Nomura Careers

1 Focus: Structure and Prepare

Preparing for and being interviewed is similar to taking an exam; you won’t have time to cover everything, instead you will need to identify the key points and focus on the relevant material.

Firstly, you should congratulate yourself on being selected for the interview stage and have confidence in your ability. Then, ask yourself the following questions:

• What will the interviewers want to know?
  • An interview is not an opportunity to divulge everything you know- instead you need to focus on what is relevant to the company and the position you’re applying for.
  • To identify what is most relevant, you will need to fully understand the role, it’s requirements and the key skills and competencies required.
• How are you going to sell yourself?
  • What is your unique selling point? I.e. what sets you apart from the competition?
  • How do you want the interviewers to remember you after the interview – what key points do you want them to recall?
• How will you be assessed?
  • You can’t start your preparation until you know what you are preparing for.
  • Read the interview format thoroughly to identify how you will be assessed (i.e. Interviews, case study exercises, and tests). If you’re unsure – ask.
• What are the core competencies required for the role?
  • Your interview performance will ultimately decide if you are successful or not, will be dependent on how you perform against core competencies.
  • Identify what are the key competencies required for the role and for the company.
  • What examples do you have to demonstrate each competency? Have you considered examples outside academia? (i.e. sports, music, drama, volunteering, charity, mentoring, societies or other extracurricular activities)
  • What achievements are you most proud of and why – which competency do they demonstrate?

2 Interview Questions: Types and Examples

Interviewers will use a variety of questions to assess your ability against each competency. Ensure you are familiar with each type of question and how to structure your answers accordingly.

Types of interview questions may include:

• Competency based questions
  • These require you to provide a real life example to explain how you behaved in a certain situation. Past behavior is used as an indicator to assess potential future performance.
  • Delivering a structured answer is crucial - research the PARLA method to guide you. (P: Problem, A: Action, R: Result of the action, L: Learning from the experience, A: Application of the learning to the situation)
  • Top Tip: Ensure your examples are varied and recent (the more recent the past behavior; the greater the indication of future ability).
• Technical questions
  • Practice! There are many online resources or books available with practice questions.
  • Questions may include basic accounting, valuation, brain teasers and mental arithmetic.
  • Top tip: Brain teasers – the key is not the answer; it is the how you derive at the answer. The interviewer is assessing your ability to formulate a logical and methodical response.
• Resume / CV, cover letter and application questions
  • Ensure you have thoroughly re-read each document and identify any obvious questions.
  • Top Tip: Practice articulating your experience in a concise and structured manner out loud (it doesn’t always sound the same as when you practice in your head).
• Industry related questions
  • Interviewers will assess your interest, understanding and industry knowledge.
  • Top Tip: Form an opinion – digest the information you read and form your own judgment. Use facts and statistics to back up your conclusions.

3 Research

There are a number of readily available resources to help you prepare. Make sure you fully utilize all resources available to you. These may include:

• Online resources: Company website, press releases, annual reports, research publications, social media and online forums
• School career services and recruitment events
• Networks: academic staff, alumni, peers, family and friends – even if they do not have a financial services background, they can help you practice questions

4 Your Questions

An interview is a two -way process. It is an opportunity for you to assess if the company, role and culture is right for you. You will be given time to ask questions at the end of the interview, so ensure you use this time wisely.

• Plan questions to ask in advance: ensure they are relevant, well-thought-out and to the point
• Show you’ve done your research and use the opportunity to demonstrate your interest

5 Plan the Interview Day

Preparing for and being interviewed is similar to taking an exam; you won’t have time to cover everything, instead you will need to identify the key points and focus on the relevant material

• Before the interview
  • Dress professionally. Plan you outfit the day before and ensure you wear corporate attire
  • Be Punctual. Plan your route and account for delays in public transport
  • Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your interview start time. Contact us if problems arise and ensure you have noted the name and contact details of who to contact should this happen
  • Take a notebook, a pen (that works) and a calculator. Bring copies of your resume / CV
  • Remember: Be polite to everyone you meet, your interview begins as soon as you walk through the door of the building ore recent the past behavior; the greater the indication of future ability)
• During the interview
  • Ensure your mobile phone is turned off or on silent
  • Greet your interviewer(s) with a firm handshake. Remember their name(s)
  • Maintain eye contact with your interviewer(s) and be aware of your body language – sit upright, don’t fidget and smile!
  • Listen carefully to questions you are asked. If you are unclear about anything, ask for clarification
  • Be honest. Back up your answers with real examples. If you exaggerate or lie it will show up in pre-employment or background checks
  • Relax - whether you are successful or not, the interview is a valuable learning experience. Make sure you get something out of it.
  • Close the interview – thank your interviewer for their time. If you’ve enjoyed the experience and you look forward to hearing about the next steps – tell us
• After your interview
  • Be responsive. Following the interview, go back to your recruiter and continue to build a relationship

6 How to Ace an Online Interview

• Test Your Technology: Ensure your internet connection, microphone, camera, and any software (Webex, Teams, etc.) work perfectly fine before the interview. Test them in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
• Choose a Quiet, Well-Lit Space: Conduct the interview in a quiet room with good lighting. Avoid distractions, noise, or background movements.
• Dress Professionally: Even though it's an online interview, dressing formally from head to toe puts you in the right mindset and shows professionalism.
• Maintain Eye Contact: Look at the camera when speaking, not at the screen. This simulates direct eye contact and helps you engage with the interviewer better.
• Be Aware of Body Language: Sit up straight and keep your posture confident. Avoid fidgeting and unnecessary hand movements.
• Keep Necessary Documents Handy: Keep your resume, job description, and any notes or references easily accessible during the interview for quick reference.
• Be Yourself and Stay Calm: Nervousness is normal, but focus on clear, concise communication.

7 Tackle a Case Study

Final round interviews (for Investment Banking and Global Markets) will involve a case study. Case study interviews are designed to show us your problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. We will also be looking at how you present yourself and how good your communication skills are under pressure.

• Why use case studies?

  We use case study interviews because they provide us with insights into your thought processes. Problem solving is often independent of any particular subject expertise you may have and we want to see how you would tackle any of a very wide range of potential case study questions. We are interested in your expertise in general business, your ability to apply your formal education and work experience in an analytical and creative way, and your raw intelligence.

• What kind of questions should I expect?

  Often a case study is business-related, but it could touch on anything - the question is not designed to test any previously acquired knowledge or experience. You will be asked to prepare an exercise from information given to you when you arrive at the interview. You will have between 45 and 60 minutes to read the data and compile your notes. You will then be asked to make recommendations. Remember, there are no right answers. You should consider all lines of argument and then present one as your chosen opinion, mentioning why you discarded the other possibilities.

• How to do well
  • Practice extensively beforehand. Research case study examples on the internet and use them to build your experience.
  • Ensure that you are able to present your pitch concisely and articulately. You will have a very limited time to get the main points across before the interviewer starts asking you questions on your rationale.
  • Listen carefully to the question. If you like, repeat it back to your interviewer to make sure you have understood fully.
  • Don't jump into your answer immediately. Take a moment to collect your thoughts, and get ready.
  • Remember that we are not looking for a 'correct' answer. It is the route you have taken to reach your answer that is important to us.
  • Ask questions. Asking the right questions will be key to proving that you have the analytical skills we expect. The interview is meant to be interactive.
  • Construct a logical framework with which to explore the critical issues of the case.
  • Prioritize the issues and objectives. Don't get bogged down trying to deal with every aspect.
  • Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Creativity is seen as a major asset at Nomura.
• Further reading

  https://www.wikijob.co.uk/interview-advice/interview-questions/case-study

  http://www.casequestions.com