The interview process at Deutsche Bank consists of:
Initial Online Numerical Test (20 minutes) First Interview – with one or two senior members from the relevant line of service (45 minutes) Final Round of Interviews – Three 30-minute one-on-one interviews with VPS from the division, preceded by another paper-base numerical test (30 -40 minutes)
First Assessment
Once your online application is completed you will be invited to take an online PSL Numerical Reasoning Test with 20 questions lasting 20 minutes, and provided by Kenexa. The test covers the following topics:
Percentages Ratios Exchange rates Graphical analyses (reading graphs & tables) General arithmetic
Note: Look very carefully at the axis of graphs and dates as it is likely they will be structured to confuse you Depending on the division applied for there may be a verbal component to as well. The results of this test are then considered in conjunction with your application, and you may then be invited for an interview.
First Interview
The interview will be a one-on-one interview with a vice president from the division to which have applied. Principally, it will be a discussion for your motivation for joining Deustche Bank, and the details on your application form. This interview is usually largely competency-based, however this will depend greatly on the interviewers, so you should prepare for all types of questions. See Interviews below. It is important that in your answers you display the qualities that Deutsche Bank values. These include innovation, agility, client focus, collaboration, passion, precision, conviction, trust, and performance. Carefully read Deutsche Bank’s mission statement for a clearer idea of their values. It is highly likely you will be asked “what does an investment bank do”? You will need to answer this question accurately and talk about the subject confidently, so make sure to research investment banking. It would be a good idea to discuss what Deutsche Bank does specifically, taking in to consideration:
Five core businesses Global markets Global banking Asset management Private wealth management Private and business clients
Written Numerical Test
Following a successful first interview, the numerical reasoning test may be 30-45 minutes long with 30-40 questions. It is multiple choice, however you will need to select from 8 possible answers. The test is considered to be easier than the standard SHL test, though more difficult than the initial online test. If you wish to use a calculator you must bring your own. Questions increase in difficulty as the test progresses, so it is important to proceed sequentially as there is significant time pressure.
Final Interviews
Consists of three 30-minute one-on-one interviews with vice presidents from the division to which you have applied. Successful applicants must gain approval from all three of the vice presidents. Each interview will likely have a different focus. At least one interview will likely be competency-based, focusing on situational decisions. For example, a typical question might be: ‘Your boss wants to do something a certain way, but you disagree. How do you go about convincing him?’. It is likely you will also be asked more general questions on teamwork, times when you had to motivate yourself to achieve a goal and your experiences of leadership/when you led a team in the past, amongst other questions. Another interview will be more technical, requiring you to answer questions about recent market activity. Brainteasers may also be involved. Finally, one other interview will be more general, requiring you to talk about your knowledge of DB, finance and why you want to work in this field. It is likely you will be asked about hobbies and interests outside of work. It is possible you will also be asked some further competency questions at this stage, although this interview should feel more relaxed. Want an advantage over other candidates in your investment banking interview? Check out the most comprehensive interview guide available and help yourself to get a great job in investment banking. Or download this free ebook on Interview Exercises, with tips on how to approach presentations, role-play and group exercises.
Interviews
Deustche Bank divides questions you will be asked on their website into three categories:
About yourself including competency based interview questions. About Deustche Bank About the investment banking industry
It is worth noting that although this is for the US recruiting arm of Deustche, you should be able to answer most of these questions competently.
Personal Questions
You can reasonably expect to be asked the following personal questions at interview:
Why do you want to work for Deutsche Bank? Why have you chosen the role you are applying for? What activities have you done in the past? Where have you worked? What kind of person are you? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you love and hate? What was the biggest decision you have made in your life?
Competency Questions
You may be asked some of these common competency questions:
You disagree with a superior about something, what do you do? You disagree with a team mate about something, what do you do? Tell me about a time when you have failed (Last 12 Months) Tell me about a time when you used your own creativity to solve a problem Tell me about a time when you’ve had to do something that you hated. Tell me about a time when you’ve worked under pressure.
About Deutsche Bank
You will need to make sure you show a clear understanding of Deustche Bank and the services it provides. Questions that you might be asked at interview include:
What countries do we operate in? How many divisions do we have? What divisions operate in the region you are interested in? What is our organisational structure? How does our business differ in Germany? Who are our senior managers? What are some of the more important/news worthy deals we just closed? Have you talked to any company representatives/current employees? What do recent Deutsche Bank Interns at your school have to say about us?
About the Banking Industry
An understanding of the terminology; fixed income, cash flow, bond, equity vs. debt Follow the large markets. We don’t expect you to know the exact percentage change of a specific stock but we do expect you to know the major trends in some of the large financial markets How would you go about valuing a certain company? Know who the major players are in the industry For roles in core functions such as human resources, technology and operations know why you would rather do this work in finance as opposed to another industry Your opinion on what is going to happen this year The effects of the credit crunch on Deutsche Bank/What should Deutsche Bank do?
General Tips
Make sure you know your CV/application form and provide consistent answers. Show that you understand what your role would entail and what makes you a good candidate. Be prepared to elaborate on any examples/topics you mention, as interviewers will likely probe these topics. Have a few questions prepared to demonstrate you’ve done some research and want more information. DB strongly recommends reading their Annual Report to get a clear idea of where the company stands. Keep up with the Financial Times, as is possible that you will be asked the current price of oil, gold, and other commodities. For more middle-office based interviews, such as Technology, you may be asked to talk about a technology that interests you and how it could be used to better the bank. Make sure you can articulate your reasons for choosing Deutsche Bank, and accurately describe their vision and key competencies.
