20 Institutional Shareholder Services Interview Questions and Answers

Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) is the world’s leading provider of corporate governance and responsible investment solutions. ISS provides data, analytics, and advice to help institutional investors identify and manage environmental, social, and governance risks.

If you’re interviewing for a job at ISS, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, qualifications, and knowledge of corporate governance and responsible investing. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample ISS interview questions and answers.

Institutional Shareholder Services Interview Process

The interview process at Institutional Shareholder Services is generally fast and straightforward. It usually consists of a written test, followed by an interview with the hiring manager. However, depending on the position you are applying for, there may be additional rounds of interviews. For example, if you are applying for a position as a research analyst, you may also have to undergo an oral test where you will be asked to read and translate materials from one language to another.

1. What is your experience with data analysis?

Institutional Shareholder Services is a company that uses data analysis to make decisions about which companies to invest in. Your answer should show the interviewer your experience with this type of work and how you use data to make important business decisions. If you have previous experience, describe it in detail. If not, explain what steps you would take to learn more about analyzing data.

Example: “I’ve worked as an analyst for five years now. I started out working on smaller projects but eventually moved up to larger ones where I analyzed large amounts of financial data. In my last position, I was responsible for creating reports based on client requests. This required me to analyze data from different sources and create graphs and charts to present the information.”

2. How would you describe your communication style?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with others and your ability to collaborate. Describe a time when you had to communicate important information to a group of people or individuals, and explain what steps you took to ensure everyone understood the message.

Example: “I would describe my communication style as direct but empathetic. I prefer to be straightforward in my communications so that there are no misunderstandings about what I’m saying. However, I also try to consider the feelings of those who may receive my messages. For example, if I have bad news to share, I will do my best to soften the delivery by using positive language and explaining why I am delivering the message.”

3. Have you worked in a team environment before?

Institutional Shareholder Services is a large company that works with many clients. They want to know if you have experience working in a team environment and collaborating with others. This can help them determine whether you are ready for the role. In your answer, explain how you work well with others and what makes you a good teammate.

Example: “I’ve worked in a team environment before as part of my internship at Smith & Company. I was responsible for researching companies and presenting my findings to the rest of the team. It was important to me to make sure everyone’s opinions were heard and considered when making decisions about our client’s investments. I think this skill will be helpful in my new position.”

4. Tell us about a time where you had to work on multiple projects at once.

This question can help interviewers understand how you manage your time and prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous work experience to explain how you managed multiple projects at once, what challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example: “In my current role as a financial analyst, I am responsible for analyzing the company’s quarterly reports and providing recommendations on how to improve performance. In addition to this responsibility, I also have to prepare presentations that include key information about the company’s performance and provide insight into future projections. To balance these two responsibilities, I set aside one day each week to focus solely on preparing the presentation while the other days are dedicated to analyzing the company’s financials.”

5. We look for people who are able to identify problems and come up with solutions, give an example of a time when you did this.

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and how you can use them in a professional setting. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you had to come up with a solution to a problem that was not within your control.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that the company’s stock price was dropping. After looking into the issue, I found out that there were rumors going around about the company being in financial trouble. I spoke with the CEO of the company and he told me that the rumors were false. He also said that the only way to get rid of the rumors would be to release good news. So, we released our quarterly earnings report early and announced that the company was doing well.”

6. Describe the most challenging project that you have worked on.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle challenges and what your greatest strengths are. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you overcame a challenge or faced a setback and were able to use your skills to complete the project successfully.

Example: “The most challenging project I have worked on was when my team had to evaluate a company’s board of directors. The company we evaluated had many members who served as both executives and board members, which is not typical. This made it difficult for us to determine whether there was a conflict of interest between the two roles. We spent several weeks researching the company and its policies before making our recommendation.”

7. Do you have any experience working with databases?

Institutional Shareholder Services uses a database to store information about companies and their shareholders. The company wants to know if you have experience working with databases so that you can learn the system quickly when you start your job. If you don’t have any experience, consider taking a class or doing some research on how to use them.

Example: “I’ve worked with databases in my previous role as an analyst at a financial firm. I helped create reports for clients using data from our database. I also used the database to track client accounts and monitor performance.”

8. Are you familiar with SQL?

SQL is a programming language that many companies use to store and manage data. If you are interviewing for an institutional shareholder services position, it’s likely your employer will want you to be familiar with SQL. Your answer should show the interviewer that you have experience using this type of database. You can also mention any other types of databases you’re familiar with.

Example: “I am very familiar with SQL because I’ve used it in my previous role as an institutional shareholder services analyst. In fact, I was responsible for creating reports based on the information stored within SQL databases. I’m also familiar with Oracle, MySQL and Access.”

9. Can you tell me about a time when you were given feedback from another employee or supervisor?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about how you respond to constructive criticism and feedback. Use your answer to highlight your ability to accept feedback, use it to improve your performance and remain motivated in your job.

Example: “When I first started working as an analyst for ISS, my supervisor gave me some feedback on my communication style with clients. He told me that while I was very knowledgeable about the company’s products, I needed to be more personable when speaking with customers. I took his advice to heart and began practicing different ways of presenting myself to clients. After a few weeks of practice, I noticed that my client interactions were much more positive.”

10. What do you know about Institutional Shareholder Services?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of their company and how you might fit in. If you have done some research on the organization, be sure to mention it in your answer.

Example: “I know that Institutional Shareholder Services is one of the largest proxy advisory firms in the world. I also understand that they provide advice to institutional investors about shareholder voting. In my experience, I’ve found that this type of service can be very beneficial to companies because it helps them make decisions based on what’s best for shareholders.”

11. Why should we hire you over someone else?

This question is a great way to show your confidence and enthusiasm for the position. It also gives you an opportunity to highlight some of your most important skills, such as communication or problem-solving. When answering this question, try to focus on what makes you unique and how you can contribute to IHS.

Example: “I am confident that my experience in financial analysis would make me a valuable asset to IHS. In my previous role, I helped create reports that informed shareholders about their company’s performance. This skill set will help me provide quality information to clients and ensure they are making sound investment decisions.”

12. What is your experience working with Excel?

Institutional Shareholder Services uses Excel to create reports and analyze data. Your answer should show that you have the necessary skills to use this program effectively. If you are not familiar with Excel, consider describing your experience using other programs that perform similar functions.

Example: “I have extensive experience working with Excel. In my last role as a financial analyst, I used Excel daily to generate reports for senior management. I also created models in Excel to help me understand company performance and make recommendations on how we could improve it. I am comfortable creating complex spreadsheets and performing calculations within them.”

13. Give us an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for customers. It also shows them how you can apply this same level of dedication and hard work to your job at ISSHR.

Example: “When I was working as an investment advisor, I had a client who wanted to invest in some stocks but didn’t have much money to do so. He asked me if there were any other options he could use to get more money to invest. I told him about dividend reinvestment plans, or DRIPs, which allow investors to buy stock with no commission fees. I researched several companies that offered these types of accounts and found one that fit his needs. He ended up investing $5,000 into the company and has been very happy with it.”

14. If hired, how much training would you need to be successful in this role?

This question is an opportunity to show your confidence and enthusiasm for the role. It also gives you a chance to discuss any gaps in your experience that may require additional training or support from your manager. When answering this question, be honest about what you know and how much time it would take to learn the rest of the job’s responsibilities.

Example: “I have extensive knowledge of corporate governance best practices and shareholder rights. However, I am not as familiar with the specific rules and regulations of public companies. If hired, I would need two weeks to complete the required training on these topics before beginning my work independently.”

15. What motivates you to succeed?

This question can help interviewers learn more about your personality and how you approach work. You may want to answer this question by describing a time when you were motivated to succeed, such as in a previous job or academic setting.

Example: “I am motivated to succeed because I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. In my last position, I was tasked with creating an annual report for our company’s shareholders. I worked hard on researching and writing the report, and I felt so proud when I presented it to my team. It was rewarding to know that my work helped the company achieve its goals.”

16. Do you consider yourself a leader or more of a follower?

Institutional Shareholder Services is a company that values leadership. Your answer to this question can help the interviewer determine if you are ready for a management role at their organization. When answering, consider what qualities make someone a leader and highlight your own abilities in these areas.

Example: “I believe anyone can be a leader as long as they have the right skills. I am always looking for ways to improve my leadership skills so I can become more effective in my current position. In my last job, I volunteered to lead a project team of five people. We were tasked with creating a new marketing campaign for our client. I was able to delegate tasks and motivate my team members to work together toward a common goal.”

17. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Employers want to know what you’re good at and how you can improve your weaknesses. When answering this question, try to focus on your strengths first.

Example: “I am very organized and detail-oriented. I also have excellent communication skills and work well under pressure. My weakness is that sometimes I get overwhelmed with too many tasks at once. To overcome this, I make sure to prioritize my assignments and set deadlines for myself.”

18. What tools do you use to keep organized?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a professional and how you manage your time. Use this opportunity to highlight your organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.

Example: “I use several tools to keep my work organized. I have an electronic calendar that syncs with my phone and computer so I always have access to it. I also use a task management system where I can create lists of projects and assign them to team members. Finally, I use a project management software for more complex assignments where I need to collaborate with other professionals.”

19. What is your experience with research?

Institutional Shareholder Services is a research-based company, so interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with conducting research. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills you have that are relevant to the role and explain how you use them in your work.

Example: “I’ve been researching companies for over five years now, so I’m quite experienced at it. In my previous position, I was responsible for finding information on all aspects of a company’s performance, including financials, management and operations. I also had to find out what shareholders were saying about the company and its leadership. To do this, I used many different resources, such as SEC filings, news articles and social media.”

20. What is your experience with data collection?

Institutional Shareholder Services is a company that collects data from many sources. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with collecting and analyzing large amounts of information. Use examples from previous work experiences where you had to collect, organize and analyze data.

Example: “In my last role as an analyst, I was responsible for organizing all the financial reports we received each month. This included gathering all the necessary documents, entering them into our database and then creating monthly reports based on the data. I also used the data to create quarterly reports and annual reports. In both cases, I organized the data by category and analyzed it to find trends.”