Banking and Investment Interview Guide (UK): Retail Banking, Graduate Schemes and Finance Roles

Banking interviews in the UK range from a friendly chat for a branch role to several rounds of tests and technical questions for investment banking. What links them all is that banks hire people they can trust with money and with customers, so judgement and integrity matter as much as numbers.

The usual process

• Online application, often with a short motivation or "why banking" section.

• Online tests: numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and situational judgement. Practise these, because they are used to filter large numbers of applicants.

• A recorded video interview, where you answer set questions to a camera with a time limit.

• A live interview or assessment centre with group exercises, a case study and a competency interview.

Retail and branch banking

For cashier, personal banker or customer adviser roles, interviewers want to see customer focus, accuracy and an understanding of rules. Expect questions such as how you would help a vulnerable customer, how you would spot a possible scam, and how you would handle a customer who is upset about a charge. The FCA expects firms to treat customers fairly and to look out for those in vulnerable circumstances, so show that you understand why this matters.

Investment and corporate banking

These roles are far more technical. Expect questions on how the three financial statements connect, valuation methods, why a company might raise debt rather than equity and recent deals. You will also be asked why you want this specific bank and division. Bring a view on at least one transaction or market event you have followed.

Compliance and regulation

UK banks are regulated by the FCA and the PRA, and staff are expected to follow anti-money-laundering rules, treat customers fairly and report concerns. You do not need to quote regulations, but you should be able to say what you would do if you saw suspicious activity: do not tip off the customer, record what you saw and report it to the designated team.

Competency questions

Prepare examples of teamwork, handling pressure, attention to detail and taking responsibility for a mistake. Banks like candidates who admit an error early and fix it rather than hide it.

Common mistakes

• Saying you want banking "because of the money".

• Being unable to explain what the bank does and where it fits in the market.

• Rushing online tests. Accuracy usually matters more than speed.

Quick answers

Do I need a finance degree? No. Banks recruit across subjects and also take school leavers through apprenticeships.

What should I read before a banking interview? A daily business news source for a couple of weeks, plus the bank's latest results announcement.

How long does the process take? Often four to eight weeks for graduate schemes, much faster for branch roles.

Our question bank includes banking roles with model answers and the reasoning behind them, and every role has five questions free.

Practise for specific roles

Pick your role: Bank Cashier, Personal Banker, Investment Analyst, Relationship Manager, Mortgage Adviser.