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:
"rooster - Private Equity Associate"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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" 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."
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
Cause finance harpies give the best dome.
interviewer: why finance? you: why not finance? interviewer: stumped
instant offer
Oh, yeah, and they pay well from what I've heard.