32 Scotiabank Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Scotiabank 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.
Table of Contents
- 1. Adaptability Questions
- 2. Ask The Interviewer Questions
- 3. Behavioral Questions
- 4. Career Goals Questions
- 5. Communication Questions
- 6. Competency Questions
- 7. Customer Service Questions
- 8. Direct Questions
- 9. Leadership Questions
- 10. Salary Questions
- 11. Stress Questions
- 12. Teamwork Questions
- 13. Technical Questions
Adaptability
1. If hired to this role here at Scotiabank, what do you see as one initial hurdle you will have to overcome in your first weeks on the job?
How to Answer
Your interviewer wants to know that you will proactively respond to challenges right off the bat and fit in well with Scotiabank's hardworking team. Further, your interviewer wants to ensure you have the formal training needed to be successful on the job or if you'll need support to fill in training gaps. While being honest about potential challenges you might encounter during your onboarding, emphasize your plan of attack for dealing with any hurdles. If you can think of an example off the top of your head, share with your interviewer an example of when you were confronted with a challenge at a new job and how you responded to this adversity.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
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 leaping to a different industry. My five years of experience out of college have been focused on capital markets. Still, I feel that I've built a solid knowledge base to transition into a role focused on wealth management at Scotiabank. If given the opportunity to join your team, my initial focus would be to jump right into learning all I can about the wealth management team."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Understanding that my role here at Scotiabank 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."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Adaptability
2. How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our team at Scotiabank?
How to Answer
While hiring managers understand that you will need some time to get up to speed in your role, convey to your interviewer that you're ready to hit the ground running on day one. Scotiabank has a high-profile reputation to maintain and wants to ensure that its employees will only improve the company and add to its bottom line. As such, hiring managers are looking to hire the best of the best to maintain a positive company reputation. With an abundance of qualified candidates looking to enter the financial services industry, hiring managers want employees who will be productive in their roles right away and won't need excessive training.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I plan to make an impact as soon as possible at Scotiabank. I've already researched this position and have all the requisite skills outlined in the position description and proficiency in other relevant skills that I think would be useful in developing the (XYZ) project at Scotiabank. As you can tell, I'm incredibly eager to get started, why is why I have created a 90-day impact plan that I would like to share with you. After that, I'm interested in hearing from you about if there are any additional actions that I haven't included that I could take in the first week to be successful in this role."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Ask The Interviewer
3. Do you have any questions about this job or working for Scotiabank?
How to Answer
Remember, it's not a badge of honor to say that you have no questions. Many candidates feel that by saying they do not have questions, they are showing that they have researched the job and fully comprehend the requirements. Don't fall into that trap. One of the biggest interview mistakes you can make is not having any relevant questions prepared.
By asking an insightful question, you are showing the interviewer full engagement and interest. Be sure that your queries are not mundane or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a question that is easily answered by simple research. Dig a bit deeper and ask questions related to the company's goals, your interviewer's favorite part about working for Scotiabank, upcoming changes in the industry, or see if you need to clarify anything from your resume.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"While I've already shared with you the 90-day plan that I've drawn up to ensure that I'll hit the ground running, I'm curious to learn more from you about if there are any steps in particular that you think I could take to be successful in this role. Are there any specific actions not encompassed by the position description that you think are important?"
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Thank you for asking! What do you see as the biggest challenge Scotiabank will be facing in the next 12 months?"
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Behavioral
4. Tell me about a time where you had to analyze information in order to make a recommendation.
How to Answer
Your interviewer is looking to get a sense of the analytical and problem-solving skills you've developed in past roles and how you would apply these skills to a new role at Scotiabank. In your answer, focus on describing your attention to detail and sharp focus on data and statistics. Include an example that demonstrates your thought process when drawing conclusions from information. Give as much insight into your process to show you are capable of taking an analytical approach to problem-solving.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I worked for a financial advisory firm last year and had a client who was looking for investment recommendations. I gathered data on the stocks they were interested in, sorting through trends and historical data to determine the most promising returns. Using in-house software, I plugged in various variables related to the client's age, target retirement, and risk tolerance, among others. I shared the various possible outcomes with my client, which allowed me to make a well-informed recommendation about the best stock options to meet his financial goals."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Behavioral
5. At Scotiabank, we expect our team members to incorporate risk management practices into their work. How have you performed risk mitigation and risk avoidance practices in your previous roles?
How to Answer
The financial field is often posed with significant risks, and financial professionals must always factor potential risks into the equation of any project they work on. To get a better idea of how you will do this if hired at Scotiabank, your interview is giving you a chance to talk about your knowledge of risk and how you have worked with risk mitigation and risk avoidance in your previous positions. If new to the financial services field, it is important to show that you know that common risks can be systematic, operational, legal, and credit-related.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, my experiences come from the software and manufacturing industries where common risks were associated with systematic and operational faults. Similar to the finance industry, I also have experience in helping mitigate legal risk. In my current role, I mitigate legal risk by working with a team of legal experts to know the laws and then develop a series of what-if questions to propose potential scenarios. Based on the what-if scenarios, we can implement specific requirements into the project to help minimize potential risk."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"From an early point in my career as a Business Analyst, I learned that a solid analysis process is the key to reducing any risk in a project. Two areas that apply the most are scope creep and impact analysis. To reduce scope creep and avoid any risks associate with it, I ensure that all stakeholders understand the scope of the project from the start and that I check in to validate the requirements as frequently as I can."
Behavioral
6. Describe a time you had to deal with adversity while in a leadership position.
How to Answer
It's not easy serving in a leadership position, and Scotiabank wants to know that you can handle the stress that comes with it. As you brainstorm leadership experiences that you can point to during your interview, include challenges that you faced along the way. These challenges might have to do with pushback you received from colleagues, having to deliver unpopular news, or something completely different. Above all, demonstrate tolerance for adversity and emphasize the strategies you've developed to push through challenging situations while serving as a leader.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"A while back, I managed a team of ten individuals within our client services department. I learned quickly that there was quite a bit of animosity on the team, particularly between two team members who did not get along. This made it quite difficult to make progress on projects and also made for a hostile team environment. While this was a tough team to lead, I handled this challenge by meeting more regularly with each team member. As a leader, I place a high value on open communication, so I directly asked team members about the root causes of the various conflicts. From there, we developed strategies that sought to fix these challenges. Further, I strategically created smaller teams within the overall team for particular projects to ensure that team members worked in a pleasant environment suited to their professional strengths. After a few months, the team was running much more smoothly and with far less conflict."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Behavioral
7. Tell me about a time you faced uncertainty. How did you handle it?
How to Answer
Ambiguity is an inevitable part of most jobs, and especially those within financial services. Your interviewer wants to know that you are comfortable with uncertainty and can use solid logical reasoning skills to find the best path forward. While some employers are OK with answering every little question you might have, know that most places don't want to have to hold your hand through every project. Using an experience as an example, demonstrate your ability to run with a situation even if you don't have each piece of the puzzle.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I think that uncertainty keeps the job exciting, so I can assure you I'm comfortable not having every piece of information. Working for a tech startup a few years ago, each day presented new challenges and uncertainties that we had to tackle. Our first time onboarding a new client was particularly challenging, as we didn't already have precedents in place. I handled this uncertainty through diligent preparation in the weeks leading up to our kick-off call. I did extensive research on the client, made sure I was comfortable with our project management tools, and created various contingency plans. Overall, onboarding went great, and we developed a close relationship with this client filled with productive work together. Even though they were our first client and we had no blueprint to follow, I approached the situation by listening closely to the clients' pain points and developing subsequent deliverables to address each one."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As I'm sure you and your team are well aware, last year was a particularly volatile one for the market. As a result, I dealt with uncertainty daily. Over time, I became quite comfortable with this uncertainty and communicated it effectively to my clients. I found that regular communication and well-thought-out plans for varying scenarios were the best way to deal with uncertainty. Further, I became comfortable with changing the course of action at a moment's notice depending on a client's risk tolerance and financial goals."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Behavioral
8. How do you react to setbacks in the market?
How to Answer
Working in finance can be a bumpy ride as the market ebbs and flows and financial regulations shift. For this reason, the interviewer at Scotiabank would like to know that you can handle the ups and downs of the industry. Be prepared to discuss how you respond to setbacks and maintain a sense of calm and direction amidst a potentially volatile market.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"As a commission-driven financial advisor, I am competitive with myself, my past performance, and hyper-targeted when it comes to achieving my goals. I become internally frustrated when I do not meet my goals or a 'done deal' with a client falls through. When this happens, I do a rundown of what I could have done differently, trying to pinpoint where things could have gone wrong. I aim to learn from the situation so that it doesn't hold me back again."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I allow myself a moment to be frustrated when a setback occurs, but never in front of a client or colleague. I am very good at keeping my cool and maintaining positive energy. I've lost clients before, from what I perceived to be closed business, and it sometimes hurts, especially financially; however, I never let a situation like that hold me back. Setbacks fuel me to work even harder the second time around."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Behavioral
9. Discuss how you approach explaining complex ideas in simple terms.
How to Answer
A crucial part of customer service is ensuring that you can make complex information digestible for your clients. After all, that's why clients hire professionals as the expert! Your interviewer wants to hear that you have developed solid strategies to translate financial or business jargon into easy-to-understand terms for clients whose knowledge is likely less specialized in these areas. In your answer, describe your communication style and, if you can, provide an example of a time you explained a complex idea in simple terms with good results.
Remember, this skill also translates to interpersonal work on a team. Your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and impacts how well you work with others.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I strive for a straightforward and concise communication style with clients and colleagues. As a financial advisor, I focused on listening to my clients and their most pressing financial needs and goals in my previous work. I made an effort to echo their language and avoid esoteric ideas that I knew wouldn't be relevant to what they needed to hear. Above all, I ensure that my tone is never patronizing towards clients or colleagues. I often learn something new from those who I work with and place great value on hearing their input."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"To communicate effectively, I strive to convey the essence of an idea in simple terms rather than deep-diving into the details of more technical matters. I've found this to be an important component of humility within the industry. Furthermore, If I'm having trouble explaining a new concept in simple terminology, I've found that it usually means that I have more research to do myself. I place incredible value on continuous learning within the industry via publications, newsletters, podcasts, and conferences. Keeping myself educated allows me to explain complicated ideas in a way that makes sense to people outside of the industry."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Career Goals
10. We are looking for the most motivated individuals to join the team here at Scotiabank. Where would you like your career to take you in the next five to ten years?
How to Answer
This common interview question put you in a tough spot. You need to discuss your ultimate career goals while also balancing the needs of the position you are interviewing for and the needs of Scotiabank. Be honest about your future steps while also keeping in mind Scotiabank's investment in hiring and training you.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Now that I am to the midway point of my career, I am looking for my next move to be my final move in finding my work home until I retire. As a successful Financial Advisor today, I want to continue to grow my skills in advising clients on retirement and private wealth management, and it sounds like I'll have that opportunity here at Scotiabank. As I continue to grow in my skills and prove my worth to you, a long-term career goal is to be in management where I could oversee the work of Junior Advisors and mentor them towards success."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"A career in risk analysis has been a dream for some time, and this opportunity with Scotiabank is my dream job. If hired here, my goal for the next five to ten years would be to continue to hone my skills and help the department's work to a point where it is growing and becoming more effective. Down the road, I'm really in a position to be an open book when it comes to where my career with Scotiabank would go from there."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Communication
11. At Scotiabank, we expect those in client-facing roles to be available to speak with clients in person, over the phone and through email. What are your experiences in working with clients through different communication methods?
How to Answer
Flexible customer interaction is the name of the game at Scotiabank as they rely on excellent customer service to retain and grow their client base across the world. For this question, your interviewer is looking to get a sense of how you use your communication skills to your advantage in your work and how those skills will benefit Scotiabank. As you discuss the solid communication skills and methods you've developed over the years, emphasize that you thrive in client interactions and have the ability to be both persuasive and trusted as a resource.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Looking back on my career, I can honestly say that success as an advisor is due to my passion for finance and my serving customers. Being a people person at heart, I love working with clients in any way possible. My communication style with clients is to get to personally know them so I can relate my advising to them personally. While I prefer to interact with my clients face-to-face, I also have a lot of experience communicating both over the phone and email as well."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I have taken advanced training courses in public speaking and written communication to help further me in this career field. In my early days in finance and making a move to financial advising, communication skills were the area that needed the most professional development. Today, I am confident in my ability to work one-on-one with clients directly in person, over the phone, or through email and have experience handling clients in all three ways. In my current role, I'd estimate that over 50% of my interactions are through email, with the remaining interactions split between face-to-face meetings and phone calls."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Communication
12. Do you have experience preparing and delivering presentations?
How to Answer
Part of what you're expected to do at Scotiabank may be planning, preparing, and delivering presentations to clients or other stakeholders. As most of us know, public speaking can be intimidating. It's natural to feel some nerves, but the interviewer wants to see that these nerves do not get in the way of your preparation and ability to communicate well.
If applicable, discuss any courses or training you have taken related to public speaking and presentations, or explain the informal experience in this capacity. Assure the interviewer that you are capable by reviewing times when you successfully prepared and gave presentations to a group of people.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I regularly present to my clients and my team of twenty advisors. To help me gain confidence as a speaker and presenter, I became a Toastmasters member two years ago. Since joining, I have taken courses such as 'The Better Speaker' series, 'Beginning Your Speech,' and 'Concluding Your Speech.' I also have training in PowerPoint, Prezi, and Keynote, ensuring that my presentations are visually engaging."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"The bulk of my presentation experience comes from my time in university, where I prepared a variety of speeches and decks. I am a confident public speaker and presented to a group of my peers without any issues. I look forward to gaining even more experience in preparing and delivering professional presentations for clients and internal stakeholders."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Competency
13. What are the top 3 skills you have acquired in your last role?
How to Answer
You have likely gained many valuable skills in your career, and your interviewer wants to hear about the skills that will be most relevant to a role at Scotiabank. Before the interview, make a list of the best skills you have developed in your most recent role. Make sure to include both hard and soft skills, then reflect on which are most relevant to this role and provide the best examples to share with your interviewer.
Keep in mind that Scotiabank's values are respect, integrity, accountability, and passion. Bonus points if you can relate the skills you've developed in your professional life to Scotiabanks's mission and values.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In the past few years, I was able to upgrade my education while still working full-time. The biggest skill I gained was my ability to multi-task as I worked the dual role of employee and student. I worked incredibly hard to balance these responsibilities and would bring this motivation to the role of an analyst. I also pride myself on my curiosity. Expanding the breadth of my knowledge is important to me, and I did that academically. My curiosity itself is a motivator for me, and my attitude toward learning keeps me humble and hungry. As for a third skill, I would say that I'm personable. I've always been a people person and work well with others. At my current job, I work with a team of six people. We've developed a top-notch strategy for communicating and divvying up tasks."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"There are many skills I gained in my most recent position as I underwent a fantastic training program and worked with strong mentors. If I had to choose three top skills, I would say effective multitasking, solid closing skills, and accountability. I take my commitments to clients and my colleagues very seriously, and as such, always follow through on my word. I understand that integrity and accountability are an important part of Scotiabank's mission., and I feel confident in my ability to deliver on those traits."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Competency
14. Analytical skills are critical to success in this role at Scotiabank. In which ways are you analytically minded?
How to Answer
Scotiabank looks for team members who can provide logical answers to clients' most important questions. There are many ways to show your analytical thinking. Perhaps you are great with research or investigating a problem. Maybe you take clear and logical steps in everything that you do. Or, you show a methodical and clear-cut approach to reaching your goals and completing tasks. Be prepared with examples to discuss how you are analytically minded and how this strength makes you an exceptional professional in the financial industry.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"As a financial advisor, I use my analytical skills when detecting patterns in financial trends, observing and interpreting data, theorizing on where the market is going, or brainstorming ideas for my clients when their decisions depend on multiple market factors. I take pride in my analytical abilities because they help me to do my job exceptionally well while also benefitting my clients greatly."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Given my university experience, I think of my analytical skills as one of my strong suits as a finance professional. As a computer science and finance double major, I regularly engaged in projects that allowed me to gather and organize data, perform various analyses to draw conclusions, and finally communicate how these data-informed trends would impact solutions to the project. I was a le to learn R, Python, and MatLab to aid in this process. As a result, I consider myself to be an analytical and logical thinker, which I think will be helpful in working with clients to make well-thought-out and data-informed financial decisions."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Competency
15. In this role with Scotiabank, you will be expected to be the expert on changes in financial regulations that impact our business. How do you keep yourself up to speed on these changes currently?
How to Answer
In a rapidly changing field like finance, you are expected to keep up with industry changes at the snap of a finger. Demonstrate to your interviewer that you keep up with the industry through membership in industry-relevant groups or publications. You should have a reliable news outlet that you rely on for industry news, which you can mention to your interviewer.
If possible, give an example of a time where you made a decision or helped your team change the direction of a project due to a last-minute regulatory change. Overall, convey that you are on top of the industry and can speak intelligently on regulatory changes, especially if you will be in a client-facing role on Scotiabank's behalf.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I have been a CFA member for over five years now, and I look forward to the quarterly CFA Digest publication, the CFA Magazine, and their news brief email that comes out daily. I find these are great resources that cover things ranging from daily news that impacts work to very big-picture studies and findings as published in the digest. If hired for this role, I would continue to be an active CFA member and utilize their resources for my work. In addition, I begin each morning with the business section of the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and Forbes. Are there additional publications that you think are important to follow in this role at Scotiabank?"
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As a risk professional, I have been a member of the Global Association of Risk Professionals for many years. I have been certified by the Association for Financial Risk Management, and I try to attend their national conference every year to network and learn from other professionals. The FRM group has enabled me to keep on the forefront of changes in the financial management that impacts risk on an almost daily basis, and the group helps me live and breathe financial risk every day."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Customer Service
16. The clients of a financial firm like Scotiabank can display an arrange of emotions when they work with our client-facing teams. 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 in a client-facing role will at some point or another deal with an irate client. For this answer, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you do what is necessary to stay calm and focused on finding a resolution. If possible, use a specific example of a time you had to do exactly this and explain how critical communication was to make the situation right for the client.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
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 life-altering experience, and a loss or damage to an item is very stressful. I tried to put myself in the customer's shoes, see things from their perspective, and do my best to ease their situation. In this role with Scotiabank, these same skills would be vital for me to find solutions or the right person to talk to if needed."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
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."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Customer Service
17. Our clients here at Scotiabank expect top-tier service and products, and we will expect you to provide 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
Scotiabank looks to set themselves apart from their competition by delivering top-notch service. No matter what role you would take on with Scotiabank, a solid understanding of the gold standards of customer service is paramount. If your experience in customer service is limited, spend some time researching the most important rules of customer service within the financial services industry. Remember: show, don't tell. Use a specific example if you have one, and discuss the tangible outcomes that resulted from the actions that you took.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
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 simply looking it up, telling her it was discontinued, and having her be on her way. I took down the customer's contact information and let her know that I could contact our person who handled archived products. If we could track it down, I would be in touch. With a simple phone call, my colleague could 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 ecstatic. 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 Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
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 an 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 his extended stay. Prior to him leaving, his manager reached out to thank me for the great service!"
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Customer Service
18. At Scotiabank, our clients are the lifeblood of our business and we do everything in our power to make them happy. What does the term customer service mean to you in your work?
How to Answer
Scotiabank's number one pillar as a company is 'Customer first.' No matter what position you are interviewing for at Scotiabank, your interviewer is looking to hear what customer service means to you in your work and how you apply that philosophy in your everyday work life. Your interviewer wants to hear that your experience and approach to working with customers will align with Scotiabank's client-centric business model. Whether you discuss problem-solving or making people happy, this should be reflected in any examples that you give.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"A pursuit of a career in the financial field really suited my two passions in life of mathematics and problem solving. In this role, helping clients solve problems in an efficient manner and with a smile on my face would be all the motivation I needed to succeed. At the end of the day, if I see that my work helped a client grow their wealth and achieve their financial goals, I know that it was a job well done."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As a people person by nature, I have an innate ability to do what is needed to give customers the best experience possible when I'm working with them. This means that I reflectively listen to their needs and concerns and do what is necessary to help them based on what I heard. In my interactions with customers, I am positive, pleasant and nurturing by nature and I've found that customers are very receptive to my style off communication with them. If hired for this role at Scotiabank, you'll quickly find that dedicated customer service is one of top qualities that I will bring to you team."
Customer Service
19. Scotiabank strives for client loyalty to keep us running strong into the future. What do you feel are the keys to retaining clients for the long haul?
How to Answer
Client retention within the financial services industry is an important part of running a strong business and is especially important to Scotiabank as a client-centric firm. Scotiabank takes its responsibility towards its clients very seriously; with just one slip up, a high-profile client can easily take their business to a competitor. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you understand your role in the customer retention equation. Make sure to hit on the point that doing the small things -- like prompt communication and follow-up -- goes a long way towards keeping clients happy.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I learned a few very important things from a senior mentor early in my career that I still hold near and dear to my heart to this day. First, clients expect me to be responsive to their needs to ensure that they keep their business with me. Because of this, I return phone calls and emails as soon as I can, even if that means in the evening, the early morning, or on a Sunday afternoon. These small actions go a long way in showing my clients that I care. Another key to the success of my long-term clients is my ability to set and manage expectations for them. Clients desire to have a plan and know what that plan entails and I pride myself on my ability to work with them to set goals and a plan to achieve those goals."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Having lost clients in the past that went to another firm, I take that pain personally and do everything I can do to ensure long-lasting relationships with my clients. For me, the first key to long-term success with my clients is a proactive approach. I don't wait for clients to get in touch with me to make changes to their portfolio, I reach out to them. This action alone shows my clients that I am working for their best interests. Another action I take that shows my worth to my clients is goal tracking and quarterly progress reports that I send out to them. This is particularly helpful for clients that are working with me in their first two years."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Customer Service
20. Discuss a time that you worked a client through a difficult financial situation. What were the keys to making it a success for the client?
How to Answer
Your interviewer is posing this question to get a better sense of your interpersonal skills and ability to effectively manage clients through the ups and downs of their finances. Point to concrete steps you took and discuss one or two traits you have developed over the years that allow you to effectively manage a challenging situation for a client. In your answer, be sure to explain the importance of an empathetic approach with your clients and how that approach helps them get through a difficult time.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"During the recession in 2008, I had a very large client call to request that all of his funds be pulled out of the stock market. Knowing that this move was a poor strategy, I called him to have a conversation. With an active listening approach, I repeated back what he had told me, and I reiterated that he wanted to sell them at a low price and hopefully buy them back down the road at a high price. This made the client pause and think, which gave me the opportunity to talk about the market history and the odds that his stock prices would rebound over time. He decided to keep his funds in the market at the time, and a few years down the road, he called to personally thank me for the sound advice. The fact that I took a personal approach while educating him in the process to make his own decision was the definite key to success in this situation."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Sometimes in this field, difficult conversations have to be had with clients. When I need to have these conversations, I use a personal and empathetic approach. I worked with a client that wasn't meeting her personal retirement goal to be done working at age 62. At the point we were working together, she was 55 years old. After an assessment of her finances, we worked together to create an in-depth plan and budget that would allow her to put enough away in the coming years to meet her retirement goals. After working with her to sell various equities she had and rearrange her spending priorities, she was able to retire at 62 with plenty saved."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Direct
21. What is the most attractive thing in your eyes about this role with Scotiabank?
How to Answer
For this question, your interviewer is looking to gain insight into what you know and like about Scotiabank and how they will be able to help you meet your career goals. In your answer, remain focused on the alignment of your values with the organization's values, and demonstrate that you've done your research on Scotiabank and the job you are interviewing for.
Make sure you've spent time reading and reflecting on Scotiabank's mission and organizational pillars. Think about what is most attractive about their mission or culture and how that aligns with your values and goals.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Over the past few years, I've had an eye on pursuing a career with Scotiabank because of its reputation for having a great company culture. In my current position as an analyst at (XYZ) company, we've partnered with Scotiabank analysts for work on the (XYZ) project. My team and I greatly admire and enjoy working with the Scotiabank analysts because they are motivated and easy to work with. I've had conversations with a few of them on their appreciation for your collaborative company culture and work-life balance, both of which are priorities for me in this next career step."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As I enter the midway point of my career, my job search has been focused on finding an employer that I can spend the rest of my career with and someday retire from. Looking at the history, culture, and growth of Scotiabank, this is a place that I'd love to be a part of as you continue to grow and prosper into the future."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Direct
22. What is your greatest strength as a finance professional?
How to Answer
Demonstrate your self-awareness by pointing out a strength that you've honed over the years. Ideally, you'll discuss a skill that is directly relevant to the role to which you're applying. Having a tangible example will strengthen your answer.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My colleagues often comment on my communication skills. They appreciate that I'm true to my word and follow up with any questions if I'm not sure about something. I'm not afraid to ask clarifying questions and discuss next steps and deadlines to make sure everyone is on the same page."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I have been told by previous supervisors that I take the initiative in my work. I proactively work to sort out problems when they arise and work effectively in a team when necessary to fix an issue. During an end-of-year review with my boss last year, she commented on how much she appreciates the initiative and leadership I show when a stressful situation pops up."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Direct
23. What is your greatest weakness as a finance professional?
How to Answer
This common interview question is an opportunity to demonstrate self-insight. Give an honest answer with a real weakness you have been focusing on and what plan you've put into place to work on it. Just make sure the weakness isn't a core competency of the Scotiabank job description. If it's an analyst role, revealing 'logical reasoning skills' as a weakness likely won't get you far. Reflect on traits you want to work on, but that won't affect overall job success.
Honesty and self-awareness are key for this question. Interviewers have heard it all and will see through phony attempts to present a trait as a weakness when it's not really a weakness.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I've been working on finding my voice when meeting with upper-level management. While I know the ideas I bring to the table are valuable, I've always been on the more introverted side and therefore have been working on feeling more confident with pitching ideas in these meetings. This has been my primary area of focus for improvement in the last few months, and one of my colleagues even recently commented that he had noticed a difference in the frequency of my contributions."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I take a lot of pride in the work I do and often struggle to delegate tasks to other members of my team. Even though I trust my coworkers and know what fantastic work they do, I've gotten in the habit of seeing tasks through from start to finish. I got to a point where this was no longer feasible with the new responsibilities I had taken on, so I've been working on feeling more comfortable asking for help from my colleagues when I need it. While this weakness is still a work in progress for me, I've learned how important it is to communicate effectively with and rely on my team."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Direct
24. Tell me what you know about Scotiabank.
How to Answer
Ensure that you've done your homework beforehand and can speak confidently about Scotiabank's history, mission, and products. Interviewers can easily see if you've done adequate research and preparation before the interview or if you know next to nothing about the company. Make sure you become familiar with Scotiabank's website and secondary sources that provide useful information on the company. In addition, if you're already connected to an employee of Scotiabank, reach out prior to the interview to have a quick coffee chat about their role and experience with Scotiabank. You don't need to be an expert, but you should be well-versed in Scotiabank's products and services and what will be required of you in this role.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I know that Scotiabank is headquartered in Canada but has a strong global presence across the Americas as a top 5 global bank. Scotiabank's services are comprehensive, from commercial and corporate banking to wealth management to IB and capital markets. I'm drawn to your company's pillars of putting the customer first, having a strong team-based atmosphere, and maintaining your position as a banking leader in the Americas. I'm excited to contribute to the meaningful work on Scotiabank's (XYZ) team. What I'm curious to learn more about from you are the most important initiatives happening now within your team at Scotiabank, if you're able to share."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Direct
25. How do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
How to Answer
It's a straightforward question. The interviewer wants to get a better sense of your self-awareness about how others perceive you. Give an honest answer that relates to the work that this role requires.
Here are a few keywords to get you started brainstorming:
- Encouraging
- Caring
- Knowledgeable
- Reliable
- Focused
- Honest
- Assertive
- Tenacious
- Motivated
- Ambitious
- Conscientious
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"My coworkers have told me that I'm a good listener and easy to collaborate with on projects. I believe that communication is key to success within any work project or relationship, which is why I've honed my listening abilities and assertiveness over the years. Coworkers have also described me as driven and motivated. I tackle projects head-on and set lofty but attainable goals for myself."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Leadership
26. Here at Scotiabank, 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, reflect on your leadership style and skills you have developed over the years. Regardless of which role you're applying to, your interviewer wants to hear that you have taken on leadership responsibilities in previous roles and have the capacity to grow with Scotiabank. Your answer can also touch on how these traits would fit into Scotiabank's key pillar of fostering 'purpose-driven' and 'winning team.'
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My overall management style centers on building a positive team atmosphere. I believe that each person and role brings a specific skill set to the overall goals and purpose of a team. As such, I promote a team-based atmosphere by clarifying 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. I'm drawn to the emphasis that Scotiabank has placed over the years on creating a great company culture centered on effective teams. If hired for this role at Scotiabank, you can be assured that I would bring this team-focused leadership style to the table for each project."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I think flexibility is crucial for a leader, which to me means being able to change the plan of attack as new variables arise. And I think it is vital to foster professional growth within my team. By knowing my team's strengths and being clear about our goals, we always meet our objectives."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Salary
27. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
Ah, the dreaded salary expectations question. Interviewees often feel uncomfortable discussing compensation, worried that will give a number that's too high or too low.
Answering this question tactfully requires a fine balance of knowing your professional worth, while also understanding what Scotiabank can realistically offer you for compensation. Rather than giving a specific number, it's best to provide a realistic range that allows room for negotiation. It's helpful to do your research beforehand using various online resources to ensure that you have a good idea of the salary range.
If you're unsure of a fair range for this position, this question is an opportunity for a discussion with the interviewer. To avoid pigeonholing yourself into a salary that's lower than what they might offer you, you can ask your interviewer if they can share the typical salary range for the role.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I'm looking for compensation that's in line with my qualifications and experience. Given my graduate degree and six years of experience at (XYZ) company, I'm seeking compensation in the range of $75,000 - 80,000."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Thanks for asking. I was hoping to get more information first about the salary range you're offering for this position. Would you be able to share that information with me?"
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Salary
28. What types of compensation structures have you worked under in the past and do you have any expectations for this role with Scotiabank?
How to Answer
Compensation for financial professionals can vary from a straight salary, straight commission, salary plus bonus, or a fee-only structure. You can speak openly and honestly to your interview about the types of compensation you have received throughout your career up to this point. Still, it is always important to research Scotiabank and its various pay structures by division. In the end, it is important to match your expectations with the compensation structure of Scotiabank.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In the current role that I have been in since graduating from college, I started on a base salary for three years guaranteed that also had a bonus structure tied in for performance. At the end of the three-year base salary period, I was moved to a straight commission and have been on that for almost five years now. While open to various structures, I find that I am most motivated to succeed within a commission and bonus structure."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As an experienced advisor that has spent time working with a large firm, a small independent firm, and being self-employed, I have worked on pretty much every pay structure possible for our profession. At the point that I am at in my career, a salary plus bonus structure is what I'm seeking during my job search. From what I understand about this position, the compensation you are offering falls within those parameters. Are you able to expand on the bonus structure so I have a better understanding of how it works?"
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Stress
29. We want our team at Scotiabank to be happy and healthy. How do you manage the day-to-day stress of a career in finance?
How to Answer
The daily stressors of a career in finance can be burdensome, overwhelming, and lead to burnout on the job. To get a sense that you can handle stress safely and healthily and be able to come to work each day with a clean slate, your interviewer is looking to see that you proactively manage stress. When answering, you can certainly talk about the things you do on the job to keep as stress-free as possible, but also be sure to talk about the things you do outside of work to avoid burnout. Point out that you have the resources and ability to care for yourself and stay at the top of your game on the job.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I consider myself excellent at handling stress. As a goal-oriented person, I find happiness in obtaining goals and consider any stress in pursuing a goal a necessary part of the process. I am a very active person who trains for marathons and spends a lot of time outdoors with my family outside of work. I find that these activities help clear my mind and prepare for a new week on the job."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"When I maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and spend as much time as possible outside of work with my children, any unnecessary work stresses are put on the back burner and often relieved immediately. I'm a firm believer in a healthy work-life balance, even though it can be very tough to do in our field. Having the ability to answer a client email or phone call during off-hours while unwinding has made our work lives better as well."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Teamwork
30. Do you prefer to work independently or with partners?
How to Answer
This teamwork-based question will give the interviewer an idea of your preferred work style. The way you answer this question will reveal to your interviewer a bit more about your personality and how you interact with others. You may work well without the need for much direction, or perhaps you are driven by a collaborative and team-focused environment. Either way, be honest with the interviewer about your preferences while demonstrating flexibility in your work style.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I understand that this role requires me to work both independently and with the partners and team at Scotiabank. I work independently around 75% of the time in my current role, and I do appreciate the autonomy. With that said, around 25% of the time, when I am collaborating with the team, I feel encouraged, challenged, and refreshed. It's great to have a balance of independence and teamwork."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Being newer to my career, the more I can learn from partners and teammates, the better I will become in my career. So, although I can certainly work on independent tasks, I do prefer at this time to have more interaction with others, giving me opportunities to learn."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Technical
31. Tell me about the systems and tools that you lean on to do your job.
How to Answer
If Scotiabank mentions any tools or tech in their job posting, be prepared to discuss your exposure to those during your interview. Perhaps they use specific software or programs to help analyze trends in the financial market. Talk to the interviewer about the tools you currently use and others you have used in the past. If you are new to your career, you can talk about any programs you used in university or during your internship. Be sure to show the interviewer that you are eager and willing to learn.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"First and foremost, I use my CRM all day long and rely heavily on it when it comes to my pipeline of business and existing client portfolio. I use Capsule because it's a CRM that allows me to share progress with my team, should we be working on larger investment accounts together. Aside from my CRM, I also use email marketing automation software, allowing me to keep my leads warm with an email funnel that I have automated. A new tool that I love is NestEgg Estimator, a Google app that takes my client's finances and breaks them down into income, taxes, assets, and debt, better helping me calculate their retirement needs. The app allows me to play out various scenarios, such as changes in job, expenses, and spending."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I have been teaching myself a few new tools in anticipation for my first job in wealth management. These tools include Salesforce CRM, where I have been taking their free webinars and tutorials. I have used YouTube channels to learn additional tech, such as Black Diamond, a cloud-based portfolio management platform. I understand that Black Diamond will help me with information aggregation, customizing reports, and other tasks required of me as a junior advisor."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
Technical
32. 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
Your interviewer is looking to hear that you have a solid grasp of various tools that make you more efficient in your work. If the position mentions specific programs needed for the role, ensure you're prepared to discuss the experience you have with these programs and how they help you do your job well. If the position description does not mention any specific software, demonstrate to your interviewer that you already have a solid repertoire of tools and are open to learning new skills.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
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 joins our team. I'm also fluent in the entire Microsoft suite of products and would consider myself an expert on Outlook, Excel, and Word."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021
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 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."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 27th, 2021