What sets Vanguard apart from our competitors?
In most cases, the questions you are asked in an interview directly relate to information that can easily be found on their website. A candidate who tells an interviewer what they think they want to hear shows them nothing about their work ethic. But someone who arrives at their interview prepared for each question shows them they have a strong work ethic. How you answer each question will help your interviewer distinguish how you stand apart from the other candidates in their talent community. "Candidates that know the basics about what we do will better demonstrate that they are interested in the role and company. "
Here are a few statements Vanguard offers intending to distinguish themselves from their competitors. "What sets us apart? Vanguard is different from other asset management firms. We're different by design, from our structure to our strategy. Vanguard set out in 1975 under a radical ownership structure that remains unique in the asset management industry. Our company is owned by its member funds, which in turn are owned by fund shareholders. With no outside owners to satisfy, we focus squarely on meeting the investment needs of our clients."
"The fact that there is truly no conflict of interest in the purpose and mission of the company is what sets you apart. Vanguard's values center around increasing the wealth of their customers, not the wealth of Vanguard. Other companies talk about conflict of interest in their code of ethical conduct, but Vanguard stands behind what they say and lives up to their words and their values through their actions. That's a company I could stand behind."
Vanguard's recruiters advise that you make sure you are familiar with everything that makes them unique. "You don't have to have deep knowledge of our strategy, but be familiar with our mission and the general purpose of our business. Job descriptions are a great place to start, but we also have videos, crew profiles, a LinkedIn page and other career search related websites."
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