Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this role?
3. What experience do you have in financial services?
4. How do you handle difficult customers?
5. Describe a time you had to overcome a challenge.
6. What are your salary expectations?
7. Do you have any questions for me?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

To effectively answer behavioral interview questions, use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This framework helps you structure your response by first describing a relevant situation, then outlining the task you had to accomplish, the actions you took, and the positive result of your efforts. This method demonstrates your abilities and provides concrete examples of your skills.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
This is a classic opening question, allowing you to introduce yourself and highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Example Answer:
“I’m a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a passion for helping people achieve their financial goals. I have [number] years of experience in the financial services industry, where I’ve developed strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills. I’m particularly adept at [mention specific skills like investment planning, insurance, or loan products]. I’m excited about this opportunity because I’m eager to contribute my expertise to a company that values [mention company values like customer satisfaction, innovation, or team collaboration].”
Why this is a strong answer:
This response effectively uses the STAR method by introducing the situation (your experience in financial services), the task (helping clients achieve their financial goals), the action (developing specific skills), and the result (contributing expertise to the company).

2. Why are you interested in this role?
This question helps the interviewer understand your motivation and alignment with the company’s goals.
Example Answer:
“I’m drawn to this role because I’m passionate about [mention specific aspects of the role, like financial planning or client relationships]. I’ve always been interested in [mention specific areas of financial services, like investment strategies or insurance products]. I believe my skills in [mention relevant skills, like communication, problem-solving, or analysis] would be a valuable asset to your team, and I’m eager to learn more about [mention specific aspects of the company or industry]. I’m particularly impressed by [mention something specific about the company, like their commitment to customer service or their innovative products].”
Why this is a strong answer:
This response demonstrates genuine interest in the role by highlighting specific aspects of the position, aligning your skills with the company’s needs, and showing enthusiasm for learning and contributing.

3. What experience do you have in financial services?
This question allows you to showcase your relevant experience and demonstrate your understanding of the industry.
Example Answer:
“In my previous role at [previous company], I was responsible for [mention specific responsibilities, like providing financial advice, managing client accounts, or developing financial plans]. I successfully [mention a quantifiable achievement, like increased client retention or exceeded sales targets]. I also gained experience in [mention specific areas of expertise, like investment strategies, insurance products, or loan products]. This experience has equipped me with [mention relevant skills, like communication, problem-solving, or analysis] that I believe are essential for success in this role.”
Why this is a strong answer:
This response uses the STAR method by describing a specific situation (your previous role), the task (your responsibilities), the action (your achievements), and the result (gained experience and skills).

4. How do you handle difficult customers?
This question assesses your ability to manage challenging situations and maintain a positive customer experience.
Example Answer:
“I understand that dealing with difficult customers is inevitable in any customer-facing role. I approach these situations with empathy and a focus on understanding their concerns. I actively listen to their feedback, acknowledge their frustration, and try to find a solution that meets their needs. In a recent situation, a client was upset about [mention the specific issue]. I listened to their concerns, explained the situation clearly, and offered alternative solutions. Ultimately, we were able to find a resolution that satisfied the client. I believe that by remaining calm, professional, and focused on finding a solution, I can effectively handle difficult situations and maintain positive customer relationships.”
Why this is a strong answer:
This response demonstrates your ability to handle difficult situations by outlining the situation (a client was upset), the task (understanding their concerns), the action (listening, explaining, and offering solutions), and the result (finding a resolution that satisfied the client).

5. Describe a time you had to overcome a challenge.
This question assesses your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to learn from mistakes.
Example Answer:
“In a previous role, I was tasked with [mention the specific challenge]. I initially struggled with [mention the specific obstacle]. However, I remained determined to find a solution. I researched the issue, consulted with colleagues, and implemented [mention the specific solution]. This resulted in [mention the positive outcome]. This experience taught me the importance of [mention the lesson learned, like perseverance, collaboration, or adaptability].”
Why this is a strong answer:
This response uses the STAR method by describing the situation (the challenge), the task (overcoming the obstacle), the action (researching, consulting, and implementing a solution), and the result (positive outcome and lesson learned).

6. What are your salary expectations?
This question is straightforward, but requires careful consideration.
Example Answer:
“Based on my experience and the responsibilities of this role, I’m seeking a salary range of [mention your desired salary range]. I’m confident that my skills and qualifications would be a valuable asset to your team, and I’m eager to contribute to the company’s success.”
Why this is a strong answer:
This response provides a clear and concise answer, demonstrating your understanding of your worth and your eagerness to contribute.

7. Do you have any questions for me?
This is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest and engagement.
Example Answer:
“Yes, I have a few questions. First, could you tell me more about [mention a specific aspect of the role or company, like the company culture or career development opportunities]? Second, what are the key performance indicators for this role?”
Why this is a strong answer:
Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest and preparation, demonstrating your engagement and eagerness to learn more.