Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this role?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. Describe a time you had to analyze a complex financial situation.
5. How do you stay up-to-date on financial trends?
6. Give me an example of a time you had to work under pressure.
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method helps you provide clear and concise answers by outlining a specific situation, the task you were assigned, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. This approach demonstrates your skills and experience in a way that is easily understood by the interviewer.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

Example Answer:
“I’m a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for finance. I have a strong academic background in finance and have gained valuable experience through internships at [previous company name] and [previous company name]. My experience in [previous role] involved analyzing financial data, creating financial models, and preparing reports. I’m proficient in [mention relevant software skills] and am always eager to learn new techniques. I’m excited to contribute my skills and knowledge to a dynamic team and make a positive impact on the organization.”

Why this is a strong answer:
This answer follows the STAR method by highlighting a specific situation (your academic and professional background), the tasks you performed (analyzing data, creating models), the actions you took (utilizing specific skills), and the results you achieved (positive impact on previous organizations). It showcases your enthusiasm for finance, relevant skills, and experience.

2. Why are you interested in this role?

Example Answer:
“I’m particularly interested in this Corporate Finance Analyst role at [company name] because of [mention specific reasons, e.g., company’s reputation, industry, projects, growth opportunities]. I’ve been following [company name]’s work in [mention specific area] and admire your commitment to [mention company values]. I believe my skills in [mention relevant skills] align well with the requirements of this position and I’m confident I can contribute to your team’s success.”

Why this is a strong answer:
This answer demonstrates your research and genuine interest in the company and the specific role. It shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the company’s values and how your skills can contribute to their goals. Mentioning specific projects or initiatives shows your commitment to the company’s vision.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Example Answer:
“My strengths lie in my analytical abilities, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. I’m proficient in [mention relevant software skills] and have a strong understanding of financial modeling. I’m also a quick learner and adapt well to new environments. As for my weaknesses, I can sometimes be too focused on the details and miss the bigger picture. However, I’m actively working on improving my ability to see the broader context and communicate effectively across different levels.”

Why this is a strong answer:
This answer provides specific examples of your strengths and weaknesses, demonstrating self-awareness and a willingness to improve. It also highlights your ability to learn and adapt, which are valuable qualities in any professional setting.

4. Describe a time you had to analyze a complex financial situation.

Example Answer:
“During my internship at [previous company name], I was tasked with analyzing the financial performance of a new product launch. The data was complex and required extensive research and modeling. I started by gathering data from various sources, including sales reports, market research, and competitor analysis. I then developed a financial model to project the product’s profitability over the next five years. My analysis revealed that the product’s launch was not meeting projections due to [mention specific reasons, e.g., unexpected market competition, lower-than-expected demand]. I presented my findings to the team and recommended [mention specific actions, e.g., adjusting marketing strategies, reducing production costs]. As a result, the product’s performance improved significantly, exceeding expectations within a year.”

Why this is a strong answer:
This answer effectively uses the STAR method to demonstrate your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. It highlights your ability to gather data, develop models, and identify key issues. The answer also showcases your initiative and communication skills by presenting your findings and recommending solutions.

5. How do you stay up-to-date on financial trends?

Example Answer:
“I stay current on financial trends by reading industry publications like [mention specific publications, e.g., The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Financial Times]. I also attend webinars and conferences hosted by prominent financial institutions and follow industry experts on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. I believe it’s crucial to stay informed about market dynamics, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to the team.”

Why this is a strong answer:
This answer demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and keeping abreast of industry developments. Mentioning specific resources and examples shows your proactive approach to staying informed. It also highlights your understanding of the importance of staying current in a dynamic field like finance.

6. Give me an example of a time you had to work under pressure.

Example Answer:
“During my time at [previous company name], I was responsible for preparing a critical financial report for a major investor meeting. The deadline was tight, and I had to manage several other urgent tasks simultaneously. I prioritized my workload, broke down the report into manageable sections, and worked diligently to complete each section on time. I also proactively communicated with my team to ensure everyone was informed and working towards the same goal. Despite the pressure, I was able to deliver the report on time and to a high standard, which helped secure a significant investment for the company.”

Why this is a strong answer:
This answer showcases your ability to manage stress, prioritize tasks, and work effectively under tight deadlines. It demonstrates your problem-solving skills and your ability to maintain composure and focus even in challenging situations.

7. What are your salary expectations?

Example Answer:
“Based on my experience, skills, and research on industry standards, I’m seeking a salary range of [mention specific salary range]. I’m confident that my contributions will be valuable to your team and I’m open to discussing this further during the negotiation process.”

Why this is a strong answer:
This answer demonstrates your research and understanding of market value. It avoids stating a specific number upfront, allowing for flexibility during negotiations. It also emphasizes your confidence in your abilities and your willingness to discuss salary expectations further.