Fresh Credit Analyst Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Tell me what is the interest coverage ratio?

This is commonly considered EBIT divided by interest expense. This is also referred to as “times interest earned”.

2. Explain what is the 'Overnight Rate'?

The interest rate at which a depository institution lends funds to another depository institution (short-term), or the interest rate the central bank charges a financial institution to borrow money overnight. The overnight rate is the lowest available interest rate, and as such, it is only available to the most creditworthy institutions.

3. Tell me what is the current LIBOR rate?

Quote the current LIBOR rate.

4. Explain me what is a 'Debt Instrument'?

A debt instrument is a paper or electronic obligation that enables the issuing party to raise funds by promising to repay a lender in accordance with terms of a contract. Types of debt instruments include notes, bonds, debentures, certificates, mortgages, leases or other agreements between a lender and a borrower. These instruments provide a way for market participants to easily transfer the ownership of debt obligations from one party to another.

5. Explain me what type of person makes a good credit analyst?

Someone who's detail oriented, good with numbers, enjoys research and analysis, likes working independently and is good at financial modeling and financial analysis with strong Excel skills.

6. Please explain what is a 'Preferred Stock'?

A preferred stock is a class of ownership in a corporation that has a higher claim on its assets and earnings than common stock. Preferred shares generally have a dividend that must be paid out before dividends to common shareholders, and the shares usually do not carry voting rights.

Preferred stock combines features of debt, in that it pays fixed dividends, and equity, in that it has the potential to appreciate in price. The details of each preferred stock depend on the issue.

7. Explain me what is 'Inflation'?

Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising and, consequently, the purchasing power of currency is falling. Central banks attempt to limit inflation, and avoid deflation, in order to keep the economy running smoothly.

8. Explain me what you know about this division?

Your interviewers will want to know that you're familiar with their firm, bank or hedge fund. McKelvie says that if you're using a recruiter, use him for all he's worth. He'll most likely help you to understand the company culture, as well as the products traded, portfolio managed, or loan vehicles offered. But do your own homework, too.

9. Do you know about National Bureau of Economic Research - NBER?

This private, non-profit, non-partisan research organization's main aim is to promote greater understanding of how the economy works. It disseminates economic research among public policymakers, business professionals and the academic community.

10. Do you know what is 'Over-The-Counter - OTC'?

Over-the-counter (OTC) is a security traded in some context other than on a formal exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Toronto Stock Exchange or the NYSE MKT, formerly known as the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). The phrase "over-the-counter" can be used to refer to stocks that trade via a dealer network as opposed to on a centralized exchange. It also refers to debt securities and other financial instruments, such as derivatives, which are traded through a dealer network.