How do you manage relationships with difficult clients?

You understand how a DCF model works, can calculate a leveraged buyout, and know how to estimate company values using multiples – but theory alone isn’t enough in an interview. The next step in your preparation should be to practice applying your knowledge in real interview situations.When you practice with peers, you can simulate typical interview scenarios. You'll learn how to answer technical questions confidently, manage time pressure, and respond effectively to follow-up questions. Over time, this helps you build a strong presence and get used to expressing your thoughts clearly and in a structured way.You’ll also benefit from valuable feedback from other peers who are preparing just as seriously. They often spot areas for improvement – such as your answer structure, argumentation, or language clarity.And it's not just about practicing as a candidate. When you take on the role of the interviewer or observe others, you sharpen your sense for clear communication, analytical thinking, and common response patterns. This also enhances your own performance in interviews. How to Simulate a Realistic Interview SettingThe best way to prepare for a finance interview is to simulate the conversation as realistically as possible. In real interviews, you often have just 30 to 45 minutes to impress both technically and personally. To prepare for this, your practice sessions should closely mirror the typical flow of an actual interview.A realistic mock interview begins with a short introduction and a common opening question like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want to work in investment banking?” This is followed by technical questions, such as on valuation methods, balance sheet relationships, or capital structures. The person acting as the interviewer should ask follow-ups, react spontaneously, and vary the level of difficulty.👉 We’ve selected a few question sets from our Case Library that’ll help you master the technical part of the interview.

Looking to break into the finance industry? Then you should be prepared for a demanding, multi-stage application process. Unlike in many other fields, the interview doesn’t come right after your CV is screened. Instead, you’ll often start with online assessments and other tests designed to evaluate your analytical thinking and numerical skills.Only after that comes the part that’s crucial in almost every recruitment process: the personal interview. There are usually several of them – either spread out across multiple rounds or bundled into what’s known as a Superday. On that day, you’ll go through multiple back-to-back interviews with employees from different teams or levels of seniority. In the end, these conversations are what determine whether or not you’ll receive an offer.In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how a typical finance interview is structured. You’ll learn which skills matter most, why this format is so widely used, and how you can best prepare for it. How Finance Interviews Are StructuredAlthough the recruiting process can differ from company to company, most finance interviews follow a similar structure. They usually consist of two key components: a personal fit interview and a technical interview. Depending on the setup of the interview day, the two parts may either be combined into one conversation or spread across multiple interviews.This format is especially common during Superdays or final rounds. Typically, the process begins with getting to know you as a person, followed by a deep dive into your finance knowledge. You can expect each interview to last between 30 and 60 minutes.Let's take a closer look at the two areas: 1. The Personal Fit Interview: Are You a Good Match for the Team?The first part of the interview focuses on who you are and whether you’d be a good fit for the team and company culture. It usually starts with a brief walk-through of your background and experiences. From there, you’ll be asked about your motivation, soft skills, and how you approach challenges.However, it isn’t just about your experience – it’s about how you think and work. You’ll likely be asked about teamwork, how you handle stress, whether you take initiative, and what draws you to a career in finance. Questions about the company, your preparation, or your long-term goals are also common.To stand out here, aim to answer in a clear, structured way while staying authentic. Show that you’ve done your homework and that you genuinely understand what working in finance is all about. 👉 Check out our Stress Questions and prepare for your personal fit interview.