Other news to talk about in interview besides bailout and bank failure

and their effect on oil and energy...

The economy in general (unemployment, inflation, and other indicators), international economies (the good ones and the bad ones), know 3 stocks you would buy and 3 you would sell in addition to strong and weak sectors.

I find it far more interesting when candidates can speak to events that are outside the typical realm of the job they are applying for. In addition to the above, you may want to consider having an opinion on things such as Argentina's political struggles or Russia's recent aggressive movements. All depends on your interviewer really.

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CompBanker

I always think one of the best tactics is to take the interviewer away from their area of expertise.

Try not to talk exclusively about markets. It makes the interview feel artificial.

are we advised to talk about political topics? CompBanker mentioned Russia's movements? I would guess just stay general and don't let it get to political?

The problem with talking about politics is that it is hard to give an opinion, and the interviewer knows that. They will put you on the spot to see how you act under a little pressure. As always, the answer doesn't matter, it's how you approach the question and if you remain cool.

It is much easier when you keep it to foreign politics. I definitely would not get into a democratic / republican debate, but if you can discuss intelligibly things such as what's going on, the history of whatever subject you're talking about, or other "interesting" tidbits, it makes you a lot more fun to converse with.

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CompBanker

The very best option is to give your "story" (or hook, as some call it). If you can tell a convincing story about why you deserve the job and how your life has prepared you to excel in the position (not studying finance, but the value of hard work, interpersonal skills, drive/ambition, etc.), then that would get you much further than talking about a particular topic.

I disagree. You shouldn't tell interviewers how able you are, you should show them.

Meetings are structured a certain way. When both parties do not know each other, they try to bridge the gap with a common interest that puts both at ease. This helps build a platform for the upcoming meeting. Interviewers are used to this structure, and expect it from applicants. If you break from this format, you risk coming off as a salesman or desperate. The best interviews are those where the conversation flows from the outset.

I agree with compbanker in the sense that i'm impressed with someone who is well versed in things not finance. Reading the economist will prep you well for this. Sports news can also be good if you think your interviewer might be into it. For example, the Bills have started the season on a tear this year and they didn't even make the playoffs last year.

Aside from news, i've ask candidates what the last book they read was. I get turned off if they say monkey business, liar poker etc. They shouldn't have necessarily read war and peace either. Even if it's an adventure novel and they can make decent conversation out of it then it shows they have some depth.