20 PGIM Interview Questions and Answers

PGIM is the asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU). With more than $1 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2020, they are one of the world’s largest global asset managers.

They are looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join our team. If you are invited to interview with them, it means that they believe you have the potential to be a successful PGIMer.

The interview process is an opportunity for them to get to know you better and for you to learn more about PGIM. It also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the role or PGIM.

PGIM Interview Process

The interview process at PGIM can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one Hirevue interview and some may require a case study as well. For internships, the interview process is typically shorter and less technical than for other positions. Overall, the interview process is relatively straightforward and the interviews are not too difficult.

1. What do you think about the current market conditions?

The interviewer may ask you this question to see how well you understand the current market conditions and what your opinion is on them. This can be a great opportunity for you to show that you are knowledgeable about the financial world, so it’s important to do some research before going into the interview.

Example: “I think the current market conditions are very interesting because we’re in an age of uncertainty. There are many factors at play right now, including interest rates, inflation and political instability. I believe these factors make it difficult to predict what will happen next, but I am confident that my experience and education have prepared me to handle any situation.”

2. If we are looking for someone to analyze a particular industry, what would be your approach?

This question is an opportunity to show your analytical skills and how you can apply them to a specific industry. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you would take when analyzing an industry and provide examples of industries you have analyzed in the past.

Example: “When looking at a particular industry, I would first look at the macroeconomic factors that are affecting the industry. For example, if we were looking at the healthcare industry, I would consider things like inflation rates, interest rates and unemployment rates. After considering these factors, I would then analyze the individual companies within the industry to see how they are performing compared to their competitors.”

3. Tell me how you would explain PGIM’s investment philosophy and strategy to a potential client.

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company’s investment philosophy and strategy. It also allows you to show how you can communicate complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. When answering this question, try to use simple language that anyone could understand.

Example: “The first thing I would do when explaining our investment philosophy and strategy is explain what we mean by ‘alternative investments.’ Alternative investments are any asset class or type of investment that isn’t traditional stocks or bonds. These include private equity, real estate, commodities and hedge funds. The reason why alternative investments are so important is because they help diversify portfolios and reduce risk.

I would then go on to explain how PGIM uses its expertise to find high-performing alternative investments for clients. We have a team of analysts who spend their days researching new opportunities and analyzing existing ones. They look at everything from the financials to the management team to ensure we’re making smart decisions.”

4. Why do you want to work at PGIM?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what attracted you to this role and how it fits into your career goals. When preparing for this question, think about why you are passionate about finance or insurance. Consider sharing a personal story that relates to your career choice.

Example: “I have always been interested in financial planning because of my family’s history with money management. My grandfather was an accountant who started his own business when he retired. He taught me a lot about budgeting and saving for retirement. I would love to work at PGIM because I feel like I could make a real difference in people’s lives.”

5. How does PGIM compare to other asset management firms that you are aware of?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you compare yourself to other professionals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few key differences between PGIM and the firms that you are familiar with.

Example: “I have worked for two other asset management firms in my career so far, and I find that PGIM offers its employees more opportunities for growth than either of those companies did. In both of my previous positions, there was little room for advancement or professional development, but at PGIM, I know that if I work hard, I will get promoted and have access to training programs.”

6. What is your experience working with financial data?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of financial data and how you use it. You can answer this question by describing a time when you used financial data to make important decisions for your organization or company.

Example: “In my current role as a senior analyst, I am responsible for analyzing the financial data of our clients to determine their risk tolerance and investment goals. This information helps me create portfolios that meet each client’s needs while also meeting the requirements of the firm. In the past, I have worked with large amounts of financial data in order to complete these tasks.”

7. Do you have any experience managing client relationships?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with client management and how you might handle similar responsibilities in this role. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your skills, such as communication, problem-solving and interpersonal abilities.

Example: “In my current position, I manage a team of financial advisors who work directly with clients. My primary responsibility is to ensure that our clients are receiving quality service and support. To do so, I regularly meet with each advisor to discuss their progress and any challenges they may be facing. I also hold weekly meetings with my entire team to provide updates on company news and celebrate successes. These regular meetings allow me to build relationships with my team members and reinforce my commitment to providing excellent customer service.”

8. What is the most important thing to remember when selling a product?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the financial industry and how it works. It also gives you a chance to demonstrate your communication skills by explaining complex concepts in simple terms.

Example: “The most important thing to remember when selling a product is that you need to know what the client needs, not just what they want. For example, if I was selling life insurance, I would ask questions about their family situation, like whether or not they have children, and then find a policy that fits those needs. If I only sold policies based on what people wanted, I might sell them something that doesn’t fit their specific needs.”

9. Tell me about a time where you had to deliver bad news to a client.

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate with clients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you helped the client understand the situation and what steps you took to help them move forward.

Example: “When I was working as an investment advisor, one of my clients came in for their quarterly meeting. During our meeting, they asked me about some recent investments that were not performing well. I explained to them that these investments were risky but could have high returns if they performed well. The client decided to keep the investment because they wanted to see higher returns. Unfortunately, the investment did not perform well and lost money. I had to explain to the client why we made the decision to invest in those funds and how we would make up for the loss.”

10. What is your opinion on the current state of the economy?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your knowledge of the current economic climate and how you would apply that information to your work as a financial analyst. Your answer should include an overview of the economy’s strengths and weaknesses, along with any predictions for future growth or decline.

Example: “The economy is currently in a state of expansion, however, I believe it will soon enter a period of contraction due to several factors including rising interest rates, increasing inflation and decreasing consumer confidence. As a result, I think we’ll see a decrease in spending on luxury goods and services, which could have a negative impact on our company’s revenue.”

11. What do you know about our company?

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, read up on the company’s mission statement, recent news releases and any other information you can find online. Your answer should include what you learned from these resources and how it relates to your own career goals.

Example: “I know that your company has been named one of the top financial institutions in the country for three years running. I also saw that you have an excellent reputation for customer service and support. These things really resonate with me because I am passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals. I believe my experience as a financial advisor would be a great fit for your organization.”

12. In order to understand the markets better, which resources do you use?

This question can help the interviewer understand your research skills and how you use them to improve your knowledge of the financial markets. Use examples from your experience that show you have a passion for learning about the market, including which resources you prefer and why.

Example: “I find it important to stay up-to-date on current events in the world so I can better predict what will happen in the stock market. In my last role, I subscribed to several news sources, such as The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News, and read these publications daily. I also subscribe to online newsletters that provide information on specific industries, like healthcare and technology.”

13. Have you ever worked in sales before?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and how you might fit into their company. If you have experience in sales, share what you learned from that job and how it can help you succeed at this one. If you don’t have any previous experience, talk about your skills and how they could translate into success as a salesperson.

Example: “I worked as a retail associate while I was going through college. It taught me a lot about customer service and how important it is to be friendly with customers. I also learned how to work under pressure and meet deadlines. These skills helped me get my first internship at an investment firm.”

14. What is your favorite stock right now?

This question is a way for the interviewer to see if you have an interest in stocks and bonds. It also allows them to get a sense of your investment style. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a stock that has done well recently or one that you are excited about.

Example: “I am really excited about Tesla right now. I think Elon Musk is doing some amazing things with his company, and I believe he will continue to innovate and create new products. I would love to work at a place where I could invest my own money into stocks like these.”

15. Are you comfortable cold calling clients?

Cold calling is a common practice in the financial industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable with it and understand how it works. If you have never cold called before, be honest about that. Explain what your experience has been like so far.

Example: “I am not very experienced at cold calling clients. However, I do know how to do it. In my previous position, we had a list of target clients who were looking for our services. We would call them every week to see if they needed any help or advice. I found that most people were receptive to talking to us. They appreciated knowing there was someone available to answer their questions.”

16. What are some qualities that make a great analyst?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities needed for this role. Use your answer to highlight some of your own analytical strengths, such as attention to detail, problem-solving skills or communication skills.

Example: “A great analyst needs to be able to think critically about a situation and come up with solutions. I believe it’s important to understand all aspects of a problem before coming up with a solution so you can make informed decisions. Analysts also need to be organized and good communicators because they are often working on projects with other people. They should be able to clearly explain their ideas and collaborate with others.”

17. What type of investments interest you the most?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience with their company’s investment offerings. It also helps them understand your interests and how they align with the company’s goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few investments that are similar to those offered by the company.

Example: “I am most interested in socially responsible investing. I believe that companies should be held accountable for their actions and that investors should support businesses that do good things for society. In my last role, I helped create a new fund that invested in companies that were environmentally friendly. We saw great returns on our investments while supporting companies that did not pollute or use harmful chemicals.”

18. How do you keep up with new trends in the market?

Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and have a passion for learning. They also want to see that you can adapt to new information in the market. Show them how you stay up-to-date with current events, news and research.

Example: “I am passionate about my career, so I make it a point to read industry publications and blogs. I also subscribe to newsletters from major financial institutions. I find these resources helpful because they provide me with valuable insights into what’s happening in the market. I also attend conferences and seminars where experts share their knowledge on investing.”

19. What tools do you use to analyze financial data?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the tools they use at their company. If you don’t, it’s important to show that you’re willing to learn new software and technology. You can answer this question by naming a few of the most common financial analysis tools and briefly explaining how you would use them.

Example: “I’ve used Microsoft Excel for many years to analyze data. I also know how to use Tableau, which is an excellent tool for creating visual representations of complex data sets. I’m currently learning Python, which is another useful language for analyzing financial data.”

20. When was the last time you read an annual report? Which one did you read?

This question is a great way to see how much you know about the industry and what your interests are. It’s also an opportunity for you to show that you’re up-to-date on current events in the financial world.

Example: “I read the annual report of my previous employer last year, which was quite interesting because it showed me how well the company did during the recession. I think it’s important to keep track of these things so we can learn from them and make better decisions in the future.”