Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why investment banking?
3. Why this firm?
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
5. Describe a time you failed.
6. Describe a time you worked under pressure.
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

To answer these questions effectively, use the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This framework helps you structure your answers in a clear and concise way, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.
– Situation: Briefly describe the context of the situation you’re going to discuss.
– Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you faced.
– Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation.
– Result: Describe the outcome of your actions and the lessons you learned.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
This is a classic opening question, designed to get you talking and assess your communication skills.
Example Answer:
“I’m a highly motivated and analytical individual with a strong passion for finance. I’ve always been interested in the intricacies of the capital markets and the role investment banking plays in driving business growth. During my time at [University], I honed my financial modeling and valuation skills through coursework and extracurricular activities. I also gained valuable teamwork experience through my involvement in [Club/Project]. I’m eager to apply my skills and knowledge in a fast-paced and challenging environment, and I believe investment banking offers the perfect platform for me to do so.”

Why this answer is strong:
This answer is concise, relevant, and demonstrates your passion for the industry. It also highlights your key skills and experiences, making a clear connection between your background and the role.

2. Why investment banking?
This question assesses your understanding of the industry and your genuine interest in the role.
Example Answer:
“I’m drawn to investment banking because it offers a unique blend of intellectual stimulation and real-world impact. I’m excited by the opportunity to work on complex transactions that shape the future of businesses. I’m also fascinated by the fast-paced environment and the constant learning curve. The ability to work on a diverse range of deals and industries, from M&A to IPOs, is incredibly appealing. I believe my analytical skills, strong work ethic, and passion for finance make me a good fit for this demanding and rewarding field.”

Why this answer is strong:
This answer demonstrates a clear understanding of the industry and its challenges. It also highlights your specific interests within investment banking, showcasing your genuine passion for the role.

3. Why this firm?
This question assesses your research and understanding of the firm’s culture, values, and recent activities.
Example Answer:
“I’m particularly interested in [Firm Name] because of its strong reputation for [Specific aspect of the firm, e.g., M&A expertise, industry focus, culture]. I’ve been following [Firm Name]’s recent work in [Specific industry/transaction] and was impressed by [Specific detail]. I believe my skills and experience align well with the firm’s [Specific values/culture] and I’m confident I can contribute to the team’s success.”

Why this answer is strong:
This answer demonstrates your thorough research and shows you’ve taken the time to understand the firm’s specific strengths and values. It also connects your skills and experience to the firm’s culture and activities, highlighting your fit within the organization.

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This question assesses your self-awareness and ability to identify your key strengths and areas for improvement.
Example Answer:
“One of my strengths is my analytical ability. I’m able to quickly grasp complex financial concepts and apply them to real-world situations. I’m also a highly organized and detail-oriented individual, ensuring accuracy in my work. However, I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks effectively. I’m actively working on improving my delegation skills by setting clear expectations and providing adequate support to my team members.”

Why this answer is strong:
This answer highlights relevant strengths that are valuable in investment banking, such as analytical skills and attention to detail. It also acknowledges a weakness, but focuses on how you are actively working to improve it, demonstrating self-awareness and a growth mindset.

5. Describe a time you failed.
This question assesses your ability to learn from mistakes and demonstrate resilience.
Example Answer:
“In my previous role at [Previous company], I was tasked with leading a team on a complex financial modeling project. Due to a miscommunication, we missed a critical deadline. I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of clear communication and collaboration within a team. I implemented a system of regular check-ins and ensured everyone understood their roles and responsibilities. This ultimately led to a successful project completion and improved communication within the team.”

Why this answer is strong:
This answer focuses on a specific situation, highlights the learning experience, and demonstrates your ability to adapt and improve. It also shows your commitment to teamwork and communication, which are essential in investment banking.

6. Describe a time you worked under pressure.
This question assesses your ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations.
Example Answer:
“During my internship at [Previous company], I was responsible for analyzing a large dataset to support a major M&A transaction. The deadline was tight, and the data was complex. I stayed calm and focused, prioritizing the most critical tasks and working late nights to ensure the analysis was completed on time and to a high standard. This experience taught me the importance of time management and prioritizing under pressure.”

Why this answer is strong:
This answer demonstrates your ability to handle pressure and manage your time effectively. It also highlights your commitment to delivering high-quality work, even under tight deadlines.

7. What are your salary expectations?
This question assesses your understanding of market value and your financial goals.
Example Answer:
“Based on my research and understanding of the market for entry-level investment banking positions, I’m seeking a salary in the range of [Salary range]. I’m confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of this role, and I’m eager to contribute to the success of the team.”

Why this answer is strong:
This answer demonstrates your research and understanding of market salaries. It also shows confidence in your skills and experience, without being overly demanding.