Top banks' top interview questions

What can you expect if you make it through to interview? Graduate recruiters at top banks divulge their favourite questions...

What are you passionate about?

Joanne Muraya, head of global markets graduate recruitment for Deutsche Bank London.

This is a wonderful chance for candidates to communicate who they really are, and to demonstrate their genuine interests, and where relevant, a connection between those interests and the role to which they are interviewing. This question provides candidates with the opportunity to express what truly drives them, and allows them to highlight their interests outside of academics/work. Many candidates assume that for an interview at an investment bank, the interviewer only wants to hear about financial knowledge. This is not the case. A well-rounded and balanced candidate brings more to the table than one who appears to be one-dimensional.

What will you bring to the job/company if we employ you?

Steph Ahrens, vice president, human resources, Morgan Stanley

This question is an opportunity for you to relate your strengths and capabilities to the priorities of the role you have applied for, and to the aims and priorities of the organization. You therefore must demonstrate an understanding of both sides of the question - the needs of the employer, and how to apply your own skills, capabilities, experience, style and strengths to their needs. It's a great opportunity to show how good you are, and how you will add positively to the firm. Imagine what your objectives will be if you were in the role, and orientate your answer towards meeting them. Try to focus on the particular requirements of the role and focus on working style and behaviour attributes that fit the role.

What's the accomplishment of which you're most proud?

Jonathan Jones, executive director and European head of recruitment, Goldman Sachs

I tend to ask this question in the context of a particular endeavour or piece of experience - such as a summer job, or leading a team at college - that I might be discussing with a candidate during the interview. It encourages candidates to talk about ways in which they really were able to make a difference in what they were doing. This is a key characteristic that we look for in people we hire; we're not just looking for people who can perform a prescribed set of duties or simply "keep the lights on". Rather, we look for independent thinkers who can take initiative, think for themselves, and be innovative.

Do you have any questions for me?

Malcolm Horton, head of European graduate recruiting and program management, Lehman Brothers

It is still amazing how many candidates underestimate the importance of this question, as it demonstrates to me whether or not the individual has both been listening to and processing what we have talked about and is prepared to build on the dialogue. Prepared questions can also be useful as they can show the candidate has done some thoughtful preparation.

Give me an example of a way in which considering a broad range of factors helped you to find the right solution to a problem, rather than just the obvious solution.

Jonathan Mayes, head of graduate recruitment, EMEA & Asia at Bank of America

For any question that I ask candidates I am looking to assess potential based on past behaviours. I am looking for candidates to demonstrate what they actually did and the choices they made when faced with different situations. A good answer would include detailed examples of what a candidate did in a given situation, their decision making and rationale for choices made. Answering the question in this way allows me to evaluate how they would react to situations in the bank.

Have you interviewed in a bank yet? Let us know any questions you were asked by posting a comment below...