Top interview questions to expect

1. Walk me through a time you exceeded a client’s expectations.
2. Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.
3. Tell me about a time when you had to use your persuasion skills to convince someone of your investment advice.
4. Give me an example of a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
5. Walk me through a situation where you used your analytical skills to solve a complex financial problem.
6. Describe a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.
7. Why do you want to work as a Financial Advisor?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a structured way of answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

* Situation: Describe the situation you were in. Include details about the challenges you faced and the context of the situation.
* Task: Explain the task you had to complete. What were you responsible for? What was your goal?
* Action: Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task. What did you do to solve the problem or achieve your goal?
* Result: Explain the results of your actions. What was the outcome? How did your actions benefit the company or the client?

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Walk me through a time you exceeded a client’s expectations.

Answer:

Situation: I was working with a client who was nearing retirement. He was worried about having enough money to live comfortably in retirement.

Task: My task was to help him create a retirement plan that would meet his financial goals.

Action: I met with the client several times to discuss his financial situation and his retirement goals. I gathered information about his income, expenses, and assets. I used this information to create a retirement plan that would allow him to retire comfortably.

Result: The client was thrilled with the retirement plan I created for him. He said it was the best financial advice he had ever received. He was confident that he would be able to retire comfortably with the plan in place.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR method. It provides a clear and concise description of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also highlights the candidate’s skills and abilities, such as their financial planning skills, communication skills, and attention to detail.

2. Question: Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.

Answer:

Situation: I was working with a client who was very demanding and difficult to please. He was always complaining about my work and making unreasonable demands.

Task: My task was to manage the client’s expectations and to provide him with the best possible service.

Action: I met with the client regularly to discuss his concerns. I listened to his feedback and tried to understand his needs. I also set clear boundaries and let him know what I could and could not do.

Result: Over time, I was able to build a relationship with the client and to manage his expectations. He became more satisfied with my work and we were able to work together productively.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR method. It provides a clear and concise description of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also highlights the candidate’s skills and abilities, such as their communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and ability to manage difficult clients.

3. Question: Tell me about a time when you had to use your persuasion skills to convince someone of your investment advice.

Answer:

Situation: I was working with a client who was hesitant to invest in a particular stock. He was worried about the risk involved.

Task: My task was to persuade the client that the stock was a good investment.

Action: I gathered information about the stock and the company. I used this information to create a compelling case for why the stock was a good investment. I also listened to the client’s concerns and addressed them head-on.

Result: The client was persuaded by my arguments and decided to invest in the stock. The stock performed well and the client made a significant profit.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR method. It provides a clear and concise description of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also highlights the candidate’s skills and abilities, such as their persuasion skills, research skills, and ability to communicate complex financial information.

4. Question: Give me an example of a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Answer:

Situation: I was working on a complex financial project with a tight deadline. I had to juggle multiple tasks and meet several deadlines.

Task: My task was to manage my time and resources effectively in order to complete the project on time and within budget.

Action: I created a detailed project plan and timeline. I also delegated tasks to other team members and set clear expectations. I also stayed organized and focused on the most important tasks.

Result: I was able to complete the project on time and within budget. The project was a success and the client was very satisfied.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR method. It provides a clear and concise description of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also highlights the candidate’s skills and abilities, such as their time management skills, organization skills, and ability to work under pressure.

5. Question: Walk me through a situation where you used your analytical skills to solve a complex financial problem.

Answer:

Situation: I was working with a client who was struggling to make ends meet. He had a lot of debt and his expenses were exceeding his income.

Task: My task was to analyze the client’s financial situation and to develop a plan to help him get out of debt.

Action: I gathered information about the client’s income, expenses, and debt. I used this information to create a budget and a debt repayment plan. I also helped the client to find ways to increase his income.

Result: The client was able to get out of debt and improve his financial situation. He was very grateful for my help.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR method. It provides a clear and concise description of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also highlights the candidate’s skills and abilities, such as their analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and budgeting skills.

6. Question: Describe a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.

Answer:

Situation: I made a mistake in a financial calculation that resulted in a loss for the client.

Task: My task was to apologize to the client, explain the mistake, and take steps to correct it.

Action: I immediately apologized to the client and explained the mistake. I also took steps to correct the mistake and to make sure that it did not happen again. I offered to compensate the client for the loss.

Result: The client was understanding and appreciated my honesty and willingness to take responsibility for my mistake. The client remained a loyal client and we were able to continue working together.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR method. It provides a clear and concise description of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also highlights the candidate’s skills and abilities, such as their honesty, integrity, and ability to handle difficult situations.

7. Question: Why do you want to work as a Financial Advisor?

Answer:

I have always been passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals. I believe that everyone deserves to have access to quality financial advice and I am committed to providing my clients with the best possible service. I am also a strong believer in education and I am always looking for ways to learn more about the financial markets and the latest investment strategies. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be a successful Financial Advisor and I am excited to help my clients achieve their financial goals.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it is clear, concise, and persuasive. The candidate expresses their passion for helping people achieve their financial goals and their commitment to providing excellent service. The candidate also highlights their skills and experience and their willingness to learn and grow.