The ‘why this bank’ questions –
“Unfortunately, people don’t always bother doing the most basic research on the company,” says the head of recruitment at one international bank. “What’s really needed here is something that explains why you think the bank you’re applying for is different to and better than the rest.” You’ll need to research every bank you’re interviewing with, he says. Your answers need to be specific: you need to find something that makes the bank stand out and to go with that. In the case of Nomura, for example, you might say you want to work for a bank with strong Asian connections so that you have exposure to the Asian market.
- What are some of the most significant deals our bank has completed in the last 12 months?
- What is our current stock price?
- What do you think this bank’s biggest regulatory threats are at the moment?
- What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of this business/division?
- What differentiates our firm?
- Who’s our major competitor? How do we measure up? What are the risks and opportunities we face?
- Tell me everything you know about our business model.
- Which area of our business is strongest?
- Who’s our CEO?
- What’s the most important thing affecting this bank now?
