Interview Question: Why Finance? Sample Answers
I landed my first interview with an Investment Bank and I am going over all of the ‘classic’ banking/ finance interview questions. I do have my reasons other than the money for why I want to have a career in finance but I am not sure what’s best to say while interviewing at an investment bank or any other finance company.
Why Finance: the best answer to this classic interview question
Finance interviewing season is here and whether you’re applying for an analyst at an investment bank, or you are already in your finance career, this is the one question you need to know for every interview you will ever go on.
First off, this is a behavioral interview question and like all behavioral questions they are asking you this question to see your compatibility. According to one of our users:
The best answer is to ALWAYS say something about the people/ quality of people you will have a chance to work with and the deals that you will have exposure to.NEVER say anything about the money - while it is clearly the reason that 99.92% of people in finance are here, no one will ever admit so in an interview, so don't be the guy that does or else you will get dinged. Simple as that
This will allow you to show your interviewer that you are eager to be apart of the deal flow and it will also demonstrate you understand workplace prudence (which is the most important skill anyone can learn).
Never-the-less, this question is a tricky one because it depends where you are interviewing. For example, Goldman Sachs puts more emphasis on their applicants' personal traits. This is why it is important you research the firm and see what qualities they expect of their employees. If you know someone at the place you are interviewing, don't be afraid to ask what they recommend.
List of Finance Interview Questions
Finance questions are tricky because there's so many things you could be asked while interviewing-- and more times than not people forget to even think about the most common ones. The below linked page is a perfect guide of some of the most popular finance/ banking interview questions.
Educate yourself on more Finance Interview Questions and Answers
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why you actually want to do finance? or is your reason one of those that should not be said?
" I chose finance because I thrive in a competitive environment. I feel I am among the best and I need to be surrounded by like-minded people who challenge me on a daily basis. I derive a sense of satisfaction from hard work and dedication, and no industry values these traits more than investment banking/private equity/venture capital."
not sure if srs.
the correct answer is ALWAYS to say something about the people/quality of people you will have a chance to work with and the deals that you will have exposure to. while this is obviously bullshit and the interviewer knows that for the most part it is bullshit, it's the same bullshit he fed many years ago to his interviewer as well, and if you do not have the same smarts that he did in your shoes, you will certainly not advance. specific references (i.e. I know a handful of analysts at your firm and they are the type of individuals that I would enjoy working with) are always an added plus.
NEVER say anything about the money - while it is clearly the reason that 99.92% of people in finance are here, no one will ever admit so in an interview, so don't be the guy that does or else you will get dinged. simple as that
This is what I would say, mind you I have no interview practice - I got my internships through connections.
Finance is a fast-paced and competitve industry that demands proffesionals who are dilligant, focused, hard driving, and devoted. I believe my skills, personal traints, and ambitions make me a perfect fit for the industry. Furthermore, I excel in situations where my fellow co-workers and team participants share my hard driving worth ethic, devotion, attention to detail, and general drive to succeed. Finance houses such proffesionals and I believe it the perfect fit for me.
Cause finance harpies give the best dome.
Models and bottles!
Just kidding of course, but what the others have said are the same things I've heard should be said. Granted I have no actual interview experience, but I've read quite a bit on the subject (I'm by no means an expert). As you probably already know, just keep money and exit opportunities out of it. Even if they know a lot of people are planning to move to PE before they get the job, they want to hear that you're in it for the long haul. You could also try to talk about how you enjoy working with different types of people in a competitive, yet team-oriented environment.
It might also depend on where you're applying, for example I've read that Goldman Sachs puts a lot more emphasis on their applicants' personal traits and how well they think you would fit in with their corporate culture, so they might be happy to hear you talk about team-work and how well you think you would work with the people there. Any information you can get about the specifics of the bank you're applying to might prove useful, even if they are looking for the same qualities in general. Remember to show up with a positive attitude and try to display something unique about your interests or experiences, because nobody will remember a 3.8 GPA HBS graduate with zero personality or ambition.
Did you read the articles on interviews and recruiting at M&I? I've learnt a lot from those.
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash!
Cause you thought it would get you laid.
Why Finance? (Originally Posted: 04/09/2011)
I'd say most interviewer won't even ask you this kind of broad, vague question if you have finance experience or are not a career switcher. I'm a career switcher and was asked this question, and I couldn't answer it cuz I only prepared why I wanted that particular job and what I liked about the work of that job.
What are some good answers for this question? Thanks. Please shed some light.
I wanna earn a lotta money
You've got to come up with this one on your own
interviewer: why finance? you: why not finance? interviewer: stumped
instant offer
Oh, yeah, and they pay well from what I've heard.
I pronounce finance like this
fin (like the flipper) + anc (like a British bloke saying ants)
As for why I pronounce it like so, because I'm good at meeting deadlines and being creative by playing with words (numbers need friends to). Boom...offer.
notice you have to say fi-nance, not fy-nance while you answer.
why don't you use the search function or google it.
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