You're preparing for a Corporate Finance interview. What should you focus on to make the best impression?

2 Show your skills

You should also be able to showcase your practical skills and experience in applying corporate finance techniques to real-world scenarios. You should be ready to perform calculations and estimations using a calculator, a spreadsheet, or a financial modeling software. You should also be able to interpret and communicate the results and implications of your analysis clearly and concisely. Be prepared to answer questions that test your ability to make sound financial decisions, such as how to choose between different investment projects, how to determine the optimal capital structure, how to value a company or a business unit, or how to assess the feasibility and impact of a merger or an acquisition.

3 Know the industry

You should also have some knowledge of the industry and the market that you're applying for. You should be aware of the current trends, challenges, opportunities, and risks that affect the corporate finance function and the sector that you're interested in. You should also be able to identify and research the key players, competitors, customers, and regulators in the industry. Be prepared to discuss how you would use your corporate finance skills to help the company achieve its strategic goals and create value for its stakeholders.

4 Know yourself

You should also be able to present yourself as a confident, competent, and motivated candidate for the corporate finance role. You should be able to highlight your strengths, achievements, and interests in corporate finance, and how they match the requirements and expectations of the employer. You should also be able to address your weaknesses, challenges, and areas of improvement, and how you're working on them. Be prepared to demonstrate your personality, attitude, and fit for the corporate culture and the team. Be honest, professional, and enthusiastic, and show your passion for corporate finance.

5 Ask questions

Finally, you should also be prepared to ask relevant and insightful questions to the interviewer. Asking questions shows your interest, curiosity, and initiative in the corporate finance role and the company. You should also use this opportunity to learn more about the expectations, responsibilities, and opportunities that the role entails. You can ask questions about the corporate finance function, the projects, the team, the culture, or the industry. However, avoid asking questions that are too personal, trivial, or inappropriate, or that you could have easily found out by doing some research beforehand.