If you are applying for an opportunity in the Quants or Data Science field, here are some tips we got from two major Financial Services employers who frequently interview for these types of roles.
Do your homework!
Be clear about the role you are applying for, make sure you have read and understood the job description and be prepared to talk about what it is about the role that appeals to you and how you will be able to add value in the role. Visit the company’s website and do a Google search for any recent news/developments about the company. Can you link your knowledge of current affairs to situations that might impact the organisation you are applying to? Be ready to talk about this!
Why are you interested in the role?
Why does the role/organisation appeal to you and what is it that you are looking for? For example, in a Quants role do you enjoy building models, what experience do you have that you can share? Do you enjoy telling stories from data, have you done this successfully before?
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and logical thinking
It is highly likely that you will be given a scenario-type question aimed at demonstrating how you apply logic and problem solving. For example, “In this building, how many metres of cable do you think were used in the lift system”? The interviewer is not necessarily looking for you to give the RIGHT answer – they are more interested in how you got to the answer that you give, how your thought processes and logic worked. Pause, take time to think before answering and then ensure that you explain how you thought about the problem.
Show up as your true self
Being your true self and being authentic will help you relax, and you will come across as being natural in the interview. This is what interviewers are looking for! If you don’t know something, be honest about it, but offer to find out more and come back to the interviewer.
It is not JUST about your qualification/s
Your qualification is certainly important and is probably what got you the interview in the first place! But it is your attitude, enthusiasm for the role, abilities, and transferable skills that will get you the job. Can you converse confidently about what you have done apart from your studies that has helped you to grow and develop your skills?
Programming Skills
Programming skills such as Python, SQL, R, etc. are critical to these types of roles. Take the initiative to teach yourself one or two of these skills and spend time practicing and playing with them to sharpen your programming toolkit.
Dress and appearance code!
Even if you are attending a virtual interview, you need to show up looking neat and tidy – ensure that your background is presentable and appropriate! Ensure that you are in a place that has good wi-fi, is quiet and that you won’t be interrupted. Test your equipment before hand and ALWAYS have your camera switched on for an interview.
Ask Questions
Although you have done your homework, there are some questions a company website won’t answer. And remember, an interview is a two-way process, you are also trying to ascertain whether the role and/or organisation will suit you. You might want to know more about the company culture and the type of people you will be working with? Ask about your growth and development opportunities. And, if you know other graduates who have interviewed with or are working for the organization, have a chat to them before you interview.
The X-Factor
So, what is the “X-Factor” that interviewers are looking for? Your technical knowledge will make up about 10% of this – the rest boils down to being a well-rounded individual who demonstrates passion, enthusiasm and is authentic.