Common Finance Interview Questions You May Encounter

Whether you’ve just completed your MBA or you’ve been in financial services for a while, interviews can be stressful and unpredictable.

The current job market in finance has an unemployment rate exceeding 2%. It’s important that you nail your interview by demonstrating you’re the best candidate for the job. Not doing your homework and being unprepared would be a big mistake.

Here are the top 9 finance interview questions you need to prepare for and insight into what hiring managers really want to hear.

What motivates you?

What the interviewer wants to hear

You have a passion for the work and drive to do it right for your clients and the company. You’re committed to upholding the level of integrity to which you aspire.

What they don’t want to hear:

• Money
• Constant praise
• Acceptance of peers

What is your greatest achievement in finance?

What the interviewer wants to hear:

You have accomplished something for which you are proud and you can clearly explain your contribution to that achievement. You understand the impact that it had on clients and/or the company. You give credit where credit is due if others were involved, but are self-driven and independent.

What they don’t want to hear:

• Something completely unrelated, unless you have no work experience
• That you don’t know the importance of your contributions
• That you can’t work independently

Why will you be leaving your current financial role?

What the interviewer wants to hear:

You’re seeking to continue growing and developing in the industry.

What they don’t want to hear:

• Complaints about management
• You were bored
• You jump ship at first sight of trouble

Why this role in our financial institution?

What the interviewer wants to hear:

You have a clear understanding of what the role is because you’ve done the research. You understand how you’ll fit into the role and why you’re a great candidate for the position.

What they don’t want to hear:

• That you know very little about the role
• That you don’t know what you bring to the table

Tell me about a time you did something that you would have done differently…

What the interviewer wants to hear:

Among finance interview questions, this one shows that you can consider your actions objectively and learn from your mistakes. Be honest.

What they don’t want to hear:

• That you’re too arrogant to admit a mistake
• That someone else had to call you out before you reconsidered your actions

What would your colleagues say about you?

What the interviewer wants to hear:

You can see yourself through the eyes of others. This demonstrates objectivity and empathy.  You acknowledge how strengths and weaknesses impact others.

What they don’t want to hear:

• Lack of balance in your answer

What are your aspirations?

What the interviewer wants to hear:

You’re looking to grow with the company and develop your skills. Your career path aligns with the company.

What they don’t want to hear:

• You’ll be miserable if you’re not quickly promoted
• You’re just doing this until something better comes along

Why were you selected for redundancy?

What the interviewer wants to hear:

It’s a tough question to answer. In some instances, it can be the equivalent to the question, why were you fired? If you were made redundant, show that you accept it and have gotten over it. Take ownership of any role you had in it and clearly explain it, using facts about changes in financial products, account management, etc.

What they don’t want to hear:

• You were the only one cut
• You were selected for redundancy because of behavior problems

Do you have any questions for me?

What the interviewer wants to hear:

Yes. Yes, you do. Having questions shows that you’re engaged and can communicate your needs.

What they don’t want to hear:

• No

Knowing Finance Interview Questions Leads to Success

Preparing for finance interview questions will help you set yourself up for success. Consider your answers to these questions and ace your interview.

For over 10 years, PT Solutions has been connecting talent like yours with the Fortune 500 companies who need it. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, submit your resume today.