Questions you must always be ready to answer in Russian banking interviews

Naturally, the questions you're asked in an interview with a bank in Russia will depend upon both your CV and the job you aspire to. However, there are some things you should always anticipate. They include:

1) Why do you want to work for this bank?

This question isn't just typical to Russian banks, it's typical to all banks. Make sure you talk about both the bank's cultural qualities and its conventional strengths," says one Moscow-based private banker. "You'll be asked which qualities you have that fit with our culture," he says.

When you're answering these questions, you need to think about the differentiating factors of the bank concerned; try and mention what you've heard from existing employees.

2) How much business can you bring?

You won't get this if you're going for an operations role. You will get it if you're going for a sales role. "If you want to work in private banking, you'll need to show you can bring $100m of new business and explain where it's coming from," says the senior private banker.

3) Why have you got so many/so few jobs on your CV?

Headhunters point out that Russian candidates often have a lot of jobs on their CV.

"In Russia we have a very fast paced and quickly changing environment in the banking sector," says Gregory Camou, head of the Moscow office for international search firm Pedersen & Partners. "There is a saying that one year of professional experience here is equivalent to many more in the West," he adds.

The upshot of this is that Russian CVs are often busy. In fact, some recruiters may think applicants are slow moves if they've spent too long working for one firm.

"Get ready to be asked about it if you have many job moves and make sure you keep the attention on your achievements" says Camou, head of the Moscow office for international search firm Pedersen & Partners. He adds: "A candidate who can consistently highlight key deliverables and demonstrate (his or her) value creation always has an edge in Russian banking."

What they won't ask but will notice

In the 1990s international banks in Russia hiring top capital market bankers would send them to the tailor on their first day. Those days are long gone, but presentation is still incredibly important.

"Russian banking requires top packaging" says Mr Camou. He provides some international context. "The last time I was walking through La Defense in Paris, bankers and other professionals were 'smart casual' in their attire. In London, for sure people dress well - but there is still something fine about old clothing, like the Lord who has his shoes worn by the butler for awhile so they don't look new" he says.

Russia is different. "Your clothes have to be new and expensive in banking. So, if you are not ready to invest in an expensive wardrobe - at least for interviews - Russian banking is probably not for you" says Mr Camou.