Key Questions Wall Street Leaders Ask During Interviews

Conducting interviews, especially for critical roles in the financial industry, involves a unique set of skills. For Wall Street executives, choosing the right questions is crucial in quickly and accurately judging candidates who may soon play a pivotal role in the success of the company.

Insights from Finance Executives

Executives from diverse sectors within finance shared their preferred interview questions with Business Insider. These leaders include a former Citadel trader turned hedge fund founder, a seasoned partner at Goldman Sachs, and a wealth management firm CEO.

They emphasize steering clear of cliché questions, opting instead for queries that delve deeper into a candidate's character and capabilities.

Question 1: Can You Present an Innovative Idea?

Sara Naison-Tarajano, who leads private wealth management capital markets at Goldman Sachs and has been with the company since her internship, enjoys asking candidates to present an innovative concept. The nature of the idea is broad: it could be about a specific stock, a business venture, or a macroeconomic trend. What she values most is the ability to convey ideas effectively.

Naison-Tarajano further challenges prospects with intricate follow-up questions. How they handle these inquiries—whether they tackle them directly or admit when they need more time to respond—sheds light on their problem-solving skills and adaptability to unforeseen challenges.

Question 2: Can You Describe a Transition that Led to Success?

Rich Schimel, currently spearheading Cinctive Capital, an investment platform he launched post his tenure at Diamondback Capital and Citadel, seeks to know how candidates have repositioned themselves for success. He asks for examples of both professional and personal victories that arose from strategic change.

According to Schimel, individuals who can identify and leverage their strengths while strategically adapting to new circumstances usually stand out. He likens this ability to a football player thriving in a different role than expected. Many people, however, often remain in their comfort zones, not daring to explore alternative pathways.

Question 3: What Are Your Strengths and Passions?

Michael Lehman, the CEO behind Premiere Wealth Partners, puts forth questions that probe both proficiency and passion. First, he asks candidates what they excel in and are enthusiastic about, followed by what they struggle with and lack zeal for.

This line of questioning helps Lehman identify where a candidate's true talents and interests lie. If a candidate cannot pinpoint any areas of lower skill or enthusiasm, it signals a lack of self-awareness, an essential trait for their open roles.