What to Expect with First-Round Interviews for Finance Positions
Last Updated: January 2026
After submitting your application, the next step in the recruiting process for summer analyst and analyst roles in finance is typically a first-round interview. These interviews are usually 30 minutes with a junior team member or a recruiting professional. They are commonly conducted over the phone or via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
The main objective of a first-round interview is to select the best candidates who should advance to Superday interviews.To do this, the recruiter or junior team member will ask a variety of questions. While each interview is unique, most follow a similar structure and evaluate a consistent set of skills and competencies.
Behavioral and Fit Questions
Thirty minutes is not a lot of time to communicate your candidacy, which makes concise and thoughtful answers especially important. In behavioral and fit questions, interviewers are evaluating your:
Motivation for the finance industry
Understanding of the specific role
Personal qualities that would make you a strong team member
Genuine interest in the firm
After initial pleasantries, the interviewer usually provides an introduction about themselves and their time at the firm, and then turns their attention to you. A common way interviewers start is by asking “Tell me about yourself” or “Walk me through your resume.” From there, interviewers dig deeper into your experiences, decisions, and interests to assess fit.
Technical Questions
Some first-round interviews are entirely focused on behavioral and fit questions, but many also include technical questions. Because first-round interviews are initial assessments, technical questions will typically be more foundational.
Technical questions will vary by industry, firm, and position, but often cover topics such as:
Valuation methodologies
Accounting fundamentals,
The three financial statements
Core concepts such as free cash flow and enterprise value.
If you are interviewing for a specific industry group, having a good grasp of recent news and major firms in that industry is expected.
There is no better preparation than learning these concepts through real application. The Adventis Financial Modeling Certification® Program, conducting valuation on stocks for projects or clubs, and case competitions are great ways to learn, as they help candidates retain information, developing both technical understanding and the ability to clearly explain their thinking.
Asking Questions and Following Up
Towards the end of the interview, candidates are typically invited to ask questions. This is an opportunity to demonstrate preparation, curiosity, and sincere interest in the firm.
Strong questions often reflect an understanding of the role, the team’s work, or recent firm activity. Avoid questions that can be answered easily through the firm’s website.
If the interviewer is particularly conversational, this portion of the interview may include a discussion of interests outside of work or school. These moments can help create a memorable and positive impression.
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time. You should also send a brief, error-free follow-up email reiterating your appreciation and interest in the firm.
Best Practices and Advice
You should expect to put in significant preparation for first-round interviews. Since first-round interviews are used to filter the best candidates for Superday interviews, a good impression is critical. Not only does this come from the effective delivery of your answers, but also from your ability to engage in a natural, professional conversation.
Keep the following best practices in mind:
Choose a quiet, distraction-free location
Dress professionally for virtual or in-person interviews
Avoid reading from a script, as this is often noticeable
Listen actively and respond thoughtfully.
Approach the interview as a conversation with someone who wants to learn more about you, not as an interrogation. Confidence, preparation, and professionalism go a long way.
Prepare with Confidence
First-round interviews are a critical step toward landing a Superday and ultimately an offer in high finance. Building strong technical foundations and clear, confident communication skills will help you stand out early in the process.
If you want structured, practical preparation that mirrors real investment banking expectations, explore the Financial Modeling Certification® Program. The FMC® Program is designed to help students master technical concepts and walk into interviews prepared and confident.
What’s next? Learn what to expect with Superday interviews for finance positions.
