As an aspiring investment banker, preparing well for interviews is crucial for getting your dream job. Financial edge investment banker interview questions test your knowledge, analytical skills and ability to think on your feet. By analyzing the interview experiences shared in the articles, we can gain key insights on the type of questions asked and how to best tackle them. Acing these questions requires research, practice and knowing financial concepts well.
Brain teasers assess logical thinking abilities
The articles highlight brain teasers as common in investment banker interviews, especially for buy-side funds and hedge funds. These assess logical thinking and problem solving skills. Questions may involve probability, statistics, riddles or lateral thinking puzzles. Practicing such questions by going through examples in interview preparation books is key.
Technical questions test financial knowledge depth
Investment banking interviews also contain technical questions on finance, accounting, valuation, mergers and acquisitions. The level of difficulty varies across companies – an investment bank may ask more advanced technical questions compared to a commercial bank. Solid understanding of time value of money, DCF, LBO models, option pricing is a must.
Situational and behavioral questions evaluate soft skills
In addition to technical prowess, investment bankers need strong communication skills, leadership qualities and ability to work under pressure. Many questions will be situational and behavioral based to evaluate candidates on these parameters. Preparing stories ahead of time for common questions around leadership, teamwork, challenges etc. is important.
Researching the firm and role is imperative
As highlighted in the UBS investment bank interview experience, candidates need to thoroughly research the firm, department and role they are interviewing for. This helps tackle questions on reasons for joining, understanding of the group’s function and challenges it faces. Such preparation demonstratives genuine interest.
By learning from investment banker interview experiences, candidates can understand the well-rounded preparation required. A mix of technical and aptitude questions assessed. Researching the firm and role and relentlessly practicing different types of questions is key to stand out.