Why do you want to become an Investment Banker?
Don’t just say ‘because the money’s good’. Explain how you’re looking forward to the challenge presented by the role, the great training and growth opportunities and working with some of the world’s smartest people. Talk about the opportunities presented by recent mergers and acquisitions and the challenges due to the recession.
Why do you want to work at our Bank?
Spend time reflecting on what makes this bank different. Talk about the latest industry trends and the bank’s position in the industry. You will need to make sure you show a clear understanding of the bank and the services it provides. Explore the corporate website and read all the latest press releases and aim to drop in a few facts in your interview. Know what’s going on in the market – read the paper regularly!
Talk me through the high points and low points in your resume. What were your greatest accomplishments and challenges?
Pick an accomplishment that helps to differentiate you from the competition – an extra-curricular activity works well here. Discuss your failures, how you handled the situations and what you took away from them.
Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team
Interviewers need to know whether you are a good team player or a good team leader. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question and the biggest mistake people make is thinking they have to prove they are a leader. Good team players who can also take responsibility are just as important. A good answer will show you’ve thought about the part you played and what you learnt from the experience.
Describe some risks you’ve taken. How did you make the decisions?
An investment banker’s job often involves tough decisions and the ability to take risks is important. You need to demonstrate analytical skills and highlight logical assumptions and calculated guesses made by you while undertaking a risky project or decision.
Tell me about a time when you have successfully built and maintained customer relationships?
For most roles within banking you will need to show that you are can successfully build and maintain client relationships, go that extra mile to ensure high quality of service, identify and respond to client priorities and requirements and offer relevant solutions to satisfy client needs. Think of relevant and recent examples of when you’ve done this.
If unemployment figures are down, why might the stock market react negatively?
Low unemployment means an increase in aggregate demand. The economy becomes too buoyant which will result in increased interest rates to dampen the economy and prevent inflation from getting out of control. An increase in interest rates will have a negative impact on businesses, as the cost of borrowing will rise.
What is an IPO? Why would a company want to go public?
IPO stands for Initial Public Offering, the first public equity issue to be traded on the StockExchange. Going public raises considerable money for a company and increes liquidity and eases the rate that the company can borrow at in the future and also increases the possibility of the company engaging in M&A.
Why should we hire you?
Your answer should reflect the key skills and attributes from the job description. For banking they are usually problem solving, communication and the drive to succeed. Don’t forget to also reflect your genuine interest in the financial markets.
Have you been applying for other positions?
Banks will expect you to have applied to other banks. Mention banks that are similar in size and stature. If you have second interviews tell them but make it clear that they are your top choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment