Morgan Stanley Interview Questions & Answers

I applied to Morgan Stanley through SEO London, and was contacted by them for a telephone interview. This lasted 40 minutes, and was with a member of the division to which I was applying. They initially asked me why I wanted to work for Morgan Stanley, and quizzed me on my understanding of the division that I had applied to (Finance). They also asked me to explain a complex subject in simple terms. They asked me of examples when I had worked well in a team, and examples when I had taken on a challenge.

The Most Difficult Question was: Explain a complex subject to me in simple terms. It's useful to use something from your academic course that sounds complicated but is actually very transferable to everyday situations.

Stay calm in the interview process and be prepared with different examples that display the competencies that they are looking for. Read up the company website to look at the graduate profiles, and believe in your ability to do well. All it takes is practice and self-belief.

In the AC we had a group exercise where we were given 30 minutes to discuss a variety of different implementations that could be carried out under a budget. These included CSR initiatives, web-site upgrading, and a rise in pay. As a group, we also had to develop a presentation of our chosen options in this time. We then presented for 5 minutes to 5 people from the Finance division, and we each took turns in answering. For this I learnt that its best to be prepared mentally: keep calm and stay open to other people's views. Always make your contribution stand out and draw in real life examples of what you are saying.

We then had two competency interviews with two members of the Finance department. The first one was technical, and they asked us about the difference between various financial statements. The second one was more competency based and one question that was asked was: tell me a time when you dealt with a unexpected situation.

My experience was that this company was very accommodating and took a personal and friendly approach. The interviews were almost conversational.

Initially, after doing the respective entrance tests, I received a call from their team in Glasgow where I applied for my placement. They were very friendly and courteous on the phone and wanted to know why I decided to apply for a career at Morgan Stanley, why in Operations and Why in Glasgow instead of London or other markets? Thy were also interested in my background as I came as an an applicant with a Canadian undergraduate qualification and a prospective UK postgraduate masters qualification. They were also interested to know what I knew about the company and what challenges would be up ahead in the industry. I also came in through an employee referral due to my contacts so that gave me the edge I believe in being able to convince them to take me on, which they did. About a week or two after the first informal chat (held in May), they scheduled me for a telephone interview with one of their Team managers/heads. I cannot emphasize the role of preparation, awareness of the STAR method and the ability to back up whatever you tell them as they will guage the authenticity of your statements. Don't feel you need to go into it immediately after the assessor asks you questions. Rather, wait and supply an appropriate response, even if you were like me and were referring to your notes on a notebook. Speak loudly and clearly and be very articulate in what you are trying to say.

After my first competenecy telephone interview, I was given the opportunity to attend an assessment centre in Glasgow, which they fully compensate you for if you make it to this stage. Bring a passport and/or License on the day for ID purposes and be prepared in your competency responses as you will not be permitted to bring in your notes for it. However, as there was a group exercise component, which they gave you the scenario beforehand relating to 4 different scenarios (1 chosen on the assessment day), you are allowed to bring in your notes for the group exercise. I find, however, being aware of the company outlook and general knowledge of the company will come in handy on this date.

Whilst the questions themselves are strictly confidential and vary to each assessor, you are tested on the following compentencies

Control
??? Demonstrates a clear understanding of the business they support
??? Understands what is important and prioritizes accordingly
??? Ability to explain risk management and articulate their role in identifying and escalating risk issues
??? Understands the importance of following defined procedures and completing the appropriate checklists
??? Proactively escalates issues as they occur
??? Does not compromise control to comply with clients requests
Commercial
??? Demonstrates an understanding of client???s (internal and external) requirements
??? Responds to client requests with accuracy and speed
??? Takes personal responsibility for resolving client issues, is able to clearly escalate cause and resolution
??? Demonstrates accountability for actions and errors
??? Actively seeks opportunities / challenges broader than current scope of role
??? Actively seeks out new opportunities for self development and career development
??? Develops a full understanding of team???s performance metrics and how this can impact the wider business environment.
People
??? Helps to create a positive work environment that builds trust, finds innovative ways to improve team work
??? Actively participates in team meetings, raising issues, questioning others and offering solutions/ideas.
??? Shows a willingness to help others in the team with tasks and issues
??? Proactively ensures upward and peer communication of initiative, issues and successes
??? Takes responsibility for their own personal goals and the delivery of the team???s goals.

It's American, not British, but housed in the UK - so be aware of the role of globalization. Don't let on that you intend to relocate to their offices in New York or Toronto - stick to the original location (Glasgow) even if it's remote to your current location (London). Be smart, be generous, and be the best you can be as competition is fierce in a post 2008 market crash era.

Be aware of the STAR method
Be aware of how you come across to the interview panel - for a North American whose voice and behaviour is confident and competent compared to his British counterparts, you sometimes have to "tone it down" and not appear to enthusiastic, even if it's an American firm you are applying to as it is British people who are interviewing you and it is predominately a conservative environment akin to British poeple. Stay postive, however and maintain good eye ocontact and dress for success. It's also best to have a great sleep regimen and diet regimen weeks into the assessment centre so you look refrshed and healthy.

Be proactive however, in your approach to meeting people as the strangers (students) in the lobby, also taking the assessment centre with you, are the ones probably who are going to be working on the group assignment with you.

Be prepared to work with candidates from the E.U and being able to work with people from various skill sets.