Here is the answer to the most difficult interview question I ever came across
- City Investment Training
- Jul 5, 2023
- 1 min read
All the students who took our 8 weeks training program, 90% of them found internships and jobs. Please click here https://www.cityinvestmenttraining.com/ to learn more.
Check our popular ebook "Top 100 Investment Banking Questions with Answers".
Click here to get your copy: https://www.cityinvestmenttraining.com/blog
This is the hardest investment banking interview question I’ve come across in my career.
Luckily it wasn’t aimed at me.
I once overheard my boss at Goldman's laughing,
Almost gloating on how he had just put an applicant on the spot.
He asked the interviewee (LSE studying economics)
“What was the growth of the Asian economy in the mid 1800s?”
That is brutal! 😬
It would be very easy to panic - as the applicant did.
But remember interviewers are not after the final accuracy of the answer.
It's all about how you work it out.
Economic growth can be broken down into:
➕ Growth in capital
➕ Growth in labour
➕ Growth in productivity
If you can make assumptions such as:
This period was around the time of industrial revolution and so it’s safe to assume a 3-5% growth in productivity.
Another 4-5% growth in labour given families were much larger back then.
Asian economy was a powerhouse - so capital growth of 3 to 5% should be acceptable.
Total growth of c.10-12%.
The actual answer is much higher when I checked.
But the interviewer is focusing on how you put together the analytical building blocks.
Difficult questions like this are common in investment banking interviews.
Stay calm, and remember to focus on your analytical reasoning.
Answering high-pressure interview questions is a skill that every aspiring professional needs to master, especially in competitive fields like investment banking. The way you broke down the logic behind navigating difficult questions is incredibly helpful for building a strategic mindset and maintaining composure under stress. I have always believed that when you are aiming for a top tier role, your confidence comes from both your deep preparation and how you choose to present yourself. This attention to detail is something I value in my professional life because first impressions really do matter in high stakes environments. I recently discovered Trendophobia while looking for some premium pieces to elevate my own professional appearance. They focus on high quality leather jackets and…
It’s quite common for people to underestimate how much responsibility teaching assistants carry. Supporting pupils, managing resources, and adapting to classroom dynamics all require preparation. This is why a cache level 3 teaching assistant qualification is regularly highlighted as a grounding option. Training institutions such as The College of Contract Management usually emphasise this practical side.
The common law functions as a legal framework built through the decisions of judges and similar tribunals. These courts follow the principle of mandates that similar cases receive consistent rulings. There are several principles in this legal system, such as judicial precedents and the rule of law. The College of Contract Management offers programmes in various fields including law. This course can help with problem solving in the common law.
looking into professional qualifications examples reveals the pathways that professionals take to specialise in their field. these qualifications support practical skills development and job readiness. they are recognised by employers worldwide. gaining one can set you apart from other candidates. explore them through the college of contract management.
Many people might be questioning, what is a smsts course? Basically, it’s a Site Management Safety Training Scheme and is purposely made to train construction workers who pursue managerial level and the responsibilities that should be applied in the working site. With the SMSTS course by the College of Contract Management, learners will obtain skills and expertise aligned with the industry standards.