When interviewing for investment manager positions, you need to stand out and show your financial knowledge and analytical skills. Meanwhile, interviewers want to assess your fit for the firm’s culture. Asking thoughtful questions is crucial for learning about the role and company. Here are some recommended questions to ask investment managers during interviews:
Ask about the firm’s investment philosophy and process
Understanding the firm’s investment philosophy, strategy and decision-making process should be a top priority. You can ask: What is your investment philosophy? How do you discover investment opportunities and generate ideas? Walk me through your typical process for analyzing a potential investment. How do you construct portfolios and manage risk? What competitive advantages does your process offer compared to other firms?
Learn about the role and responsibilities
Have a clear picture of the day-to-day responsibilities you will be taking on. Ask questions like: Can you describe a typical day and week in this role? What does the career progression look like? Are there opportunities to work across different asset classes and strategies? Will I be specializing in a specific sector or geography?
Inquire about mentorship and training
Development opportunities are key at the start of your career. You can ask: What training programs and resources are available for new hires? Is there a formal mentorship program? What does your onboarding program entail? Are there opportunities to obtain licenses like the CFA? How will I receive feedback and be evaluated on my performance?
Understand the culture and work environment
Cultural fit is crucial. Ask questions like: How would you describe the culture here? What do you think makes people successful at this firm? How does the investment team collaborate on a daily basis? Are there any formal or informal networking groups? What steps has the firm taken to promote DE&I?
Learn about the firm’s clients and operations
Get insight into the business operations. Ask about: The types of clients you serve. How the firm obtains new clients and markets its services. The trajectory of assets under management and growth strategy. Operational structure, technology resources and compliance procedures.
Asking thoughtful questions about the investment philosophy, role responsibilities, training, culture and operations during investment manager interviews demonstrates strong interest. It also helps assess if the firm is the right fit.