Very negative experience with the hiring manager and HR for the new Sustainable Fitch team in Singapore. Had 2 rounds of interview: In the first round, the hiring manager and analyst on the interview were trying to sell me the job. It's the only interview I've done where interviewers spoke 80% of the time. It was really strange (and should have raised some red flags at this point). After the first round, they gave me a case study to complete within 3-4 days. I presented that case study at the second interview, to the hiring manager and an associate director. About a week later, I got an indicative offer via the recruiter. I asked if annual leave was negotiable and whether I could speak to other analysts in Fitch about day-to-day and work culture (hiring manager had mentioned in the interview that Fitch could arrange for it). A few days later, HR called me and said that the hiring manager was now questioning why I wanted to speak to other analysts (?!). That same afternoon, the recruiter told me Fitch had decided to "protect" me and "put my interest first" by RESCINDING THE OFFER because they couldn't give an answer on the work culture or working hours, and did not want to "risk my unhappiness" in the firm. Very unprofessional and I was completely unimpressed by how they chose to couch it as something done in my interest rather than be honest about not being a good fit/finding another candidate etc. It's not a good sign when the organisation is not honest. Beware if you're applying to the Sustainable Fitch team in Singapore.

Overall, the interview process was well-structured and professional, with a clear focus on both technical capability and stakeholder engagement experience. The process consisted of: An initial HR screening covering motivation, background, and salary expectations A first-round interview with the hiring manager focusing on ESG knowledge and past experience A technical/case-based assessment (data analysis and interpretation) A final panel interview with senior stakeholders