Getting ready for your interview requires diligent research and practice. The job of a banker is demanding and requires close attention to detail. You must focus on multiple factors while going through the interview process.
If you are looking for a career as a banker, this role will test your cognitive abilities and soft skills. Banking job interview questions are designed to expose your strengths, weaknesses, and knowledge.
Job interviews are competitive, so making a good impression is crucial. The best way to make a good impression on a potential employer is to come prepared and know what to expect. Keep a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job. Here are ten interview hacks that will help you crack that banking interview.
1. Research the Company and Its Culture
The first step in preparing for an interview is thoroughly researching the company and its culture. You’ll want to understand the company’s vision, mission, and values. This is critical to determining whether the company is a good fit for you and vice versa.
There are multiple ways to gather information on a company. One of the best ways to start your research is by visiting the company’s website. You’ll want to read through their website, especially the “About Us” section. You can also check out the company’s social media channels to gather more information about the company’s culture.
2. Knowing What Questions to Expect
Knowing the types of questions you will be asked during the interview is essential. As a rule of thumb, you can expect about 10-15% of your interview to be dedicated to finance-based questions. The remainder will be dedicated to questions about your personal qualities and experiences. Knowing the common interview questions & answers can give you an upper hand in landing that investment banking job.
You can be asked questions about your academic and professional history and interests. You can be asked questions about your past successes, failures, and achievements.
3. Know What to Ask in Return
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer in return. You can ask questions about the bank’s business model, products and services, and about the role you are interviewing for. These questions will help you obtain helpful information about the company and your interviewing role.
You will also want to ask questions to showcase your knowledge of the company and the industry. This will help you stand out among the other candidates and showcase your deep interest in the job.
4. Practice Your Communication Skills and Body Language
Practice your communication skills and body language during the interview to ensure a positive outcome.
- Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and speak with confidence.
- Speak clearly and audibly so the interviewer can understand your responses.
- If you’re having trouble with communication, opt for soft skills training to help with your interview.
- Maintain good body language. Avoid fidgeting, crossing your arms, or having your hands in your pockets.
- Sit up straight, give firm handshakes, and smile confidently.
Remember that, with the right preparation and knowledge about the banking interview questions and answers, you have nothing to overly nervous about!
5. Don’t Forget to Breathe!
When you’re excited about an opportunity, you may forget to breathe! Make sure you take a few deep breaths to calm yourself before entering the interview room. Avoid being too stiff or aggressive while answering questions. Maintain a positive and professional demeanor during the interview.
Ensure that you are assertive in your interview, which means you have a voice and opinions. Assertiveness is often confused with aggressiveness, but they are different.
Aggressiveness usually comes from an emotional place and often involves being rude or dismissive of others. Assertiveness is about standing up for oneself and one’s ideas in a way that doesn’t involve attacking or putting down others.
6. Master the Basics of Finance
Understanding the basics of finance is critical to obtaining a job in banking. Research and familiarize yourself with the basic terms and concepts of financial accounting, economics, and financial analysis. You can read books, articles, or blogs on these topics. Alternatively, you can attend financial training courses offered at a university or online.
7. Confidence Is Key
Always enter the interview confidently by researching the company, its products and services, and the role you are interviewing for. Use the knowledge you have gained from your research to answer the questions and speak with confidence. Show confidence in your answers and in your general demeanor. Always maintain a positive outlook, even when you are asked challenging questions.
8. Know Your Numbers
While you may not be asked to calculate numbers in your head, you will want to know your numbers by heart. You will be expected to know your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history. You will also be expected to know your liquid assets and overall net worth.
9. Stay Calm and Organized
Ensure that you arrive at the interview venue on time and with a positive and organized mindset. Above all, you will want to remain calm and organized during the interview. Review your notes and information before the interview to stay organized and focused.
Positivity and confidence are needed throughout the interview process. Always practice, stay confident, and be prepared, and you’re sure to ace the interview. If you’re assertive, you will be well on your way toward success in the interview.
10. Be Yourself
There are many ways to stand out during a banking interview. Being yourself is the most effective way among others. Banking interviews often involve multiple interviews, so making an excellent first impression is essential. That means dressing professionally and being confident but not arrogant. Online assertiveness training will help you speak for yourself naturally and confidently.
If you show that you’re a good fit for the position and have relevant experience, you’ll have the edge over other candidates.
Bottom Line
Bankers need to be able to answer various complex questions about finance, accounting, and economics. That means you must be prepared for a process that weeds out candidates based on skills and knowledge rather than personality. While the job of a banker is demanding and requires close attention to detail, it can be lucrative and rewarding. If you’re looking to break into the banking industry, you should do your research and prepare thoroughly for your next interview.
If you’re feeling nervous, don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer questions and try to speak up during the interview process. You should feel confident in answering most of the interview questions and showcase your skills and knowledge in finance. Banks are more likely to hire candidates with genuine passion and interest.