The most important question in your investment banking interview, and why most candidates get it wrong.

At first glance, “Why do you want to work in investment banking?” feels like a warm-up. A formality before the real interview begins.

It isn’t.

This is one of the most important questions in the process – and one that candidates consistently underperform on.

The problem is that most answers focus on the obvious: exposure to high-profile transactions, a steep learning curve, strong teams and long-term career opportunities.

These points are valid. But they are also generic. Almost every candidate can say them.

So what is the interviewer actually looking for?

Watch: The most important question in your IB graduate interview

In this extract from the Interview Skills section of our Analyst Training course, we break down what interviewers are really looking for when they ask this question – and how to build an answer that demonstrates genuine understanding of the role.

The full module covers the five stages of the investment banking interview process, from application to offer, with practical frameworks and tools to help you approach each stage with clarity, structure and confidence.