If you’re a graduate looking to get into buying and need to get a feel for the kind of questions employers might ask at interview, then make sure you research these graduate buying interview questions below. These questions and answers are taken from real graduate interviews, and compiled to give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare your answers.
Example Investment Banking Interview Questions:
“How do you value a company?”
Interviewer Expectation: They want to see if you understand basic valuation methods like DCF, comparable company analysis, or precedent transactions.
Example Answer: (Situation) In my finance module, I led a group project valuing a listed company. (Task) I needed to apply valuation techniques accurately. (Action) I built a DCF model using forecasted cash flows, calculated WACC as the discount rate, and applied a terminal value using the Gordon Growth Model. I also ran comparable company and precedent transaction analyses for cross-checking. (Result) Our valuation aligned closely with real market data and analyst forecasts. Using Excel functions like NPV a…
“Tell me about a recent financial news story that interested you.”
Interviewer Expectation: This assesses commercial awareness and how well you understand current events in finance.
Example Answer: (Situation) I’ve been following the impact of interest rate hikes on global M&A activity. (Task) I wanted to understand why deal volumes had fallen. (Action) I read reports from Bloomberg and Goldman Sachs that explained how higher borrowing costs were affecting leveraged buyouts. (Result) It gave me insight into market dynamics and helped me understand the macroeconomic factors banks consider in transactions. It also highlighted how market conditions influence deal structures and the imp…
“Describe a time you worked with a team under pressure.”
Interviewer Expectation: This evaluates your collaboration and resilience, two essentials in banking project teams.
Example Answer: (Situation) During an investment competition, our team had three days to prepare a pitch. (Task) I handled company analysis and valuations. (Action) I worked late to research, met regularly with the team, and shared my findings clearly to support the presentation. (Result) We placed second in the competition, and I gained confidence in high-pressure teamwork.
“Describe a time when you received critical feedback and how you responded.”
Interviewer Expectation: This tests your ability to take feedback professionally and improve, which is key in fast-paced banking teams.
Example Answer: (Situation) During a summer internship, my supervisor noted that my initial research summaries were too long. (Task) I needed to improve clarity and conciseness. (Action) I asked for examples of effective summaries, practised refining my writing, and requested feedback regularly. (Result) My next reports were clearer, and my supervisor recognised the improvement. It taught me that detailed work has more impact when it’s structured around what the reader needs.
“Why do you want to work in investment banking?”
Interviewer Expectation: The interviewer wants to see that you understand the demands of the role and are genuinely motivated by the work, not just the prestige or salary.
Example Answer: (Situation) During university, I was drawn to the fast-paced nature of finance and its impact on global markets. (Task) I wanted to find a career that challenged me intellectually and rewarded problem-solving. (Action) I joined the finance society, completed a virtual internship with a major bank, and studied valuation methods on my own. (Result) This confirmed that investment banking aligns with my drive, resilience, and interest in financial strategy. Watching how banks responded to COVID-1…
“Describe a time when you worked long hours to complete a challenging task.”
Interviewer Expectation: This tests your work ethic, time management, and ability to handle the intense demands of the industry.
Example Answer: (Situation) During my dissertation and final exams, I also worked part-time in a research assistant role. (Task) I needed to meet multiple deadlines under pressure. (Action) I created a strict schedule, worked evenings, and prioritised essential tasks daily. (Result) I achieved a 2:1 in exams and received positive supervisor feedback on my research contribution. The experience showed me the importance of stamina and structure under pressure.
“What financial modelling experience do you have?”
Interviewer Expectation: Interviewers expect at least some exposure to Excel-based models, even if self-taught or project-based.
Example Answer: (Situation) In a corporate finance course, I built a three-statement financial model for a hypothetical firm. (Task) I needed to project performance and test assumptions. (Action) I linked the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow forecast using Excel formulas like IF, INDEX/MATCH, and XNPV. I ran sensitivity analyses to test scenarios including margin compression and interest rate hikes. (Result) The model helped us support an investment thesis and improved my confidence in build…
“What do you understand about the role of an investment banking analyst?”
Interviewer Expectation: This checks whether you’ve researched the day-to-day tasks and the reality of the role.
Example Answer: (Situation) I researched the analyst role by speaking to alumni and watching online insight days. (Task) I wanted to know what the job actually involved. (Action) I learned that analysts work long hours supporting senior bankers with pitch books, building detailed models, conducting due diligence, and preparing info memos. They are the link between data and execution, especially in early-stage deal discussions. (Result) The steep learning curve and responsibility from day one really appeal …
“How do you stay up to date with financial markets?”
Interviewer Expectation: Interviewers want to see a genuine habit of staying informed and engaged with the financial world.
Example Answer: (Situation) Knowing how quickly markets move, I make time every day to stay informed. (Task) I follow financial news as part of my morning routine. (Action) I read the Financial Times, check Bloomberg for market summaries, and listen to finance podcasts like The Daily Upside. (Result) This routine keeps me sharp and ready to discuss key developments confidently.
“What skills make you well-suited for investment banking?”
Interviewer Expectation: They want to see self-awareness and how your strengths align with the technical and interpersonal demands of the role.
Example Answer: (Situation) I’ve always enjoyed solving complex problems and working with numbers. (Task) I developed these skills further through coursework and internships. (Action) I improved my Excel modelling, learned to work well under pressure, and refined my communication in presentations and group work. (Result) These experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully from day one.
