Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Investment Specialist? We’ve got you covered! Here you can find some of the most often asked Investment Specialist interview questions as well as some examples of how to answer. Check them out below (and good luck!)
Do you have any experience working as a Investment Specialist?
A straightforward question that requires an honest answer – list experience you have as it pertains to the position you’re applying for. What happens if you don’t have any experience? By thinking about the question ahead of time, you can have a reply at your fingertips. Your interviewer will appreciate your ability to relate skills gained in one position to another.
Answer Sample:
While my experience with x is limited, while working under y at my last job I really got to learn the ropes about z
Things are changing quickly in our industry. What do you feel are the biggest challenges within the role of Investment Specialist?
There are a variety of ways to answer this one. These days, mentioning Artificial Intelligence, software, and related items should do well. No matter what you answer here, do some research ahead of time and be sure you can back up your answer.
Answer Sample:
Its hard to know for sure with industry factors such as x and y changing so many things – all I can say is that Im excited for the challenges that come with that
How do you minimize the risk for errors in your work?
While we all make mistakes, accountants can afford no such luxury. No, the company you are applying to isn’t expecting their employees to be flawless. What they’re seeking here is some method you deploy for QA.
Answer Sample:
While it sounds quirky, Ive developed my own system for QA that I call the x – its bailed me out more times than I can remember!
Tell me about a time you used numbers to tell an effective story?
The truth is in the numbers. While it may be the epitomy of ‘nerdery’, story telling through data is a critical skill for those in the financial profession. Most accountants and financial professionals are doing this on a daily basis, but try and illustrate the impact of what you provided.
Answer Sample:
Our department had been struggling for years, but by clearly illustrating the relationship between x and y, we corrected and showed record improvements in the next quarter
Tell me about a time when you received difficult feedback. How did you react?
We all love praise, and we all dislike hearing our work criticized. Any competent interviewer in the accounting profession understands that mistakes happen. The interviewer here is looking for one thing in particular: how you reacted in the situation. How accountable were the parties involved? Your ability to navigate though difficult situations will place you high on just about any accounting employer’s list.
Answer Sample:
Ill never forget the time my old boss talked to me about x. The way it was handled was totally professional, and thats been my model ever since.
Would those that know you describe you as a detail oriented person? Why might they describe you that way?
Always with the details! You’d be hard pressed to find any job in the accounting & finance industry where being detail oriented isn’t a major requirement. Once again, saying it is one thing, being able to prove it is another.
Answer Sample:
A careful review of x revealed that y and z were out of order, ultimately preventing a costly audit
Which software and/or applications are you proficient in?
These days, your mastery of accounting software is practically expected. If your experience is limited, make sure you at least have a basic understanding of industry standards prior to the interview. Spend a night and compile names of cutting edge platforms, and mention these along with their purpose to your interviewer.
Answer Sample:
Most of my experience is with x, but I downloaded a demo of y and really think it warrants a closer look
What sort of work culture do you find most appealing and why?
Work culture is huge and for good reason these days. Many studies prove that hiring for culture first and ability second yields far superior results. You’ll want to be careful here, indicating that you are able to thrive in a variety of work enviornments.
Answer Sample:
I succeed when expectations and accountability are in place, and equally enjoy a balance of working solo / working as a team”
Without revealing too much info – why are you leaving your last job?
This one can be leading, and must be answered carefully. Your need for better pay or indicating that your ‘old boss was an idiot’ may leave your interviewer with the wrong impression of you. Even if you were subject to downsizing or let go for other reasons, keep it short and concise, and avoid drama regardless of how tempting it may be.
Answer Sample:
It was time for me to move on, and I feel as though I am ready for a new challenge