If you dream of being a financial analyst, you’re probably already preparing to land that first interview. Good for you! But what you should prepare for next is the financial analyst interview questions you’re likely to be asked.
We put together a list of the top financial analyst questions to help you prepare for the first (and hopefully last) interview that comes your way.
Jot down these questions and practice in the mirror or with a friend. However you decide to prepare, make sure you’re confident and ready to tackle each one.
Tell us why you want to be a financial analyst?
If this is your first job in the industry, it’s highly likely that this question will pop up during your interview. Be honest about what drew you to the position and how you’ve prepared to take it on.
Got a quirky story? Even better! Showcase your personality and dive into your history. This is a great chance to show potential supervisors what gets you pumped up and how you got to this point in your career.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Again, for beginning financial analysts, this is the interviewer’s way of seeing if this is a long-term career for you. If you know what the next step is after analyst, envision where you want to go and how you want that to look.
It’s totally okay to be honest here, especially if you plan to stay in the financial field. But if you’re using this as a stepping stone to learning more within the company, be honest about that, as well. After all, if they don’t anticipate wanting to promote you to another department, eventually, this might not be the job for you.
Tell me about a time when you had to meet a strict deadline? How did you get it done?
These types of questions are insight into who you are as a worker. How do you perform under pressure? Are you good at meeting deadlines?
Have a situation in mind that you feel comfortable talking about. Showcase your organizational skills and outline step-by-step how you completed the task. Give your interviewee all the tools they need to see how hard you work and how dedicated you are to your tasks.
You see an issue with the details of a cash flow statement. What do you do next?
Working in financials means you’re privy to a ton of private and sensitive information. You need to be prepared to handle it with grace and discretion. If you’ve faced a situation like this, share it without divulging who it was or when it was.
If you haven’t, put yourself in the situation and be honest about what you would do next. Keep in mind that this is a company that values its bottom line, and they’re hoping to hire someone that is trustworthy and knows what this might entail.
A financial analyst isn’t an easy job; that’s why it’s important to be prepared throughout the interview process. With great answers to these interview questions, you’re well on your way!
