Interview Question: Why Credit Suisse?
I have an interview with Credit Suisse IBD coming up and wonder if anyone can share some insights on how to answer the why credit suisse question ?
Credit Suisse Interview Questions: Why Work at Credit Suisse?
In any interview or informational phone call - you will likely be asked an equivalent of this question - so it is critical that you have a thought out and practiced answer. To help your answer stand out, you should do extensive research on the firm's website to determine what they consider to be their core values and competitive advantages. In addition to this background research - you should try and speak with members of the firm in the division you're interested in so that you can get a better understanding of the culture of the firm. All of these things should be considered into your answer.
What Differentiates Credit Suisse from Other Banks?
Our users share below some of the elements that differentiates Credit Suisse. A few of these things include a less stuffy culture and promotion of internal mobility.
User @DoYouLikePhilCollins", an asset management vice president, is an employee at CS in the LA office and they explained their answer below:
Credit Suisse is a top league table ranking Investment Bank and you know that the groups are small so the deal exposure and ability to work with senior management is something that you would love to participate in.Mention how Credit Suisse is a prominent bank that promotes internal growth/mobility. Contrary to the news, the culture is actually "if you made it here, we want you to stay here," even if that means transferring to another group or division.
User @camus", an investment banking associate, explained another answer:
This is an excellent opportunity for you to name drop anyone senior or junior people in the department that you are interviewing for with good reputations that have been helping you out thus far. You can explain how they spoke to you about the firm and how you really liked X,Y,Z that they said, etc.The impression that I got about CS was that it was less stuffy than most others... which I considered a huge positive as a new entrant. I figured my learning curve will be significantly improved if senior folks were accessible and willing to offer their mentorship.
Example Why Credit Suisse? Answer
I first became interested in Credit Suisse when attending an informational session at XYZ school. There I spoke with several alumni from the Investment Banking Division. After connecting with members of the firm at that event, I was connected to speak to more alumni from the firm who spoke extensively about the group's lean deal teams and the focus that the firm places on mobility and retention. Recently, I had the chance to come visit a banking floor and speak with bankers throughout the day. After that experience, I knew that I wanted to work at Credit Suisse due to the very approachable nature of the teams and senior people at the bank paired with the global nature of the firm.
Read more about Credit Suisse in our Company Database.
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Q: Why Credit Suisse A: Why not?
You really like swiss culture and swiss food. You originally wanted to go UBS but they suck so you settled w/ CS instead.
Talk about how UBS is inconsistent with their offers (delaying SA returns, rescinding FT offers).
or you can talk about how much you love chocolate, watches and skiing.
One of the few banks not bailed out in the crisis.
Why does US gov need to bail them out, its swiss bank. what does it have to do wid american gov
EXACTLY!!
Re: CS not taking bailout money -
Not exactly true...
*not bailed out by the U.S. gov't would be a correct statement. Both UBS and CS took BOAT loads of money from the Swiss government during the crisis.
As mentioned above, definitely badmouth UBS. (Find choice UBS SUCKS! quotes on Dealbreaker to help you sound funny and genuine). Also, definitely mention your love for chocolate, watches and skiing. Throw in love for fondue and mention you have a huge boner for Roger Federer and you should get the offer.
Ok, seriously though you would be better served mentioning their more recent news just by Googling their name/ looking for their most recent news.
as part of your interview cost, drop 50k on a patek and show you are serious
Why did you even apply there if you don't know why you want to work there?
this is such a bull shit statement because he wants a banking job and applied everywhere. why do you want to work where you are?
All BB gigs are exactly the same
Okay, you're right, I guess I was being dismissive of the question. Think of it this way, you get an offer to work at each and every BB you applied to and they all pay the same salary/bonus. Which one do you choose? How you answer that question should be how you answer 'why CS?'
As people mentioned earlier, I would not badmouth UBS.
I would just say that you like the Crédit Suisse values/Swiss values. Skim through their website, you'll find a bunch!
Why were u born?
literally lol
Valid question - 1) Because in that particular sector you are one of the top 3, if not the best. 2) Credit Suisse did NOT get bailed out (to the numb nut in one of the comments above - the US government is not the only one bailing their state banks) 3) The grad scheme looks very interesting, and you have heard it is one of the best training program on the street 4) You are worried about massive regulations on US banks, Credit Suisse will be affected to a lesser extent 5) In the London office they have a swimming pool in the building! You get the gist............
If you were invited for an IBD interview shouldn't you know why CS? What did you write in your Cover Letter?
Troll alert.
You should say, "Wait a minute.. I have no idea. Good question." and then walk out.
"I like the cheese you guys make."
"What's that, you don't make cheese?"
"Can you check in the back please?"
Can I say: "Because you sponsor my favorite tennis player, Roger Federer. And I hope to meet him someday when he decides to pay us a visit". ???
As someone that works at Credit Suisse in the LA office, there are several ways to answer this.
Credit Suisse is a top league table ranking Investment Bank and you know that the groups are small so the deal exposure and ability to work with senior management is something that you would love to participate in.
Mention how Credit Suisse is a prominent bank that promotes internal growth/mobility. Contrary to the news, the culture is actually "if you made it here, we want you to stay here," even if that means transferring to another group or division.
What group are you interviewing with?
read their mission statement and talk about it during the interview...they will eat it up
i have a question of my own:
how is someone who gets an interview at a bb not able to come up with his own answer for that quesiton???
its like a ZJ bro... .if you dont know what it is - you probably can't afford it
why do you wanna work for CS?
hmmm to make money, get a better gig down the road and work for a top 10 bank - not to mention going down to the Frying Pan on fridays in the summer and crushing hot chicks when you say you work for a fancy sounding bank... i mean lets face it - Neuberger Berman sounds like a shitty meal at a diner... great firm tho lol
Why Credit Suisse --- I didnt get a job elsewhere...
this is an excellent opportunity for you to name drop anyone within CS that has been helping you out thus far-- best to be someone important / senior but it could be a more junior person with a good rep / in the dept you're interviewing for... you can explain how they spoke to you about the firm and how you really liked X,Y,Z that they said, etc....
re CS -- i haven't been to every bank but when i was interviewing i got the impression that CS was less stuffy than most others... which i considered a huge positive since as a new entrant, my learning curve would be significantly improved if senior folks were accessible (learning from their experience and / or finding mentors)
at the end of the day though, you just want a job... so you can apply the "approachable" aspect to any bank because you're such an overachiever that you want to learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible... less stuffy can also encourage camaraderie which might be something important to you in the workplace. (feel free to sell yourself on being competitive but team-oriented in that discussion)
best of luck
Why Credit Suisse (Originally Posted: 05/12/2011)
hey guys,
so how would you guys go about and answer this question if you were asked this in an interview?
thanks in advance
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