Why Banking?

Question 1

I see you have no relevant finance experience – why should we hire you over someone who’s had a previous banking internship?

Answer 1

Banking is about what skills you bring to the table and what kind of person you are rather than how many internships you’ve had.
I’ve worked long hours / in teams / paid attention to details before and succeeded at whatever you’ve done.

Question 2

Why switch from consulting to banking?

Answer 2

1. I want to understand the bigger picture and how and why large companies make decisions rather than provide high level recommendations.
2. Working on transactions and making an impact is more interesting than giving advice to and not seeing recommendations implemented. There’s a degree of fluff that never gets implemented that is bothering me.
3. I’ve been interested in finance for a long time / not overnight and I’ve explored other options and concluded that this is the best one for you.

Question 3

Why small / big size company?

Answer 3

Small means more responsibility and client interaction,

Big means working on more major deals and learning more technical skills.

Question 4

Are you ok with long hours?

Answer 4

1. You’ve done your homework and spoken with a lot of people about this move – and you like the finance work you’ve done before.
2. Banking is faster-paced and appeals to you more because you make more of an impact.
3. You’re fine with additional hours because of the improved opportunities to make an impact and advance.