How to answer these interview questions?
(Orangutan, 316
Points)
on 12/5/12 at 4:14am
Recruiting is coming up and there's some questions that I can't think of good answers for. Maybe you guys can help me?
Q1: The "describe a moral dilemma that you faced" question
My real answer: Can't think of any. Never had to cheat/plagiarize/copy homework in school.
Q2: Why our bank?
My real answer: I applied everywhere. Isn't that what everyone else is doing?
Q3: Why this division?
My real answer: I just want a damn job that pays me. Can we cut the bullshit?
Any help is appreciated.






I think those are all very
I think those are all very solid answers, you're going to nail it.
Hi, just what I would do: Q1:
Hi,
just what I would do:
Q1: I'd focus on avoiding a mistake (e.g. by seeming cheating-friendly or too pedantic). Talk about something harmless (if it's also interesting, that's a bonus). For example, you promised someone to do something, something else came up and you had too choose what to do etc.
Q2: Talk about league tables and recent deals (easier if it's a good bank). In addition, talk about how you know someone who interned there, he liked the culture etc. (don't make this up, they could ask his name). Or you met employees at some recruiting event, liked them etc. The culture answer is always correct.
Lastly, if it's a big firm, it offers you the chance to work on larger deals. If it's a small firm, you have more exposure...
Q3: Depends on the division. Talk about what they do and why that's great and you like it. If you want to share what division you're applying to, I might be able to give you a more detailed opinion.
You need to realize that they
You need to realize that they don't ask these questions just to know your "real answer", they want to make sure you can bullshit coherently on the spot in response to a simple question. If you can't even do that, you're not set out for banking.
Why firm should always be
Why firm should always be "Talked with Person X, learned Y about culture, this fits me because Z."
JustADude: You need to
You need to realize that they don't ask these questions just to know your "real answer", they want to make sure you can bullshit coherently on the spot in response to a simple question. If you can't even do that, you're not set out for banking.
Best post today.
The HBS guys have MAD SWAGGER. They frequently wear their class jackets to boston bars, strutting and acting like they own the joint. They just ooze success, confidence, swagger, basically attributes of alpha males.
Check out the WSO behavioral
Check out the WSO behavioral guide, I know it talks about some questions like that.
INTERVIEW GUIDES -- Technical, Fit and Networking... The Biz School Bible and More...
For why this bank, make sure
For why this bank, make sure to be as firm specific as possible. For example, if you use something like "I want to be working with smaller, high growth companies" at a MM firm, follow it up with a recent deal. Let them know that you care enough to learn something unique about the firm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4wykeJBHdE
If the glove don't fit, you must acquit!
BS your way through and tell
BS your way through and tell them what they want to hear. Blow smoke up their buttholes.
See my other WSO blog posts
Q1: The "describe a moral
Q1: The "describe a moral dilemma that you faced" question
What they're really asking: Are you someone that will do the right thing in a tough position?
Q2: Why our bank?
What they're really asking: Are you actually interested in our company or just view us as "prospective employer X"? Are you going to stay around?
Q3: Why this division?
What they're really asking: Are you actually interested in this division or just looking for a job anywhere you can find one? Are you going to stay around?