Before the interview
- Research the firm's investment strategy, portfolio and performance, as well as its mission, client base and market position.
- Prepare examples of your leadership in investment strategy, portfolio management, fundraising and improving performance.
- Be ready to discuss global and regional market trends, asset classes and emerging opportunities, with a view of your own.
Introduction and background
1Can you walk us through your career in investments and what has prepared you for this role?
What they're really asking
They want to hear your career story and how your experience matches the responsibilities of this role.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →2What has been your most significant accomplishment in your investment career?
What they're really asking
They want a standout achievement that shows your value as a senior investor, ideally with measurable results.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Investment strategy and philosophy
3How do you develop an investment strategy that fits an organisation's goals?
What they're really asking
The focus is on whether you can connect investment objectives to the wider organisation's goals, liabilities and tolerance for risk.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →4What is your investment philosophy, and how has it changed over your career?
What they're really asking
They want to understand your guiding principles and whether you have adapted them sensibly as markets have changed.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Portfolio management
5Can you describe your experience managing multi-asset portfolios?
What they're really asking
They want to know how you oversee different asset classes together, including allocation, diversification and performance tracking.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →6How do you balance risk and return in portfolio management?
What they're really asking
They want to understand how you manage volatility and downside risk while still achieving the return target.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Fundraising and investor relations
7How have you raised capital or built relationships with investors?
What they're really asking
This assesses your ability to attract and keep investors, and to build trust through performance and transparency.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →8How do you explain complex investment strategies to stakeholders who are not investment specialists?
What they're really asking
This evaluates whether you can explain your strategy clearly and build confidence among boards, trustees or clients.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Performance measurement and metrics
9Which KPIs do you prioritise to evaluate the performance of an investment portfolio?
What they're really asking
They want to see which measures you use to judge performance, and whether you choose the right ones for the asset class.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →10How do you analyse underperforming investments, and what action do you take?
What they're really asking
This evaluates your ability to diagnose problems in an investment and act decisively to correct them.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Risk management
11How do you build risk management into your investment decisions?
What they're really asking
This focuses on whether risk management is part of your process from the start, not added at the end.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →12Can you give an example of how you handled a significant market downturn?
What they're really asking
This assesses how you handle volatility and protect portfolios, and how you behave when markets fall sharply.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Leadership and team development
13How have you led investment teams in previous roles?
What they're really asking
This explores your ability to build, develop and keep high-performing investment teams.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →14How do you make sure your team's performance stays aligned with the overall investment objectives?
What they're really asking
This evaluates how you set expectations, give feedback and monitor progress so individual decisions add up to the portfolio objective.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Market trends and insights
15Which emerging trends do you think will shape the investment landscape over the next five to ten years?
What they're really asking
This looks for your thought leadership and whether you can turn a view of the future into practical investment decisions.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Crisis management
16How have you managed investments during a financial crisis or major market disruption?
What they're really asking
This evaluates your resilience and judgement when the market system itself is under stress, and how you protect the portfolio and keep stakeholders informed.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Personal and professional insights
17How do you balance strategic vision with the need for day-to-day execution?
What they're really asking
This examines whether you can set a long-term direction while making sure the day-to-day work of the investment business is done well.
How to approach it, an example answer and common mistakes are part of Pro.
Sign up, then upgrade to Pro →Practise on your own CV
Interview Prep writes the questions an interviewer would ask you, from your own CV, and gives you candid feedback on every answer you write. Part of Pro.
Practise on your own CV →