How to Answer: How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our team?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Financial Analyst job interview.
37. How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our team?
What You Need to Know
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Success must include two things: the development of an individual to his utmost potentiality and a contribution of some kind to one's world." Your world is the professional environment you'll be introduced to, and the development of your potentiality is being brought up to speed and learning the rules before even considering breaking them. So this question has much to do with what and how you would contribute.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 3rd, 2023
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most interviewers are taking the needs of the company, the department, and the teams you would be working with in equal consideration to protecting their reputation as a good judge of character and finding that top performer. So, they need to be sure that you will learn the systems they've put into place, what they do, and how and why they do them. This holds equal importance as building relationships and earning the trust of those you'll collaborate with. Only after you have accomplished this are you ready to accomplish more.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 3rd, 2023
Experienced Example
"Considering that I couldn't effectively collaborate with the team without first earning their trust and showing them who I am and what I have to offer, I would spend the time necessary to build relationships, learn the systems in place, and effectively onboard. But I would start taking notes on what I observed while onboarding and keep asking questions. I know myself well enough to know I the gears would start turning from day one, and I would start innovating and fine-tuning suggestions every step of the way. But I would answer my questions first and take all measures to ensure what I contribute would be worthy of the opportunity. In addition to my skills, I am a strong relationship builder. Not to mention, I plan to bring my existing portfolio and expand it by 15% this year. This should amount to a strong increase in clients for your firm within the first nine months of my onboarding."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 3rd, 2023