Practice 25 Vanguard interview questions covering client-centric values, investment philosophy, and fiduciary responsibility.
Question 2 of 25
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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Your interviewer is interested in learning more about the conditions you departed your job, and whether you were laid off, fired, or voluntarily quit. They are also curious about your reasons for doing so, the context you present in your messaging, and your attitude toward your prior work experience. This should inform them of whether you are grateful for what you learned and built positive relationships with your previous teams, or whether you burned your bridges, prefer not to look back, and are hoping the grass is greener on the other side. The attitude you present will allow them to imagine what you would bring with you and repeat in this position.
Vanguard prides itself on having no conflicting loyalties, advertising that it is owned by its funds, which in turn are owned by its shareholders. "For us, investing doesn't just end in value, it begins with values. Care, clarity and courage drive our actions with our clients and our crew. From the advice we offer to the insights we uncover, we put character first. We're focused on the success of our crew. Because you're part of something that's bigger than one person or one company; you're part of change. You can take time to mentor a new colleague. Make a difference every day, to clients looking forward to retirement and to crew members looking for innovative ways of working or looking to develop their expertise and skills. If you have the drive to shine, we have the resources to unlock your impact."
"I felt like I was starting to tread water at my current company. I am very grateful for all I learned there, but the company's priorities have been more about generating revenue and less about the client. So, even though I generated a lot of capital for the company, I have increasingly been desiring something more rewarding. Now, I've always been a great admirer of Vanguard's model, putting our owners first, always prioritizing the needs of the client, and really doing what is best for them. It seems like the kind of company I would feel proud to say I worked for. So, that's what I want. More opportunity for long-term career growth in a culturally rewarding environment."
Vanguard's recruiters advise that you should have a clear understanding of why you want this role. They offer the following tips in their careers blog article, "How To Prepare For A Vanguard Interview," for when you are asked why you are interested in the role you're applying for. "Tailor your answer to what specifically led you here, the role had growth opportunities, the culture was appealing, or you have a passion for doing the right thing for clients. And it's best to not simply read from the website, make your answer personal. Consider what made you click the "Apply" button - do you have a friend who works at Vanguard and their experience sounded attractive? Do our values match with yours? Take your answer beyond, "I need a job" by telling a story."
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Written by Kevin Downey
25 Questions & Answers • Vanguard

By Kevin

By Kevin