28 Financial Ombudsman Service Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Financial Ombudsman Service interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. At Financial Ombudsman Service, our Financial Analysts have to often work under a tight deadline. Talk about a time you had to work under a tight deadline in the past. How did you handle that situation and what made it a success?
How to Answer
The financial field can sometimes be chaotic and stressful for analysts working on high pressure deadlines and the work life at Financial Ombudsman Service is no different. To test how you will perform in these situation if hired for this role, your interviewer will be looking to hear about a time where you did just that. No matter what the situation is that you discuss, be sure to show how you remained calm, focused and on-task to get the job done. Try and stress how you are resourceful and willing to utilize a team effort if necessary.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I'm tasked with preparing some reports for our leadership team's bi-weekly meeting. Upon first taking that responsibility, I made sure that I kept myself organized during each work day and saving and prepping relevant information needed for their report. A couple of months ago, I was informed first thing in the morning that the meeting was being moved a week up to later that day due to some conflicts and vacation time for some of the team. Right away, I moved some things on my calendar to make this a top priority. From there, my regular organization of the materials needed made it easy for me to complete my job."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"During my last semester of my MBA program last spring, I was nearing completion of my capstone project. The project was a case study of mergers within the manufacturing industry and was a great overall project to learn from. During the semester, my full-time job I was working to put myself through school was becoming much more demanding and parts of my project got postponed to a point where I was fearing not being able to complete it to the best of my abilities with the final due date approaching. Right away, I rearranged my work schedule to work half time and began plugging away at the final pieces of the project. To complete it, I had to sacrifice some outside weekend events with friends. While sad to do that at first, I learned some great lessons on time management, project management and sacrifice."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
2. What do you feel is one unique skill or trait that you could bring to the auditing team here at Financial Ombudsman Service?
How to Answer
This question is your opportunity to set yourself apart from your competitions as it gives you an open door to match a skill or trait that you have with the exact details for this position. Prior to the interview, be sure to read and research as much as possible on the job and Financial Ombudsman Service to find something unique about yourself that can help benefit the team. Whether you talk about a job skill or a personality trait that you possess that you feel sets you apart, be sure that you are able to talk about this confidently to your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Being comfortable in my skills and experiences as well qualified internal auditor, I am confident that my attention to detail is one trait that will set me apart from anyone else you are talking to about this position. I am a very organized person that keeps an orderly desk, email inbox and to do list. As well, I know that this position will require me to work with data that goes above and beyond the everyday life of your average auditor and my attention to the minute details will make me an asset to Financial Ombudsman Service."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"If I was fortunate enough to join the team here at Financial Ombudsman Service, my ability to work independently and make decisions on my own from the start would be a huge asset. You'll find that I don't let outside influence or others influence decisions that I'll make as your auditor and I won't let my own personal judgments influence any of my decisions. As well, I am comfortable working with all levels of an organization, from the C-Suite to the day to day operations staff."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
-Listening skills
-Focus on the task at hand
-Relationship building"
Jaymie's Feedback
3. Our clients here at Financial Ombudsman Service expect top-tier service and products and we will expect you to do just that in this role. Have you ever went the extra mile for a client when it wasn't expected? Why did you do so?
How to Answer
Financial Ombudsman Service looks to set themselves apart from their competition by delivering the best service possible in the industry. You, as a customer service professional, are likely used to doing this so in your example, be sure to think about a time where your going above and beyond the call of duty really impacted the overall customer experience. No matter what example you use, be sure to explain why you felt it was important to take that action and what outcomes you are aware that it produced.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"A couple of years ago when I was working customer service in retail, a customer was looking for what happened to be a discontinued item of clothing for her sick mother. The easy route would have been to simply look it up, tell her it was discontinued and have her be on her way. What I did was take down the customers contact information and let her know that I could contact our person that handled archived products. If we could track it down, I would be in touch. With a simple phone call, my colleague was able to track the item down from the supplier and have it coordinated to ship directly. We put the customer in direct contact with the supplier and she was as happy as could be. Looking back on that situation, I felt that it was the right thing to do given the situation that the customer was in and knowing she was a loyal customer of ours."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"My current role in hospitality often has me working with very high profile customers that come to our hotel. Last year, a touring manager for a musician contacted me regarding and upcoming stay for the musician. I proactively asked for their dining and entertainment preferences and with that list, I was able to work with our catering staff to ensure we had preferred items on the menus for the nights that he stayed and that we had a customized video game package in the musician's room for the his extended stay. Prior to him leaving, his manager reached out to thank me for the great service!"
4. We pride ourselves on teamwork here at Financial Ombudsman Service and this role in Client Services relies on teamwork. What are the top qualities you would bring to a team based atmosphere here?
How to Answer
At the heart of this question falls your interviewers need to determine how well you will work with others on the team at Financial Ombudsman Service. You will be working with high level advisors and managers that are under a lot of pressure to perform in their jobs and your communications with them will either alleviate some of that stress or add to it. To ensure that your interviewer walks away from your conversation knowing that you are a team player that keeps the end goals of the company in mind, focus your answer on your effective communication skills, your knowledge of everyone's role on the team and your knowledge of what your role on the team will be.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"As with any team that I have worked on in the past, my priority is knowing that everyone has an important piece in the overall success of the team. In customer service, this is knowing who to contact with the right questions and who to guide customers to when needed. This ensures that our work is done efficiently on our end of things and that our customers are handled efficiently and effectively. If hired here at Financial Ombudsman Service, my first goal would be to get to know everyone on the team that I would work with, what their roles are and how to best communicate with them."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"My top quality is my ability to communicate, both verbally and through writing. I have excellent interpersonal speaking and listening skills and my past colleagues have always appreciated this. Here at Financial Ombudsman Service, your clients would appreciate this in my work as well. I am a very efficient and effective written communicator as well and this would be very beneficial at a company like Financial Ombudsman Service, where your offices are spread throughout the country and I can imagine that email communication is vitally important."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
- background experience in knowing who to contact
-understanding everyone's roles and how best to communicate with them"
Jaymie's Feedback
5. If you joined the team here at Financial Ombudsman Service, how would you build relationships with those that you would be working closely with?
How to Answer
For this question, your interviewer will be looking to get the sense that you would be proactive about getting to know your colleagues and fitting into the culture of the organization. Use a personal approach to talk about ways that you have done this in the past and how you would do it if hired for this position. Talk about the importance of relationship building in your line of work and how it helps the overall good of the organization if you take the initiative to do this.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"From my first day on the job, I would take the time to break the ice with my colleagues by introducing myself and setting up an individual meeting with each person. In the past, I've done these meetings over lunch or in an office where I've had questions prepared for me to get to know the person both personally and professionally. I want to ask my colleagues what they expect from me and what I can expect from them. I've found that these conversations really help to open up doors for working with each other moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Being the new person on the job can be a very high anxiety time for some people, but I love the opportunity to break the ice with my coworkers by making that first contact. I think it's important to get to know each other on a personal level because we spend so much of our lives together in the workplace and I am a caring person that wants to know how last night's soccer game went for the kids. Beyond that first ice breaking conversation, my work relationships are then bonded through my work ethic and helping others on my team to show that I am a true team player."
6. Our customers rely on our services outside of normal business hours. Are you able to work a flexible schedule if hired for this position?
How to Answer
Because financial clients can be in need outside of the standard 9-5 business hours, this position with Financial Ombudsman Service may require the need for you to be flexible with your schedule to accommodate the business needs of the position. Prior to applying for the position, Financial Ombudsman Service should have posted the expected hours for position for you to have an idea of what will be expected. When answering this question, it is best to be open and honest about what particular needs that you have for expected work hours. As well, it is acceptable to ask follow up questions regarding the work schedule if you need further clarification.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"I am able to work a pretty flexible work schedule and have been used to doing this in my current role for the past six years. If I understand the expected hours for this position correctly, it sounds like the standard hours will be 8:00am to 5:00pm on most days with a rotating schedule to help cover evening hours up until 8:00pm and some rotating Saturday coverage as well. Is this correct?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Having worked a flexible schedule that included early morning hours and hours into the evening, I am very open to a flexible schedule for this position. The only clarification I would need is how a schedule is determined and when I would find out about upcoming schedules if hired for this position. We do have a young child that we would need to plan daycare schedules for and so my spouse and I could coordinate pick ups and drop offs from daycare. Can you shed light on how scheduling works for this position?"
7. We pride ourselves on our interdepartmental teamwork here at Financial Ombudsman Service. If hired for this role, what kind of team player could we expect you to be?
How to Answer
In the financial world, teamwork at an organization is the key to success and life at Financial Ombudsman Service is no different. As you talk about your abilities and experiences in being a great team player, try to highlight certain themes like building trust, gaining respect and being a subject matter expert as part of a larger team. Don't hesitate to show flexibility in your ability to both lead others and be lead by others and use examples of times that you've done both. To seal your answer for this question, talk about your desire to work as part of a team and do your research on this position to find out what types of colleagues you will be working with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"My colleagues that I work closely with would tell you that I'm knowledgeable in my area of expertise to contribute to the much larger team and do so without hesitation. As well, I'm able to communicate effectively, take direction and run with when needed and always willing to help out other areas if I have free time. I understand that I would be working very closely with the Advising staff here at Financial Ombudsman Service and know that they would have high expectations out of my work."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I prefer to work in an environment that promotes teamwork and collegiality. If I were fortunate enough to join the team here, I want you to know that I love being in a leadership type role on a team where I can delegate work and help train others to better the organization. As well, I also thrive in a role where I am the minion and taking direction from others. I'd say that my key skills in working as a team are my ability to friendly, honest and trustworthy with my team."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
-willing to contribute
- helps out"
Jaymie's Feedback
8. How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our team at Financial Ombudsman Service?
How to Answer
If you were to be the successful candidate with Financial Ombudsman Service, when do you expect to make a viable contribution to the organization? Talk to the interviewer about your plan to make a fast impact.
1st Answer Example
"I am interested in making an impact on your organization right away and have already crafted a plan to make that happen. I am a very strong business development professional and I plan to take the territory and expand it to include additional rural areas. This should amount to a strong increase in revenue within the first 9 months of my on boarding."
2nd Answer Example
"My plan, if hired by Financial Ombudsman Service, is to make an impact as soon as possible. I have researched this position and am very eager so I have created a 90 day impact plan that I would like to share with you."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
9. At Financial Ombudsman Service, we pride ourselves on providing the best overall customer experience. Talk about your customer service experience and explain why it will help our clients here.
How to Answer
In the financial services industry, overall client experience is a major predictor of business growth and the team at Financial Ombudsman Service takes the overall client experience seriously. For this question, your interviewer will be looking for you to expand upon your customer service experience past what they can see from your resume. To seal the deal for your interview, try to talk about times that you have went above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best service possible for a customer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Over the past five years in my current role in customer service, my number one mantra has been to create the most personalized experience possibl for each person. I have done this by taking the time to get to know the customer, find out what their needs are and creating an experience unique to them. Where my time in automotive sales has really prepared for this role with Financial Ombudsman Service is in this approach. If hired for this role, I know that I will be relied upon to use open and honest communication skills, time management skills and to take a empathetic and personalized approach with each client and I can definitely be relied upon to do that."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my years in a front facing customer service role, I've prided myself on being the face of the franchise. More often than not, my interactions with customers can be the difference between a repeat customer and a person who never comes back again. To ensure repeat customers, I make sure that I am knowledgeable about our products and services, I'm proactive with their needs and I'm always accountable for any mistakes that are made on my organization's side of things. If given the opportunity to join the team here at Financial Ombudsman Service, I will work hard to be highly educated in your services and be proactive and accountable in every interaction that I have."
10. Are you familiar with vouching and how it is used during auditing processes?
How to Answer
At the heart of this question, your interviewer is looking to take a small peek inside your technical knowledge of the auditing process. Your answer can be pretty simple and straightforward by explaining what a voucher is and, if possible, talking about times that you have used it in auditing processes in the past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"As an internal auditor, vouching is a process that accurately verifies that information is correct. During my time auditing large manufacturers, the vouching that I did entailed recovering and verifying items like invoices and purchase receipts and we'd use vouching for very large items that impacted an organization's bottom line."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Because accounting processes are prone to human error in data entry, vouching is a way to ensure accuracy. In essence, vouching is certifying that data entered in an accounting book is accurate by crosschecking the information with actual statements, receipts and debit notes. I've conducting vouching during audits in the retail industry and these were required to be very thorough processes with large retailers receiving shipments of product from many different sources."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
11. How do you stay on top of new trends in the financial services industry?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that your passion for financial services goes beyond your work hours. Do you keep on top of industry news and trends on your off time? Assure the interviewer that you are well immersed in the industry.
1st Answer Example
"I stay on top of financial service trends through a variety of blogs, news sites and financial magazines. My favorite finance news site at the moment is businessinsider.com."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that it is crucial for me to stay on top of news in the financial services industry if I hope to be a success. I have joined multiple meet up groups to network with industry peers. It has really helped my network and given me insight into how other financial service professionals are making their careers flourish."
12. Here at Financial Ombudsman Service, we are expecting someone with strong leadership skills to take this role. How would you describe your management style?
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, try to take a long, hard look inside your skills and styles as a leader of others and prepare to present the best management style possible to your interviewer that fits the role that you are interviewing for with Financial Ombudsman Service. Your answer should also involve solid research into the culture of Financial Ombudsman Service and the details of the role you are interviewing for. Some important things to touch on are your ability to promote a team atmosphere and your ability to delegate responsibilities when necessary.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"My overall management style is the belief in building a positive team atmosphere. I'm a firm believer that each person and role brings a specific skill set to the ocverall goals and purpose of a team and I promote a team based atmosphere by larifying everyone's role on the team, keeping every person's objectives clear, rewarding great performers on the team and holding people accountable for their actions. If hired for this role at Financial Ombudsman Service, you can be assured that my promotion of a team based atmosphere would help achieve even higher goals than you have set right now."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I think that it is crucial for a leader of others to be flexible in their style rather than relying on just one of the canned management styles. I'd like to highlight my abilities to lead as being a manager that works to grow and develop my staff to help them achieve their career goals and a leader who is able to provide direction and authority when the time for it arises. By knowing my team well and promoting our goals, I have the ability to assign work to the right people and follow through with my team on meeting all objective necessary."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Flexible and willing to jump in and help.
I will be respectful and treat the team the way I want to be treated.
Role models. group values and behaviors."
Jaymie's Feedback
13. As a professional in the financial services industry, you must have great integrity. Do you consider yourself an honest and trustworthy person?
How to Answer
Due to the sensitive nature of your work, honesty is a core requirement in everything that you do. Assure the interviewer that you are an honest and trustworthy person, worthy of employment with Financial Ombudsman Service.
1st Answer Example
"I have often been told that I am one of the most trustworthy people out there. In addition to being raised to always make the right choice, I have no fear when it comes do delivering honesty. You are more than welcome to check in with my references as well. They will speak highly of my character."
2nd Answer Example
"Integrity is very important in the financial services industry. Yes, I absolutely consider myself to be honest and trustworthy."
14. What software programs do you use in your current work and how adaptable would you say that you are in learning and using new programs?
How to Answer
Overall, your interviewer is simply looking to hear that you have a good grasp on programs to use to make you more efficient in your work and to do this, talk open and honestly about the programs that you currently use and talk about in what context that you use them. If at all possible with this role, try to research what additional programs you may have to learn if given this opportunity to join Financial Ombudsman Service and reassure your interviewer that your computer skills are fluent enough to pickup quickly if needed.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I currently use a program called Zendesk that is an interactive customer support tool. When we started to use this tool a little over a year ago, I was very quick to learn and utilize all of the great functions of the program and have since become a trainer for new staff that join our team. As well, I'm very fluent in the entire Microsoft suite of products and would consider myself an expert on the Outlook, Excel and Word programs."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I consider myself very agile when it comes to using and appreciating the vast amount of software that is available to Financial Advisors today. In my current role, I solely use RightCapital as a financial advising tool with my clients. I really love its ability to help in the budgeting and comprehensive planning processes with my clients. I'm also very familiar with the MoneyGuidePro tool and have used it successfully in the past. If hired for this role, you can consider me an open book when it comes to learning and effectively utilizing any programs needed."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
15. To get a sense of how you will handle internal auditing processes here at Financial Ombudsman Service, what do you feel are important tasks to do once an audit is finished?
How to Answer
You and your interviewer both know that the work isn't completed the moment that an audit has been completed and for this question, your interviewer is looking to hear what items you feel are a top priority in ensuring that the audit has a long-lasting impact. As you answer this question, be sure to discuss any unique tasks that you feel are a priority and value that you can bring to the team at Financial Ombudsman Service by talking about how they've been useful to others you've worked with in the past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"The end goal of any audit is improvement and my role as the Auditor is to help bring as much value to the improvement as possible and this begins with my work following an audit. First and foremost, my top goal at the end of an audit is to deliver the results in a clear and quick manner and meet with all stakeholders to discuss my results. Having many years of experience as an Auditor, the one value I can add to Financial Ombudsman Service is my ability to help your leaders put action into place to improve. As you'll see from my letters of recommendation, many high level leaders I have worked with in the past have really appreciated my ability to do this."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my work, my most important task following an audit is to help the key stakeholders understand what needs to be improved and how to improve it. I do this through a thorough reporting process to them. Managers like visual aids and I am able to provide them. They also like to hear suggestions on how to improve and my time in the auditing field brings with me a lot of process improvement knowledge that can help your leadership staff here at Financial Ombudsman Service."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
16. When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method or new approach to solving a problem?
How to Answer
It is a great skill to have when you can approach a problem in a new way. Discuss with the interviewer your ability to approach a problem using modern methods.
1st Answer Example
"When our company came under new management last year many new methods and policies came into place. I was able to learn many new approaches to our challenges in sales and customer management. I quite enjoyed the process."
2nd Answer Example
"In my current position, I am faced with learning new sales methods and client approaches on a regular basis. I am always the first to embrace these new sales pitches because I truly believe the bigger diversity we can offer our clients, the better."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
-any product changes or upskilling I will complete first"
Jaymie's Feedback
17. How do you think our field of fraud analysis will change in the next five to ten years and how will you be able to help Financial Ombudsman Service stay at the forefront of those changes?
How to Answer
As fraudsters become more tech-savvy and the underground world of hacking becomes more sophisticated, your job as a Fraud Analyst will require you to become more agile and diligent in your work. For this question, show your interviewer that like to stay at the forefront of your field by talking about how you stay informed and talk about what you feel are the biggest things to keep an eye on in the future. This will show your interviewer that you have the mindfulness to help fraud prevention at Financial Ombudsman Service for years to come if hired for this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Based on a recent industry event that I attended a couple of months ago, criminals are really ramping up their approach to breaching facial and voice recognition software and I think that financial institutions that are using that technology need to ramp up their security measures even further. This doesn't surprise me though as throughout the advent of technology, the bad guys are often right behind and then jumping ahead of current technology. As a member of the ACFE, I find that I am able to stay on the forefront of our field to help my work here in the future with Financial Ombudsman Service."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I think that hackers will continue to build upon their attempts to con people out of their personal information as more and more corporate mergers continue to occur into the future. These times see a lot of financial institutions with a need for consumers to reverify their information and criminals will continue to be at the forefront of trying to stay one step ahead of vulnerable consumers. While password protection is certainly important, our work as Fraud Analysts must continue to be diligent to be able to detect when a users identity is compromised."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Feedback to financial businesses is key to help highlight trends."
Jaymie's Feedback
18. The day-to-day life at Financial Ombudsman Service can be hectic and stressful at times. If hired for this role, how would you keep yourself motivated when working with stressed colleagues and pushy clients?
How to Answer
The daily life at Financial Ombudsman Service is naturally very fast paced and because of that, both the colleagues and the clients that you may be working with have potential to be stressed, needy and downright mean at times. For this question, your interviewer is looking to get a sense that you would be able to work in this type of environment. In your answer, talk about the fact that you are cognizant of what this job entails as far as personal interactions go and talk about times where you have worked successfully through situations like this in the past. As well, don't hesitate to talk about your own personality traits that help you thrive in these types of situations.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Being a person that thrives in a fast paced work environment, I have the ability to handle stressed colleagues with a grain of salt. As you can see from my resume, I've spent the last five years in the manufacturing industry where my department worked under tight deadlines all of the time. If I noticed that a colleague was under stress, I offered my help if I was able to and down the road that was usually reciprocated back to me. This unselfish attitude and realizing that someone else's stress wasn't directed at me was the key to maintaining personal health and balance on the job."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role in client services with a large hospitality group, some days can go off the rails and it feels like I'm working with enraged customers all day long. I have the attitude that their anger isn't directed towards me, but I'm the face of the company that they are currently working with and I need to do my job in helping solve their issue. While I do have great resources at my hand to help solve customer issues, I think that taking the time to get to know all of our management team and how they solve problems is key as well so I know who to put customers in touch with if needed."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
-remembering when someone is stressed it is not intentionally directed at you but the result of a deadline
-trying to put myself in their shoes
-knowing how appreciative someone will be if I help resolve a matter or help with a case"
Jaymie's Feedback
19. If hired to this role here at Financial Ombudsman Service, what do you see as one initial hurdle you will have to overcome in your first weeks on the job?
How to Answer
At the heart of this question, your interviewer is asking you to take an honest look inside of yourself to discuss what you feel is the biggest learning curve you will have if offered this position. This will give your interviewer a sense of how to handle your onboarding process if hired for the position and give them a sense that you have the ability to see what your biggest need would be. Similar to the what is your greatest weakness question, the key to answering this question is humbly pointing out a flaw that you may see and making a plan for how you will overcome that flaw.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Having put a lot of thought into this even before submitting my resume for this position, I realize that my greatest hurdle would be making the leap as an Auditor into the financial focused industry. My five years of experience out of college have been focused on management and technical consulting services, but I feel that I've built a very good knowledge base and experience for this role here at Financial Ombudsman Service. If given the opportunity to join your team, my initial focus would be to get enthralled in auditing in the financial industry and I'd do this by being attached at the hip to my colleagues and taking the time to talk one on one with a lot of other staff to help better understand what they'll expect of me in this role."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Understanding that my role here at Financial Ombudsman Service would have me working with the entire advisory staff, the first hurdle would be getting to know everyone on that team and showcasing the skills that I could bring to their work. If hired for the job, I would hope to be invited to team meetings where I could introduce myself and my role with the team and I'd invite an open conversation with the entire team."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
20. How do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how you are seen by your colleagues. Select approximately three words that truly define who you are. Be sure to choose words that radiate positive thoughts!
1st Answer Example
"I believe that my coworkers, if asked, would describe me as a reliable person who is always ready to submit the best work possible. My work ethic has never been questioned, and I am very proud with the work that I have submitted in my career, so far."
2nd Answer Example
"Here are some other great keywords you could use:
- Encouraging
- Caring
- Knowledgeable
- Reliable
- Focused
- Honest
- Assertive
- Tenacious
- Motivated
- Ambitions
- Conscientious"
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
encouraging
motivating
inspiring
willing to help and go the extra mile
polite and respectful
fun
inclusive"
Jaymie's Feedback
21. In this role with Financial Ombudsman Service, we will rely on your organized and methodical approach to provide financial analysis reporting. What does your current reporting process consist of?
How to Answer
Providing the clients of Financial Ombudsman Service with detailed reports will be a key part of this position and your interviewer will be looking to gauge your ability to be organized and detailed while also utilizing your critical thinking skills to provide the best reports possible. In your answer, keep a focus on the techniques and tools that you use to do your job in ensuring that clients are receiving the most accurate and detailed reports possible. As well, let your interviewer know that you are willing to learn new ways and new technologies to help onboard yourself to their team quicker.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I utilize the Tableau program to provide live, up to date information to my clients. After using a simply built Excel program for many years, Tableau provides beautiful and easy to understand reporting that my clients can take and run with to make important decision. The connections and automations within the program have save me time and effort, allowing me to take on a much more robust client base. If hired for this role here at Financial Ombudsman Service, I also have familiarity with SAS and Spotfire and consider myself a very quick learner if I need to learn a new program."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"When I need to provide reporting to clients or my firm, I ensure that the reporting includes all key risks and valuation. Today, we as Financial Analysts have so many great tools available to us and my current preference is a statistical program like Crystal Ball. When paired with the advance Excel sheets that I have created, and have been commended, my clients are always happy with the insight that I am able to provide."
22. At Financial Ombudsman Service we put a lot of value in the continued training of our employees. If you could expand your knowledge in any financial service area, which would you choose?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you would be willing to commit more time to expanding your financial services knowledge. If you were given the opportunity to expand your industry related training, which area would you choose?
1st Answer Example
"I really appreciate that Financial Ombudsman Service puts so much emphasis on the education of your employees. If I could choose to further my education in any area of financial services, I would choose to learn more about hedge funds."
2nd Answer Example
"I take professional development very seriously and have attended a variety of courses this year including Financial Markets and Products, and Personal Financial Planning II. If I could take another, I would definitely choose to learn more about Personal Financial Planning but taking the Level III course."
23. The clients of a financial firm like Financial Ombudsman Service can display an arrange of emotions when they work with our Client Services team. How would you handle a situation where a client was very angry?
How to Answer
Whether due to a large amount of money lost on the market or a client feels they were ill-advised by an Advisor, your job as a Client Services Representative will at some point or another deal with a very angry client. For this answer, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you do what is necessary to stay calm and stay focused on finding a resolution. If possible, use a specific example of a time you had to do exactly this and explain how effective communication was critical in making the situation right for the client.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I've spent the last three years in customer service relations for a large insurance company. As you can imagine, a large majority of my customer interactions were with upset customers. I've been called names that I can't repeat here in this interview and my key to working through these situations was to remain calm and not take things personally. Like the financial world, the insurance business is a very life altering experience and a loss or damage to an item is very stressful. I tried to put myself in the customers shoes, see things from their perspective and do my best to ease their situation. In this role with Financial Ombudsman Service, these same skills would be vital for me to find solutions or the right person to talk to if needed."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"First and foremost, an active listening approach is the first step to lowering the tension from an angry customer. A couple of months ago, we had a very angry customer come onsite to complain about a defective product that cut his hand pretty badly. The customer came onsite to complain even before receiving emergency care, which was apparent that he needed. First, I let him release his anger and it was not a pretty sight. Then I calmly repeated back what he had said and then explained what our policy allowed me to do at that time. Looking back, my sincere approach and calm demeanor helped calm him down and later that day, my manager had a formal complaint sent to the manufacturer and we were assured that they'd be in contact with the customer."
24. If you were having an interaction with a client here at Financial Ombudsman Service and you weren't able to answer their question or solve their problem on your own, how would you handle that situation?
How to Answer
As the forward facing client services representative with Financial Ombudsman Service, you may be asked serious financial or market related questions that either don't know or aren't qualified to answer. In those situations, you will be expected to explain to the customer how that question will be answered and then deliver a timeline on when it can be answered. In the end, the customer wants to know the clear path to ease their mind and it will be your job to do just that.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role in Customer Service with Metropolis' largest automotive dealership, I frequently get asked questions that our sales, finance and service staff have to give the final stamp of approval on in answering customers questions. In these situations, I have a great amount of knowledge where I can prepare the customer for speaking with the right person while also ensuring them that the sales, finance or service staff will provide the final answer. Then, I work quickly to get them to the right person."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In a situation where I didn't know an answer, I would ensure the client that we have the right staff in place that would be able to help them quickly and efficiently. I would communicate to the customer what the next step would be and if that would be me putting them directly in contact with someone or me taking their contact information and having someone get back to them. In the end, setting the right course and timeline would be important for every customer when I faced this situation."
25. Are you familiar with any of the financial fraud detection software that is being used today?
How to Answer
With today's technology available utilizing artificial intelligence, sophisticated algorithms and real time learning techniques, Fraud Analysts have many software programs available at their fingertips to help do their jobs effectively and efficiently. For this question, be sure that you have a solid base of knowledge surrounding the features and benefits of the programs that are available and tell your interviewer which ones you have experience with. As you answer, be sure to let your interviewer know that you are open and able to learn any program required out of this position at Financial Ombudsman Service.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Over the last eight years working fraud prevention in the banking industry, I have worked on and attended many training seminars for programs like Q2, INETCO and bugurro and I have found myself to be very to learn and proficient in programs like these. Knowing that the difficult tasks of scouring through and patterning thousands of bank transactions per day can be solved with a program like these gives me a lot of confidence in my work to handle all of my other duties with confidence."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role as a Fraud Analyst in the online retail world, I work with a program called DetectR. I love that the program is cloud based and allows me to customize our parameters for fraud detection on the fly and allows me to chart notes within the program. Being very computer and software literate, you will find that I am able to learn any new programs in a short time and thrive within them if hired for this position here at Financial Ombudsman Service."
26. One huge philosophy that we believe in at Financial Ombudsman Service is professional development. How have you worked to develop yourself professionally throughout your career?
How to Answer
In an ever-changing field like financial services, Financial Ombudsman Service knows that professional growth and development is vital to them staying at the forefront of their industry. For this question, your interviewer is looking to ensure that your values surrounding professional development match the values of the company. Use this question as an opportunity for you to highlight the many ways that you grow and develop yourself to be the best that you can be in your career. Highlight any continuing education you have completed, any societies or groups that you belong to and any publications that you read on a regular basis that will prove to your interviewer that you aren't comfortable being stagnant in your career.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"I am a firm believer in being a life long learner in my work as a Data Analyst. As technology and times have changed over the course of time, I see it as very important to be learning and changing along with the times. Just over the past two years, the Data Fest and Data Summit national conferences and participation in these events on a yearly basis is super important to me to help me grow and develop."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In the financial field, I have to stay at the top of my game to compete with other advisors and keep clients happy and flourishing. To do this, I subscribe to and read many of the great publications that are out there. Some of my favorites include the Wall Street Journal, Money magazine and Forbes. I also subscribe to many others. As well, I am a member of NAIFA and I have attended the organization's Congressional Conference on a few occasions."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Upskilling
promoted through manager levels
mentor
asking for extra responsibility"
Jaymie's Feedback
27. Think back over your career up to today and tell me about the most difficult day on the job you encountered. What made the day difficult and how did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
We've all had our share of difficult days on the job and how we handle those days in particular can really make or break where our careers go in that position or with that company. Think of a particular day ahead of your interview that really outlines your ability to handle adversity and proves that you were able to handle it with grace rather than turning your uniform in and heading home for the day. Another important piece of your answer should be discussing what lessons you learned from that particular day moving forward that you still carry with you to this day.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"It's funny that you ask this question because I can honestly say that my worst day on the job happened just a few short weeks ago. Upon arriving to work in the morning, I quickly learned that our entire network was down and we wouldn't be able to work within our CRM or other programs that day. Many of my coworkers were visibly upset and questioning how we would be able to do our jobs that day. Rather than joining the crowd and freaking out about the situation, I huddled our group together to talk about solutions to the workday after we found out that the network likely wouldn't be fully up and running until late afternoon. While some colleagues carelessly went home for the day, I helped brainstorm how we could keep our phone lines open and my boss was very grateful for my efforts that day. Looking back, what made this the most difficult for me was seeing how others responded so negatively over an issue that we had no control over."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 27th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Early in my career, I had a day where my entire office came down with the flu and I was left alone with the receptionist for the day. Being trained and working Financial Advisor, my colleagues also handled market analysis, retirement plans and insurance plans. At first, the receptionist and I went about our business. After being flooded with calls and in-person visits into our office, we connected again to talk about a plan moving forward. We discussed what types of calls she could handle and which ones I would handle and she triaged from there. I made contacted with my personal clients I had scheduled that day to reschedule and we worked well from there. If I couldn't answer a question for a client of one my colleagues, I ensured they knew that my colleague would follow up as soon as possible. Looking back, I learned that on days where you have to break routine like we did then that it was important to make a plan as early in the day as possible."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
new branch - impending risk review - on holiday
uncovering errors one after the other - green result"
Jaymie's Feedback
28. How can Financial Ombudsman Service motivate you on the job?
How to Answer
Every employer should know how each of their employees is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you are best motivated on the job.
1st Answer Example
"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard, and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."
2nd Answer Example
"I am a natural salesperson, so the best way to motivate me is through performance incentives. In my current position, I have been in the president's club for the past three consecutive years. I am highly motivated by the vacation that I am awarded annually."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
words of recognition
development opportunities
healthy competition"
Jaymie's Feedback