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What personalities are the finance field looking for?

I have sent some applications to different companies and banks but only a little of them offered me an opportunity of aptitude test.
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Dana’s Answer

This is a pretty broad question and it might help to narrow your focus a bit. Instead, you might ask, "What is Company A looking for?"

Generally, the finance field would look for someone who has the knowledge and/or experience in the industry. This knowledge and experience could come from your education and/or your past work experiences. Also, many companies in the finance field will be concerned with a person's background so there will probably be a criminal and financial background check done.

If you're wanting to get hired at a specific company, it's best to do some research on that company. Every company has its own internal culture. Finding out what that culture is like might be a good step toward seeing if your personality fits with that particular company. Many businesses now have their own social media sites and you can find out a lot about their company culture by viewing those sites. Sometimes, their websites will also give you a hint as to what their culture is like.

I hope this helps.
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Lilian’s Answer

I think this career path is suited to people with a strong attention to detail, enjoys team work (as you will need to work in cross-functional teams) and an inquisitive mind who wants to understand how their company works and how to improve how a business is run. As someone who would look at financial results all the time, you will likely begin to draw insights about the trajectory of the company that you can share with management. Management are seeking business partners, those that can help drive the business forward and not just someone who reports on the past.
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Jesse’s Answer

Integrity -

Fannie Mae was fined $400 million for manipulating accounting to collect millions of dollars in undeserved bonuses and to deceive investors. This was not the root cause of a lack of skills or knowledge, but a lack of integrity.


The finance field can always use Integrity
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Richard’s Answer

Banks and employers are judging your application/resume in a matter of seconds, maybe a minute. You need to have something that catches the eye, whilst portraying your professional aptitude.

There is no one personality that companies are looking for, but if you do get yourself in front of an actual person, be yourself. You want to show your personality. Everyone they speak to will be saying that they are detail orientated, efficient, hardworker etc Not everyone will show their human side and their personality. At the end of the day, people want to work with others that improve the workplace, not with robots!
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Mark’s Answer

Coming from a family of accountants I can say being patient, meticulous and also to take a break from when your are trying to balance something and come back to it. Best of luck!
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Donal’s Answer

You may be surprised the backgrounds a lot of people in Finance have. Sometimes non related at all and this goes to show that personality, determination, grit, people skills etc are just as important and your qualification.

Having said that, these days it would be expected to have a solid degree and often masters as a pre-requisite to get into many Finance jobs. From there it depends if you want something more back office or front office. Back office typically has less personal interaction and may suit a quieter individual. Front office sales will require a much more outgoing person and if you are able to demonstrate you played team sports, were on a debating society etc this will help. A front office trading job will require extremely high numeracy, decision making skills and an ability to interpret and respond to news rapidly.
Thank you comment icon This answer is quite useful and has given me a great insight on how application decisions are made. Thanks! Sohalia
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Richard’s Answer

My son works in finance (entry-level, investment banking), and I spoke with him about your question. Any well functioning company or bank will need a variety of personalities, backgrounds, and work styles to make the wheels turn! Aptitude tests usually screen for people who are team players, focus and dedicated, and genuinely interested by the material/topic as opposed to greed or prestige.
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EMMA’s Answer

With 10 years of experience in the Finance/Banking space, I can say the Finance space requires a good number of skills and characteristics. These would include:

1. Integrity and Honesty
2. Networking skills
3. Attention to detail
4. Adapt to change as the Finance industry is a every changing space
5. Organized
6. Communication skills
7. Open minded... be open to new ideas
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Richard’s Answer

Competitive, focused, ambitious, and curious! Of course, it will vary a ton between lines of work. Accounting would emphasize meticulous, whereas finance might emphasize social aspects, and investing curiosity

But for aptitude tests, EMPHASIZE COLLABORATION! It is something many firms screen for.
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Diane’s Answer

I have found that good skills and characteristics for working in a financial related field include: being inquisitive, close attention to detail, enjoy working with numbers and spreadsheets, persistence, and logical thinking.
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Rebecca’s Answer

There are many different positions in banking and finance , e.g. Sales, Traders, Product, Operations, Accounting, etc. Each of these careers may need different knowledge and skills.
However, there are some essential personalities / skills that applies, e.g. Good Communication skills, Proactiveness, willing to learning., Can do approach, be positive, etc. Also, it is very common to work in a team on some projects / assignments. So, be a team player is also very important.
For the aptitude test, the scope may be different in different companies. However, you can also look for some mock paper to practice.
On the other hand, you can also polish your communication skills and practice it. It would be helpful if you are offered an interview opportunities.
Stay positive! Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Robert’s Answer

There is no better or worse personality for Finance job. There are many analytical persons in the field, but there is no common personality which we can say the best personality for the Finance job.

The more important thing is that you should be fit for qualification, culture, experience, and competencies written down on the job posting. You have got to compare yourself against qualifications, and prepare your answers on the expected questions.

You can research the company culture and figure out if you are culturally fit for the company.

Also be yourself during the interview. You need to show true yourself in front of interviewers.
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Brian’s Answer

I wouldn't worry too much about what these companies are looking for. All these companies appreciate diversity and genuineness. It is much more important to stay important to yourself because putting on a facade is not sustainable and can come across as untrustworthy if detected.
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