Scottish Widows Interview Questions & Answers

After initial application screening, a telephone interview is the next stage. Here the questions are competency based with little technical/financial knowledge tested. Motivational questions were key here, testing reasons for applying to the position. Preparation is a must, you must know the company well and be prepared to answer in detail why you chose SWIP and why the specific asset class. There was a large emphasis on being a team player. Have plenty of unique examples of working well in a team, and leading a team if possible.

After the telephone interview is a face to face interview with one person from HR. A very friendly and enjoyable experience. Here the questions go over your background (CV, cover letter and answers to application questions) and also some more technical content. Here is the time to demonstrate your interest by knowing the company's ethos, business structure, investment strategy, etc.. Technical questions did come up, but they were not too quantitative or hard going, as HR were conducting this stage. Basic asset management and investment knowledge would suffice, although more in-depth knowledge would be very beneficial.

Also, they want to meet you in person to make sure you're approachable, communicative and able to get along with people well, I assume this ties in with their concentration on working well in a team.

My own personal choice not to attend a leading business school to study a masters degree was a talking point. The interviewer was keen to see if I had thought it through properly and weighed up each option. They are less concerned with your actual choice; they want to see the logic behind your decision making, and that you do your homework.

Have a view on investing, tell them what you think and why.

Very friendly and relaxing. One to one interview, quite informal.