Typical interview questions for an investment manager job

Can you give examples of when you had to lead a team?

Why this question? If you have had previous leadership experience you can demonstrate that you can lead others and become a business leader in the future. The term ‘leadership experience’ also encompasses a range of general skills such as interpersonal, motivational and time management skills.

Good answers It is important to choose a leadership example that is both recent and interesting. The assessor needs to be convinced that the candidate possesses the full range of leadership skills so use anecdotal evidence as much as possible. It’s also important to structure your response, setting the context, explaining how you achieved your aims and what you learned.

Tell us about a time when you had to work as part of a team.

Why this question? Interviewers need to find out which interpersonal skills a graduate possesses, for example being a good teamplayer or teamleader, skilled at building relationships, able to react appropriately to different people’s needs, good at giving and receiving feedback and so on.

Good answers There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, and the biggest mistake people make is thinking they have to prove they are a leader. Good teamplayers who can also take responsibility are just as important. A good answer will show you’ve thought about the part you played and what you learnt from the experience.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Why this question? Recruiters are looking for a summary of the key skills the candidate thinks he or she would bring to the organisation. It gives an insight into how self-aware the candidate is and his or her expectations in relation to the steep learning curve that lies ahead.

Good answers Listen to the question! Often only strengths are mentioned initially, so don’t volunteer weaknesses unless asked. Give specific examples drawn from your experience for each of your strengths, which should be relevant to the job you are applying for. Try to spend less time talking about your weaknesses. Demonstrate what you have learned from them and what positive actions you have taken to mitigate them.