Tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with senior managers or team members.

Sample answer to the question

I had a great experience collaborating with senior managers on a project at my previous company. We were working on developing a new investment strategy for a client. I was responsible for conducting research and analyzing financial data to inform our investment decisions. I regularly met with the senior managers to share my findings and get their feedback. We would brainstorm ideas, discuss potential risks, and assess the feasibility of different strategies. Through this collaboration, we were able to develop a comprehensive investment plan that aligned with the client's financial goals and risk tolerance. It was a rewarding experience to work with senior managers who had extensive knowledge and experience in asset management. I learned a lot from their expertise and it helped me enhance my analytical thinking and decision-making skills.

A more solid answer

One particular instance where I collaborated with senior managers was when we were working on developing an investment strategy for a client's portfolio. As a junior asset manager, I was tasked with conducting in-depth market research and analyzing financial data to identify potential investment opportunities. Throughout the project, I actively collaborated with the senior managers in regular meetings to discuss my findings and gather their insights. Their extensive knowledge and experience in asset management helped me gain valuable perspectives and refine my analysis. Together, we evaluated different investment options and considered various risk factors to develop a well-rounded strategy. Our collaboration resulted in a comprehensive investment plan that effectively balanced the client's financial goals and risk tolerance. Through this experience, I further developed my analytical thinking and decision-making skills while delivering exceptional client service.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about the project, the candidate's role, and the outcomes achieved. It highlights the candidate's active involvement in collaborating with senior managers and the impact it had on their skills development and client service. However, it could still be improved by providing more specific examples of how the collaboration improved the candidate's analytical thinking and decision-making skills.

An exceptional answer

During my time as a junior asset manager, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with senior managers on a high-profile project involving the development of an alternative investment strategy. We were tasked with creating a diversified portfolio that would provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our client. To achieve this, we needed to thoroughly analyze various investment opportunities that spanned different asset classes. I played a key role in researching and evaluating these opportunities, and I regularly collaborated with senior managers to discuss my findings. Their guidance and expertise were invaluable in helping me refine my analysis and make informed investment recommendations. Through our collaborative effort, we were able to design a comprehensive investment strategy that not only aligned with the client's financial goals but also capitalized on market trends and opportunities. This successful collaboration strengthened my analytical thinking, decision-making, and attention to detail. It also enhanced my ability to manage complex projects and work effectively with senior stakeholders.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed account of the project, highlighting its complexity and the candidate's significant contribution. It emphasizes how the collaboration with senior managers enhanced the candidate's skills, including analytical thinking, decision-making, and attention to detail. The answer also mentions the candidate's ability to effectively manage complex projects and work with senior stakeholders, demonstrating their strong time management and interpersonal skills.

How to prepare for this question

Research the company's approach to collaborative decision-making and senior management involvement. Understand their expectations and preferred communication style.
Reflect on past experiences where you successfully collaborated with senior managers or team members. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively in such environments.
Identify the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description that are relevant to collaboration, such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and client service orientation. Think about how you have demonstrated these skills in previous collaborations.
Practice describing the outcomes and impact of your collaborative efforts. Be prepared to discuss how your contributions positively influenced results and/or improved processes.
Consider any challenges or conflicts you encountered during collaborative projects and think about how you effectively resolved them. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills in a collaborative context.

What interviewers are evaluating

Collaboration with senior managers
Analytical thinking
Decision-making