Top interview questions

Here, recruiters from some of the leading investment banks give advice on the kinds of answers they prefer...

Why did you choose to interview with us?

"In response to this question we'd expect people to demonstrate that they've done some real research on us, that they're keen to join a bank that's rapidly growing in Europe, that they believe in the universal banking model, and that they understand how Bank of America differs from its competitors."

Danielle Wrobleski, head of European graduate recruitment

Bank of America

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

"The trick to answering this kind of question is to turn any perceived weaknesses into an actual strength. For example, someone might say, 'I can be very impatient: I don't like hanging around and I like to get things done. This has its advantages as I'm never late at handing work in, but I'm aware that I can be intolerant of people who work slowly. I'm conscious of this and make an effort to positively encourage and support people, rather than to criticise."

SallyAnn Birchall, head of European graduate recruitment

Deutsche Bank

Can you describe a time when you failed at something?

"This is always an interesting question, simply because some people don't think they have failed at anything at all. To say that you haven't failed at something shows lack of insight, which could also be interpreted as arrogance. What I'm looking for here is evidence that people can recognise their own weaknesses, and can learn from past mistakes. After describing what you've failed at (or even when you haven't done as well as you would have expected), it's good to follow up with what you've learnt."

Vivienne Bradley, head of European graduate recruitment

Merrill Lynch

How have you facilitated the personal, professional or academic success of another individual?

"Examples, examples, examples! During interviews we are looking for skills that have been demonstrated in any professional or social setting. We want candidates to refer in detail to particular situations when they used these skills. So when you're answering this question, we would encourage you to think about instances and situations that show you are a successful team player."

Aaron Marcus, VP and head of US graduate recruitment

Goldman Sachs

Can you give an example of a time when you helped people with differing views to reach a consensus?

"I look for a detailed and convincing answer with a positive outcome. People have used examples from societies, in which half the group wanted to do one thing and half another, and from customer service situations in which they helped appease an angry customer. Bad answers use examples in which a consensus wasn't reached - it's surprising how many people do this."

Karen McKinley, head of graduate recruitment

Royal Bank of Scotland

Can you define leadership?

"In terms of content, there's no right or wrong answer to this question. What we're looking for instead is evidence that people have really thought their answer through. People who answer badly typically respond instantly and reel off a list of 20 or so incompatible adjectives. By comparison, people who produce strong answers often have the confidence and maturity to say 'Can I just think about this for a moment?' and then construct a reasoned argument for what they believe leadership to be."

Fiona Gaffney, head of European analyst recruitment

Lehman Brothers