We ask this question for a few reasons--to see how the candidate engages, quickly thinks on his or her feet and fits into our overall company culture based on the answer. Even if the joke doesn't make any sense, it's about the presentation and ability to adapt to a curve ball that we're looking for. A silly question, such as asking candidates what fruit or vegetable they would be and why or what kind of animal they would be and why can help us find superior candidates that best fit our culture.
2. Tell me why investment banking?
In the context of today's world, interviewers will ask entry-level bankers why they don't want to be medics or engineers," "People will say things like, 'I want the intellectual challenge,' and then you'll point out that you can get intellectual challenge from other industries too. It's about getting to the bottom of their motivation.
3. Tell us are you happy with your career-to-date?
This question is really about your self-esteem, confidence and career aspirations. The answer must be 'yes', followed by a brief explanation as to what it is about your career so far that's made you happy. If you have hit a career plateau, or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify your answer.
4. Tell me why not strategy consulting?
This is another question which will typically be asked in interviews for junior jobs in banking - especially at MBA entry-level.
The correct answer here is to emphasize that your interest is in financing and balance sheets, not in operational strategy. "If you're interested in operational strategy, go to McKinsey. If you're interested in financing, go to Goldman,".
5. Please tell me what do you dislike about your present job?
Be cautious with this answer. Do not be too specific as you may draw attention to weaknesses that will leave you open to further problems. One approach is to choose a characteristic of your present company, such as its size or slow decision-making processes etc. Give your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride as part of the job.
6. Tell me what have your achievement been to date?
Select an achievement that is work-related and fairly recent. Identify the skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit it had to the company. For example, 'my greatest achievement has been to design and implement a new sales ledger system, bringing it in ahead of time and improving our debtors' position significantly, saving the company £50,000 a month in interest'.
7. Explain me why do you want to leave your current employer?
State how you are looking for a new challenge, more responsibility, experience and a change of environment. Do not be negative in your reasons for leaving. It is rarely appropriate to cite salary as your primary motivator.
8. What is your greatest weakness as Provincial Head-Sales?
Do not say you have none - this will lead to further problems. You have two options - use a professed weakness such as a lack of experience (not ability) on your part in an area that is not vital for the job. The second option is to describe a personal or professional weakness that could also be considered to be a strength and the steps you have taken to combat it. An example would be: "I know my team think I'm too demanding at times - I tend to drive them pretty hard but I'm getting much better at using the carrot and not the stick".
9. Tell me what do you read, and how do you consume information?
Marketing is changing constantly at a rapid pace -- so anyone in a marketing role needs to know how to stay on top of and adapt to these changes. Do they know where to look for industry news? Are they familiar with and subscribed to top marketing blogs? What do they do when they see a change has taken place, like when Google updates their algorithm?
10. Please explain what do you like about your present job?
This is a straightforward question. All you have to do is make sure that your 'likes' correspond to the skills required for the job on offer. Be enthusiastic; describe your job as interesting and diverse but do not overdo it - after all, you are looking to leave.
