Introduction
Behavioural questions are a standard part of investment banking interviews, as they allow interviewers to assess your personality, work ethic, and fit within the firm's culture. While these questions may seem subjective, they can provide valuable insights into your potential as an employee.
Common Behavioural Interview Questions
Interviewers often ask questions that delve into your past experiences, highlighting your skills, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving skills. Examples of common behavioural questions include:
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Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult client.
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Tell me about a project where you had to overcome a significant challenge.
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How do you handle pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively?
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Share an example of a time when you went above and beyond expectations.
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What is your approach to teamwork and collaboration?
Effectively Answering Behavioural Questions
Structured Storytelling
Organise your response using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This provides a clear and concise structure for your answer.
Specific Examples
Use specific and quantifiable examples from your experiences to illustrate your skills and capabilities. This provides concrete evidence of your abilities.
Positive Framing
Emphasise your strengths and positive contributions throughout your responses. Avoid dwelling on negative experiences or blaming others.
Demonstrate Initiative
Show that you are proactive and take ownership of your work. Highlight instances where you went the extra mile to achieve results.
Highlight Soft Skills
Demonstrate your interpersonal skills, communication abilities, and teamwork capabilities. Employers value these qualities in investment banking professionals.
Examples of Effective Responses
Bad Example
"I once had a difficult client who was very demanding and critical. I tried to accommodate their requests but it was challenging to meet their expectations."
This response lacks specific details and does not showcase the candidate's problem-solving skills or ability to manage difficult situations.
Good Example:
"I had a client who was very demanding and had specific expectations about the deliverables for a project. To ensure their satisfaction, I proactively communicated with them regularly, updated them on the project's progress, and sought their feedback throughout the process. My efforts resulted in a successful project that exceeded their expectations, and they expressed their appreciation for my dedication and responsiveness."
This response provides a detailed example of the candidate's ability to handle difficult clients, communicate effectively, and go the extra mile to deliver exceptional results.
Conclusion
Remember, behavioural questions assess your past behaviour and how it reflects your potential to succeed in the future. By providing structured, specific, and positive responses, you can highlight your strengths, align with the firm's culture, and increase your chances of securing the investment banking role you desire.
