20 MFS Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, each company has their own unique process. This can make it difficult to know what to expect when you sit down for an interview with a potential employer. If you’re interviewing with Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS), you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common MFS interview questions, with sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

MFS Interview Process

The interview process at MFS is generally pretty straightforward and easygoing. Most interviews are conducted in person, though some may be done over the phone or via Skype. The length of the hiring process varies depending on the position you’re applying for, but can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Interviews are usually fairly relaxed and conversational, with questions focusing on your qualifications and experiences. In some cases, there may be more technical questions related to the specific position you’re applying for. Overall, the interview experience is generally positive, with most people finding the process to be efficient and professional.

1. What do you know about us?

This question is a great way to test your research skills and show the interviewer that you are serious about this role. Before your interview, make sure to read through the company’s website and learn as much as you can about their mission statement, values and goals. You should also look at any recent news articles or press releases to get an idea of what they’ve been up to lately.

Example: “I know that MFS has been in business for over 30 years and has grown into one of the largest investment managers in the country. I’m excited to join such a successful team and help grow the company even more.”

2. How would you rate your communication skills?

This question is a great way to assess how well you can communicate with others. It’s important for employees in customer service roles to have strong communication skills, and this question helps the interviewer determine whether your communication skills are up to par. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time when you used your communication skills to help solve a problem or achieve a goal.

Example: “I would rate my communication skills as excellent. I’ve always been someone who enjoys speaking with others and helping them understand complex topics. In my last role, I was responsible for explaining financial concepts to clients over the phone. I found that by using analogies and examples, I could make even the most complicated ideas easy to understand.”

3. Why do you want to work in the financial industry?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the industry and how you can contribute to the company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight what about the financial industry excites you and why you’re interested in working at MFS.

Example: “I’ve always been fascinated by the stock market and have wanted to work in the financial industry since I was young. My love of finance led me to pursue a degree in business management, where I learned more about investing and developed my skills as an analyst. Now that I’m ready to enter the workforce, I am excited to join MFS because I know I can use my analytical skills to help clients reach their retirement goals.”

4. Describe a time where you were successful at getting a large gift and what your strategy was.

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and ability to work with others. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to take on challenging tasks.

Example: “I was working as an event planner for a large corporation when I had to organize a major fundraiser. The company wanted to raise $100,000 in one night. We started by contacting all of our clients and asking them to donate. Then we contacted local celebrities who were willing to attend the event and make a donation. Finally, we asked everyone we knew personally to donate.”

5. Do you have an understanding of how mutual funds work?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the industry and how you can apply it to this role. If you have experience working with mutual funds, explain what you did in that position. If you don’t have direct experience, talk about how you would approach researching them.

Example: “I’ve worked with mutual funds before, but I haven’t had an opportunity to work directly with one. However, I am familiar with their structure and know how they operate. In my last job, I was responsible for creating portfolios for clients based on their risk tolerance. I would use the information provided by the client to determine which funds would be best suited for their goals.”

6. Tell me about yourself, why should we hire you?

This is a common question that interviewers ask to get to know you better. They want to see if you are qualified for the position and whether or not you would fit in with their company culture. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about your experience and highlight any skills that relate to the job description.

Example: “I am an experienced financial advisor who has worked at several different companies over the past 10 years. I have always been passionate about helping people plan for their futures, so I decided to pursue a career as a financial advisor. I graduated from Boston University with my bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned my CFP certification last year.”

7. What are some tools you use to keep up with the latest trends?

MFS wants to know that you are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest financial trends. This is because they want their employees to be able to provide clients with the best possible advice and guidance. Your answer should show that you have a passion for learning about new developments in the industry.

Example: “I subscribe to several newsletters, blogs and podcasts related to personal finance. I also attend seminars and webinars hosted by other professionals in the field. I find these resources very helpful as they allow me to learn from others who have more experience than I do.”

8. What is your biggest weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews. Employers ask it to learn more about your personality and how you might fit into their company culture. When answering this question, try to be honest but also highlight a weakness that isn’t too important or relevant to the job.

Example: “My biggest weakness is my attention to detail. I am always looking for ways to improve myself, so when I notice this as an issue, I make sure to take extra time to double-check my work. In fact, I have been working on improving my attention to detail by using software that highlights areas where I may need to check my work.”

9. What is your experience level with Microsoft Excel?

MFS uses Microsoft Excel to create financial models and analyze data. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience level with the software program. If you have previous experience using Excel, describe a time when you used it to complete a task successfully. If you don’t have any professional experience with Excel, explain how you would learn to use it if hired by MFS.

Example: “I’ve been using Excel for five years now. In my last position as an investment analyst, I used Excel daily to create financial models and analyze data. I also created reports in Excel that helped me communicate important information to senior management.”

10. Give me an example of something that you think went well during your last internship/job.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you’re willing to take credit for your successes. It’s also an opportunity to talk about how you’ve grown as a professional since your internship or entry-level job.

Example: “I think my last internship went well because I was able to learn so much from the company and my coworkers. At first, I felt like I didn’t know enough to be working in this field, but after a few weeks of training, I started to feel more confident in my abilities. Now, I’m ready to start applying what I learned at my internship into my new role.”

11. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you handle conflict and your ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to resolve the conflict and what you learned from the experience.

Example: “In my last position as an investment advisor, I was working on a project with another advisor who had different ideas about how we should approach our clients. We were both trying to do what was best for our clients but couldn’t agree on which method would be most effective. After discussing the situation with my manager, they suggested that we try each other’s methods and then discuss our experiences. This helped us understand each other’s perspectives and find a solution that worked well for everyone.”

12. Do you understand the role of a financial advisor?

This question is a great way to determine if the candidate understands what they would be doing in this role. It’s also an opportunity for you to explain how your company operates and what the advisor does.

Example: “As a financial advisor, I would help clients make smart decisions about their money. I would meet with them regularly to discuss their goals and develop strategies to achieve those goals. I would also monitor their progress and adjust our strategy as needed. In my last position, I worked with clients who were saving for retirement, college or other large purchases.”

13. Where would you like to be in your career five years from now?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s career goals and how they plan to achieve them. It also gives you an idea of what their expectations are from this position. When answering, be sure to include your short-term goals as well as your long-term ones.

Example: “I would like to have achieved my CFA by then. I am currently studying for it, but if I were hired here, I would put in even more effort into preparing for it. In five years, I would love to be working toward becoming a portfolio manager.”

14. Are you prepared for long hours and hard work?

This question is a good way to assess your work ethic. It’s important for employers to know that you’re willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed at their company. In your answer, try to explain why you are prepared for long hours and hard work.

Example: “I am prepared for long hours and hard work because I understand how important it is to be successful in this industry. I have always been someone who works hard and puts in extra time when needed. I’m also very motivated by challenges and would love to take on any projects or tasks that help me grow as an employee.”

15. Do you think MFS’ mission aligns with your own personal values?

This question is a great way to determine if you’re a good fit for the company. It’s important that your personal values align with those of the organization, and this question helps interviewers understand whether or not you’d be able to uphold their mission statement. In your answer, explain how your own values match up with MFS’ mission statement.

Example: “I think MFS’ mission statement is very inspiring. I believe in helping people achieve financial freedom, which is something I feel like MFS does every day. I also love working at companies that are environmentally friendly, and I know that MFS has made strides toward becoming more sustainable.”

16. What kind of connections do you have with the community? How involved are you?

This question is a great way to see how you can contribute to the company’s community. It also shows that the interviewer wants to know more about your personality and values. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you’re passionate about giving back to the community.

Example: “I’m very involved in my local community. I volunteer at a food bank every Wednesday night and have been doing so for the past two years. I’ve seen first-hand how much of an impact we make on the lives of those who need help. I think it’s important to give back to others because we are all connected.”

17. What type of office environment do you feel most comfortable in?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you might fit in with their team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an office environment that you have previously experienced or one that you would like to experience.

Example: “I am most comfortable in a collaborative work space where I can speak openly with my colleagues. In my last role, we had open cubicles where everyone could see each other but still have privacy when needed. This type of environment allowed me to feel comfortable asking questions and collaborating with others.”

18. What process and planning would you do to prepare for an upcoming class you were teaching?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you plan your work and manage deadlines. Use examples from past experience in which you organized a project or event, such as a class or seminar.

Example: “I would first create an outline of the topics I wanted to cover during the semester. Then, I would assign each topic to a specific day so that I could prepare for it ahead of time. For example, if I was teaching a finance course, I would spend one week on budgeting, one week on credit cards and loans and another week on savings and investments. This way, I can ensure my students have enough time to complete their assignments.”

19. If you don’t get this job, what will you do next?

This question is a great way to show your ambition and willingness to learn. It also shows that you are aware of the job market in this industry. When answering, make sure to mention what steps you would take to find another position.

Example: “If I don’t get this job, I will continue my search for other positions within the financial services industry. I have already applied to several companies with similar roles, so if I am not selected here, I will be ready to apply elsewhere. I will also reach out to my network to see if they know of any opportunities.”

20. Do you have any questions for me?

This is a common question that an interviewer asks to see if you have any questions about the position or company. It’s important to show your interest in the role and learn more about it by asking thoughtful questions. When preparing for this question, think of things you want to know about the job, company culture or expectations.

Example: “I am very interested in this role because I love working with clients who are looking to invest their money. I also really enjoy helping people plan for retirement. One thing I’m curious about is what type of training you offer employees. I would like to continue learning about investing so I can be as helpful as possible to my clients.”