premier centre in Paterson Street, the pressure from having to meet sales targets is balanced by the satisfaction of establishing excellent, long-term relationships with customers.

'I feel greatly satisfied when customers place their trust in me and when I can really help them achieve their financial or life planning goals,' Tsang says. 'Many customers are very close personal friends and some are like family members.'

Preparation

HSBC provides regular specialist briefing and training, and on-the-ground support to staff in order to keep them up-to-date on the range of the bank's financial products, services and markets.

The bank attaches great importance to staff development and offers various career advancement possibilities, either by helping an employee develop his or her expertise or progress towards a more general direction.

Career ladder

Senior vice-president

HK$100,000+

12 years+

Vice-president

HK$70,000 to HK$100,000

10-12 years

Assistant vice-president

HK$41,600 to HK$65,000

6-10 years

Associate

HK$25,000 to HK$37,500

3-5 years

Analyst

HK$15,000 to HK$25,000

1-3 years

Source: Ambition