Top interview questions to expect

1. Walk me through the time you helped a client achieve their financial goals.
2. How do you handle situations where clients have unrealistic expectations?
3. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision for a client.
4. What is your process for creating a comprehensive financial plan?
5. Describe a case where your advice significantly impacted a client’s life.
6. How do you stay current on financial trends and regulations?
7. Why are you interested in working as a Financial Planner at our company?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is an effective technique for answering behavioral interview questions. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When answering a behavioral interview question, use the STAR method:

– Situation: Describe a specific situation related to the question.
– Task: Explain the task you were responsible for in that situation.
– Action: Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task.
– Result: Share the positive results of your actions.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Walk me through the time you helped a client achieve their financial goals.
STAR Answer:
Situation: I was working with a young couple who were struggling to save for their first home. They both had good jobs, but they were also saddled with student loan debt and high rent payments.
Task: My task was to help them create a realistic budget and savings plan. I also recommended some strategies for paying down their debt more quickly.
Action: I met with the couple several times to discuss their financial situation and goals. We worked together to create a budget that allowed them to save money without sacrificing their quality of life. I also helped them find a lender who offered a low interest rate on their mortgage.
Result: Within two years, the couple was able to save enough money for a down payment on their first home. They were thrilled to finally have a place of their own, and they credited me with helping them achieve their goal.

2. How do you handle situations where clients have unrealistic expectations?
STAR Answer:
Situation: I once had a client who was expecting a large inheritance from her parents. She wanted to use the money to buy a luxury car and a vacation home. However, when her parents passed away, they left her much less money than she had anticipated.
Task: My task was to help the client adjust her financial expectations and create a plan that would allow her to live comfortably within her means.
Action: I met with the client several times to discuss her financial situation and goals. We worked together to create a budget that allowed her to save for retirement and other long-term goals. I also helped her find a financial advisor who could help her invest her money wisely.
Result: The client was initially disappointed when she learned how much money she had inherited. However, she was grateful for my guidance and support. She was able to adjust her expectations and create a financial plan that worked for her.

3. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision for a client.
STAR Answer:
Situation: I once had a client who was facing foreclosure. She had lost her job and was struggling to make her mortgage payments.
Task: My task was to help the client explore her options and make a decision about how to proceed.
Action: I met with the client several times to discuss her financial situation and goals. We discussed the possibility of selling her home, short-selling her home, or filing for bankruptcy. I also helped her research government programs that could help her avoid foreclosure.
Result: The client ultimately decided to sell her home. She was able to sell it for enough money to pay off her mortgage and other debts. She was grateful for my help and guidance during a difficult time.

4. What is your process for creating a comprehensive financial plan?
STAR Answer:
Situation: When I create a financial plan for a client, I first start by getting to know them and their financial goals.
Task: My task is to gather information about their income, expenses, assets, and debts. I also ask them about their short-term and long-term financial goals.
Action: Once I have a good understanding of the client’s financial situation and goals, I develop a customized financial plan. The plan includes recommendations for saving, investing, and managing debt. I also provide the client with regular updates on their progress.
Result: My clients appreciate the personalized financial plans that I create for them. They know that I am always looking out for their best interests and that I am committed to helping them achieve their financial goals.

5. Describe a case where your advice significantly impacted a client’s life.
STAR Answer:
Situation: I once had a client who was struggling to save for retirement. He had been contributing to his 401(k) for several years, but he was still not on track to reach his retirement goals.
Task: My task was to help the client develop a retirement savings plan that would allow him to reach his goals.
Action: I met with the client several times to discuss his financial situation and goals. We worked together to create a budget that allowed him to save more money each month. I also helped him find a financial advisor who could help him invest his money wisely.
Result: The client was able to significantly increase his retirement savings contributions. He is now on track to reach his retirement goals. He is grateful for my help and guidance, and he credits me with helping him secure his financial future.

6. How do you stay current on financial trends and regulations?
STAR Answer:
Situation: The financial industry is constantly evolving. New regulations are being introduced all the time, and new investment products are being developed.
Task: My task is to stay up-to-date on the latest financial trends and regulations.
Action: I read industry publications, attend conferences, and take continuing education courses. I also network with other financial professionals to stay informed about the latest developments.
Result: My clients appreciate the fact that I am always up-to-date on the latest financial trends and regulations. They know that I am always looking out for their best interests and that I am committed to providing them with the best possible financial advice.

7. Why are you interested in working as a Financial Planner at our company?
STAR Answer:
Situation: I have always been passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals. I believe that everyone deserves to have a secure financial future, and I am committed to helping my clients make that happen.
Task: My task is to find a company that shares my values and that provides me with the resources I need to be successful.
Action: I have been researching your company, and I am impressed with your commitment to providing excellent customer service. I am also confident that I have the skills and experience that you are looking for in a Financial Planner.
Result: I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and to help your clients achieve their financial goals. I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your company.