What (not) to ask at interview

So why are your questions so important? "At the end of an interview, we'd expect a candidate to have a set of questions for the interviewer," says Alison Trauttmansdorf, head of graduate recruitment at Goldman Sachs. "It shows a heightened level of interest in that particular job or area of the industry," she adds. There are several broad varieties of questions graduate recruiters suggest asking.

Questions about the bank (of course)

The most obvious questions are on differentiation, ie what makes that bank different. They include (unsurprisingly) questions like: "What differentiates X bank from its competitors?" and "How do prospects for your new commodity trading business compare with those for the more established players?" But be warned - the downside to asking generic questions on differentiation is that other people are likely to do the same. "People often ask what differentiates us," says Ellen Miller, head of graduate recruitment at Lehman Brothers. "It helps to be a bit more original. Asking thoughtful questions about employers shows that candidates have done research - and it makes the interview flow better, as both parties are engaged"

Strategic questions, by contrast, focus on the interviewers' opinion about the future of the business. "Ask people's opinion on where the business is going in the next few years, the risks in the market, and the benefits and opportunities of a particular strategy," says Trauttmansdorf at Goldman Sachs. By asking this kind of question you will demonstrate you can think like someone in the business.

Questions about the interviewer's professional experience

These might include: "What has been the most exciting moment of your career?", or "What advice would you offer graduates starting a career in investment banking?" Most graduate recruiters strongly recommend this kind of personal approach as a way of bonding with the interviewer. "It shows you're actually interested in the person opposite you," says Brian Hood, head of graduate recruitment at Citigroup. He suggests graduates ask questions such as, "Can you tell me when you joined X bank and why?"

"If you're being interviewed by someone in investment banking, you may also want to ask about their role in a recent deal," adds Hood. "Or if you're being interviewed by a trader, you might want to ask their opinion on a recent macroeconomic event or price movement," he suggests. Asking this kind of question will also demonstrate that you are keeping abreast of relevant news, says Hood.

Questions about the role

The interview can be seen as an opportunity to find out more about what it's actually like to work in a particular job. "It's vital that candidates ask us about the role they're interested in, and what it entails, the skill set required, the history and culture of the firm, training programmes available, and what it's really like to work here," says Stephanie Ahrens, head of graduate recruitment at Credit Suisse. Such questions enable interviewees to clarify whether they want to work for that bank, says Ahrens. She says they also show the assessor that the candidate has commitment and drive, is interested in the firm, and has given a career there serious thought.

Questions about long term-career opportunities

Karen McKinley, head of graduate recruitment at Royal Bank of Scotland, says candidates demonstrate a real interest in building a long-term banking career when they ask questions related to training and development. "It helps to ask questions about mobility between roles and opportunities to work internationally," she says. "You might also want to ask about the kinds of training and development offered to graduate trainees, and whether support from mentors and buddies is offered."

Now for what NOT to ask...

Questions that can be answered by checking the bank's website

Derek Walker, head of graduate recruitment at Barclays Capital, says this makes it look like you haven't done your research properly. "The opportunity to ask a question should be seen as a chance to find out something supplementary to what's available on the website," he says.

Factual questions

Walker also advises against asking questions that can be answered with bald facts, as these are less inclined to stimulate conversation. "Rather than asking what the bank's league table position is in commodity or energy trading, you're better off asking about the interviewer's opinion as to whether an energy trading operation needs to be backed up by ownership of power plants, for example." By asking interviewers for their own opinion he says you'll come across as that bit more thoughtful.

Overly simplistic questions

Alison Trauttmansdorf at Goldman Sachs says: "Questions shouldn't be about simple administrative issues," she says. "For example, don't ask how much holiday you'll get, or how much you'll get paid."

Bald questions about potentially delicate subjects

For example, investment banks have a reputation for expecting junior staff to work long and gruelling hours. Alison Bridle, head of graduate recruitment at BNP Paribas in London, says a bald question about working hours won't play very well. "You're better off asking whether the bank supports work life balance," she advises.

Good luck with the interviews, and do let us know how you get on by emailing editor@efinancialcareers.com