A Quick Checklist For Finance Interviews

A QUICK CHECKLIST FOR

FINANCE INTERVIEWS

Every job interview you attend is a new process. Here’s our fool proof interview checklist to help you get ready to impress employers!

Preparing for a finance job interview is often a nervewracking process and can leave you feeling a little lost. Don’t panic, though. Here is a quick rundown to make sure you’re well-prepped!

PRE-INTERVIEW

PREPARATION CHECKLIST

PRINT MULTIPLE COPIES OF CV

In some interviews, you may be required to meet multiple members of the management team. Print at least two to three copies of your CV - on high-quality paper, if possible. This will come in handy when you are talking about prior experiences, since not everyone in the room may have a copy of your CV. It may also help to refresh the interviewer’s mind, especially if he/she has been interviewing several applicants in a row.

PREPARE A PORTFOLIO OF YOUR WORK

If the position you are interviewing for requires you to showcase your past work, gather your best work into one portfolio and bring it with you. Be prepared to share it with the hiring team and talk about your experiences working on those projects!

RESEARCH THE COMPANY

Showing employers that you have researched them is one of the best ways to stand out during an interview. Take a look at the company’s products, services, ownership structure, customer demographics and main competitors. You should also take a look at the company’s current press releases to know its latest developments and/or initiatives!

ANTICIPATE COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Prepare a list of common finance interview questions and your potential answers to them. This can help you provide strong and articulate responses in your interview so that you’re not just thinking on your toes all the time.

Here are some sample questions that can come up in finance interview settings: Why have you chosen to work in the finance industry? What are the three financial challenges that you anticipate in our industry over the next five years? Describe a tough financial analysis problem you faced recently. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities that finance professionals face today? How do you manage high-stress situations with account holders? How can a company show positive net income but go bankrupt? What does working capital mean? How has COVID-19 changed the way we think about banking and payments? What are some of the biggest risks that affect investors in the current economic climate?

PREPARE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INTERVIEWER

You demonstrate your interest and understanding of the position and the company when you ask thoughtful and well-researched questions during your job interview. Here are some of the questions you can ask during your interview: What are the immediate priorities in this position? What are the challenges a new hire faces in this job and company? What are the skills required for successful performance in this job? Can you describe what the day to-day schedule for this role looks like?

INTERVIEW

PREPARATION CHECKLIST

DRESS THE PART

If you’re preparing for an entry-level position in finance, be prepared to suit up in traditional Wall Street attire. After all, employers will usually be trying to visualise if they can place you in front of a client. Here are some guidelines on what to wear during your interview:

Formal: Dark-coloured suits with slacks or long skirts, tailored dresses, a tie to go with your suit and closed-toe shoes.

Business casual: Dark-coloured slacks or long skirts, blazers, button-down tops, and closed-toe shoes.

ARRIVE ON TIME

Showing up late to an interview will leave a bad first impression. So, make sure you know how to get to your destination and set aside enough time to get there so you will not be late.

BE COURTEOUS

Last but not least, greet anyone you meet at the interview venue. Everyone you meet could be your future co-workers; it never hurts to be polite to others!