Finance Interview Questions & Answers

This was a three stage interview with no assessment centre component. I was asked competency based questions, however the interviewing was very tough. It was difficult as they would ask questions as to why I had not been working for three months (and why I deemed a break after university as necessary). Talking them through my CV was the most vital component of the interview with the addition of a few questions regarding the role.

Why has it taken this long for you to find work?
Why did you take a three month break and deem it necessary?

Be yourself as I thought it would be a negative for this role, but got me a job offer. This company looks for honest individuals regardless of there faults. Obviously you have to have potential and I was told the fundamental trait they look for is "to add something to their team, not take away from it". This may sound simple, however being a typical salesman type may not work, you need to show character of your own.

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The initial telephone interview covered specific questions around Santander and Geoban. As I would be working in Finance, I remember I was asked about my knowledge regarding Finanncial Regulators and their role within Santander. I didn't expect this but they were friendly and told me I shouldI research this and rememeber examples for my face to face interview. I had to complete an online competency test which was personally the most difficult one yet! Then there were background check and an interview in person with 2 people. Mainly competency questions, I used the STAR approach for most which they were impressed with. Finally, there was 4 weeks intense training with an academy sign off at the end, we had to achieve a certain pass grade for knowledge gained in training to officially become a case handler. Alot was not covered in the interview such as this sign off. Also that we would be self employed, so you would need to set up a limited company (I highly recommend this) or join an umbrella company (I don't recommend this as it is more costly). It is an extremely intense job and I think the interview downplayed this. But overall a positive experience and a very big learning curve!

The hardest questions were regarding financial regulators and their rules and regulations, how they are implememnted. And also applying my experience to a financial role because I came from a retail and arts background. But everything you have done will play a part in this. They ask for a graduate that has achieved a 2:1, as it is a graduate role. So all my experience in uni helped me answer the question regarding why I would be suitable for the role.

If you go for this job, expect 12 hour shifts, weekends and long evenings/early starts. This job requires extreme leveles of concentration, stamina, confidence, self-motivation and attention to detail. No one told us how much commitment would be required, not everyone made it. I am still there now but it was a very, very long journey. But once the hard part is over, it gets easy!

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My telephone interview lasted around 30 minutes, and I was first asked why I wanted to join the programme. I was asked about why I wanted to join Lloyds, and about the key issues facing Lloyds today. They also asked me one question about team-working: tell me a time when found it a challenge to work in a team. There were lots of follow-up questions.

The interviewer called on time and was responsive during the interview.

What are the current issues facing Lloyds at the moment.

Make sure that you have prepared well with solid examples of the competencies: team-work, leadership, and initiative. Make sure that you read up about the recent events happening with the company and stand out by displaying a real passion for the company.

I didn't attend the AC.

In my interview I spoke for 45 minutes on the phone to a lady from the HR department. They asked me three questions: Why RBS, Why the division, and Tell me about a time you worked in a team. They also asked me to rate where I stood on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 always doing what I believe to me the right thing, and 10 not doing so. They also asked me to give an example of when I had displayed doing the right thing in accordance with my chosen rating.

When have you stood up for what you believed in despite the circumstances.

Make sure that you stay calm and enjoy the AC because you have to be able to convince other people that you can stay calm under pressure. The interviews will quiz you but do not be put off, rather take the challenge and answer the question in the best way you can. Also make sure that you take food with you because sometimes it can be a very long wait.

In the AC we were first given a group exercise where we debated the pros and cons of implementing several initiatives. We had to chose 3 that we would go forward with. We then had to give a presentation to the people in the division (individually), on why we chose the initiatives and how we thought the group discussion went. We also had one competency interview with someone from the division. This asked us a lot about the issues surrounding RBS and the division to which we had applied. We were given situations where we had to state what we would do in them.

My first interview was on the phone with the recruiter, as a pre-selection process to access the next step. The questions were general and it also involved some questions on particular situations and how I would handle them. The best thing was to get the recruiter's feedback on my answers at the end of the telephone interview.
However, I had the feeling that they already know they would process me to the second stage.

Do you have weaknesses? That question is common, but I don't think this is really useful..

When you are interviewed, be sure to want the role and to work in the company. Don't rush into it, don't apply for position you are unsure about.
Take into consideration the working hours, the location and write some reviews about the company if you can find some online. Don't base your opinion on it, but it gives a general idea.
For an interview, look excited about the position, show enthusiasm and energy. Be clear and sounds sure of what you say, and every time you say something about your skills, back it up with examples.

I didn't go to the assessment centre, because although I was told I had the right set of skills, I had no background in Finance. The salary was great, but I wasn't sure about the role in itself.