Corporate Finance Interview Basics

A quick review of corporate finance interview basics most companies conduct

a standard fit interview. The majority will not be extremely quantitative
(especially first rounds) but be prepared with financial concepts and strategies
anyway.
1. Company strategy: Be familiar with the companys business model and
what makes the company stand out from its competitors. Research
companies from their websites, annual reports, Lexis/Nexus, Bloomberg,
WSJ, and industry publications.
2. Industry analysis: Research current market trends affecting the industry
and know what role its competitors play within it.
3. Job/Position: Understand how finance is organized within the company.
Are you interviewing with a treasury group or corporate control? Would
you be working for a central finance organization or for a business unit?
4. Finance questions: Know how to value a project. Memorize NPV, IRR, EVA
definitions, differences, downfalls, and how these measures are used to
determine the viability of a project. Review your Finance notes.
5. Sample interview questions:
Walk me through your resume. Know your resume inside and out.
Interviewers will ask most about bullet points.
Tell me about yourself
How have you led a cross-functional team to bring about positive
change/ to overcome significant challenges? (Have two examples)
Give me an example when you have demonstrated leadership.
(Have one work-related and one school related)
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why should we hire you?
Convince me you want to work in the (_________) industry
Give examples of how you analyzed a complex problem. What was
the result?
Know the fundamentals of marketing (4ps, etc.)
Be prepared for simple case questions. Interviewers will present a
situation and ask you what they should do. Remember to provide the
STRATEGY behind your decision as well as your finance answer. The
company wants more than a number cruncher, answer all implications of
the project.

In general, act excited about the company and make sure you have three
to four GOOD questions for the interviewer. Good Luck!