What do you know about our company and the services we offer?
Theme: Company Knowledge Role: Investment Banker Function: Finance
Interview Question for Investment Banker: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Investment Banker: Advises clients on financial investments and deals. This role falls within the Finance function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Company Knowledge with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Company Overview: Provide a brief overview of the company, including its name, size, and location
- Company History: Discuss the company's history, including when it was founded and any significant milestones or achievements
- Services Offered: Outline the specific services offered by the company, such as investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and financial advisory
- Client Base: Mention the types of clients the company serves, such as corporations, governments, institutional investors, or high-net-worth individuals
- Industry Expertise: Highlight the company's expertise in specific industries, such as technology, healthcare, energy, or real estate
- Global Presence: Discuss the company's global presence and any international offices or partnerships it has
- Reputation & Awards: Mention any notable awards or recognition the company has received, as well as its reputation in the industry
- Recent Deals or Transactions: Provide examples of recent deals or transactions the company has been involved in, showcasing its track record and expertise
- Company Culture & Values: Discuss the company's culture and values, such as a commitment to excellence, teamwork, or client-centric approach
- Future Growth & Strategy: Talk about the company's future growth plans and strategic initiatives, such as expanding into new markets or offering new services
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Research: To assess if I have done my homework and understand the company's background and offerings
- Fit: To determine if my skills and experience align with the company's services and if I would be a good fit for the role
- Interest: To gauge my level of interest in the company and its services
- Preparation: To evaluate my level of preparation for the interview and my seriousness about the position
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of research: Not knowing anything about the company or its services
- Generic response: Providing a generic answer that could apply to any investment bank
- Misalignment with company values: Not mentioning any specific values or mission of the company
- Inaccurate information: Providing incorrect or outdated information about the company or its services
- Lack of enthusiasm: Not showing genuine interest or excitement about the company and its services