When interviewing for investment banking positions, candidates often focus too much on impressing the interviewers and forget to ask good questions themselves. However, the questions you ask are just as important, as they demonstrate genuine interest, preparation, and strategic thinking. Here are some key questions candidates should consider asking investment bankers during interviews.
Questions about the bank’s business strategy
You can ask the interviewers about the bank’s key business objectives, growth strategies, competitive positioning, plans for expansion, views on industry consolidation, responses to regulatory changes, etc. This shows you have researched the firm and are thinking long-term.
Questions about deal experience and specializations
Ask interviewers about major recent deals they have worked on, their deal team structures and dynamics, how they source deals, which industry sectors or product groups they focus on, what a typical week in their deal life entails, etc. This demonstrates your interest in the actual work contents.
Questions about junior banker development
Inquire about the training programs, mentorship initiatives, rotational opportunities, and review/promotion processes in place for junior investment bankers. Also ask about work-life balance. This conveys your eagerness to learn and develop professionally.
Questions differentiated to each interviewer
Make sure to prepare customized questions for bankers from different seniority levels – analysts, associates, VPs, MDs, group heads etc. Ask associates about analysts’ responsibilities, VPs about promotion timelines, MDs about firm vision. This level of preparation leaves a strong impression.
In investment banking interviews, you need to demonstrate curiosity and strategic intent alongside technical proficiency. Preparing thoughtful questions tailored to each interviewer is crucial for standing out among candidates.