5 Key Tips to Handle Tough Banking Interviews

The banking & finance is a dynamic, fast-paced industry. Answering questions for a job in this field is understandably no easy ride. While interviewing for a job in this domain, you should be seen as comfortable in your professional role and confident of the technical know-how the job demands.

Focus on these five key areas irrespective of the work functionality to help crack a banking interview:

1. Understand the role
   Do your research. Each bank has a strong area or a target market, notably in regions that have emerged as financial hubs. Show that you understand how the institution differs from its peers in exclusive territories, without making specific references. Connect this to your field of expertise, suggesting why you are the best fit for the role.
   
   
2. Strong technical skill sets
   When something as sensitive as money is involved, you are expected to have strong and complete knowledge of core concepts, metrics and methods. Be honest in your technical abilities, with focus on certifications and past work experience. Banks in global financial hubs, such as Singapore, seek candidates with skills for an objective market, which implies an in-depth exposure to a particular skill set will score you brownie points.
   
   
3. Behavioural questions
   Recruiters look for qualities such as versatility, enthusiasm and willingness to take on challenges. So, you will be assessed for behaviour in situations that demonstrate them. While these questions vary based on geography, most global banks are spread across the world. Your departmental head could be based out of another country and your team scattered across the globe. This makes team dynamics and your assimilation into the team vital.
   
   
4. Experiential questions
   Everyone loves a good story, including your interviewer. Since banking is largely a customer-facing service industry, experiences are highly valued. Prepare three stories: where you led a team; where you didn't succeed and what you learnt from it; and where you met resounding success. Be sure not to make it sound unbelievable or fictitious. You should come across to the interviewer as a candidate who can handle challenges; remains unfazed under pressure; understands take-aways from defeat; and is humble with victory.
   
   
5. Digital exposure
   Given the urgent and immense thrust on digital banking and FinTech across the world, be prepared to be assigned to a function that involves new technology alongside your role. Highlight events where you contributed to a digital program even if it was something relatively minor. You could draw references to basic online courses you’ve completed in the fields of FinTech or emerging technologies.
   

Lastly, remember to be the best and most authentic version of yourself!

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