Like most job interviews, finance interviews are relatively simple and will have the same type of questions. There is a possibility that you will be asked some more technical questions related to the position so they can determine your knowledge of the field. Here are some common interview question that a candidate will receive when going for a finance position.
Tell Me About Yourself
Probably the most common question across the board is the, tell me about yourself question. While this may seem like a typical easy interview question, it is important to remember to use this question to not only inform the interviewer about who you are but also why you are a great fit for the role in question.
Technical Questions
Technical questions are more likely to pop up in a role specific interview. In terms of finance positions many times they are going to want to know that you are competent in knowledge of how the position works. This will include asking questions like, “Walk me through a cash flow statement” or “How is the income statement linked to the balance sheet?”. Having this knowledge and showing off what you know will increase your chances for the position as they will not have to train you as intensively once you are hired.
Scenario Questions
Another type of interview question that is common practice is the scenario question. These questions are used to help the interviewer determine how you would handle different situations that may arise on the job. This may include something like, “How would you choose to buy a particular stock?” or possibly a scenario of dealing with a troubled client and the best way to get them back on your side.
Do You Have Any Questions?
This is a question that will surely come up near the end of the interview and will give you the opportunity to wow the potential employer. Most candidates will not ask any questions when asked. This is a big mistake, interviewers want to see that you are interested in the position and the company by coming up with questions that are going to reflect how you would perform in the job. This also gives you the chance to find things out about the company that can help you determine if they are a right fit for you as well. The only thing to keep in mind is to not ask about the salary. This is not common practice and will be addressed if the hiring process continues.
While every interview is different it is important to prepare for all types of interview questions that they may ask you relating to the position or to the field. Always remember to answer honestly, because if you don’t it could come back to haunt you later.