20 Piper Sandler Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to investment banking, Piper Sandler is a name that comes up time and time again. This is because Piper Sandler is one of the leading investment banks in the United States. If you’re looking to score a job at Piper Sandler, you’re going to need to be prepared to answer some tough questions.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common Piper Sandler interview questions. We’ll also give you some tips on how to answer them. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll be one step closer to getting the job you want at Piper Sandler.

Piper Sandler Interview Process

The interview process at Piper Sandler can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For investment banking positions, the process usually starts with a phone call with an HR representative, followed by a super day with multiple interviews. The interviews may be behavioral, technical, or a mix of both. For other positions, there may only be one or two rounds of interviews. Overall, the process is generally quick and efficient, with good communication from the company.

1. Why do you want to work at Piper Sandler?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about Piper Sandler and why you would be a good fit for the position. When preparing for this question, make sure to highlight specific aspects of the company that appeal to you.

Example: “I have always been interested in working at an investment bank because I find it fascinating how they can help companies raise capital. Piper Sandler has such a strong reputation in the industry, so I am excited to work here. I also love the idea of helping businesses grow through raising capital.”

2. Which area of our business do you think would best suit your skill set and why?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and how you can contribute. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what skills you have and which areas of Piper Sandler would best suit them.

Example: “I think my communication skills and attention to detail would make me an excellent fit for Piper Sandler’s investment banking division. I’ve worked in that field before and know how important those two things are when working with clients.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry or dissatisfied customer. How did you handle the situation?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle conflict and challenging situations. They want to know that you can remain calm, professional and empathetic when dealing with customers who are upset or angry.

Example: “I once had a customer call me in the middle of the night because they were having trouble accessing their account online. I was able to help them access their account within five minutes by resetting their password. The next day, they called back to thank me for my help and tell me about how much they appreciated my patience and helpfulness.”

4. Do you have any experience working in investment banking or finance?

This question is a great opportunity to showcase your experience and knowledge of the industry. If you have relevant work experience, be sure to include it in your response. If you don’t have any professional experience, consider including volunteer or internship experiences that helped prepare you for this career.

Example: “I worked as an investment banker at Smith & Jones Financial Group for three years before moving to my current position. During my time there, I learned how to analyze financial statements and perform due diligence on potential investments. This experience has prepared me well for my current role, where I am responsible for analyzing company financials and making recommendations to senior management.”

5. What are some things that you are passionate about?

Employers ask this question to see if you have any passions that they can relate to. They want to know what your interests are and how they might be able to help you pursue them in your career. When answering this question, think about things that you enjoy doing outside of work. Try to find a way to connect these hobbies or activities to the job description.

Example: “I am passionate about traveling. I love learning about new cultures and seeing different places around the world. I also really enjoy cooking. I would love to open my own restaurant one day. I feel like Piper Sandler could provide me with the resources to do so.”

6. Give us an example of a time when you felt uncomfortable with a trade but went through with it anyway.

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to make tough decisions. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the situation in detail and explain how you overcame your discomfort and made the best decision possible.

Example: “When I was working as an analyst at Piper Sandler, we were asked to create a new investment strategy for one of our clients. The client wanted us to invest their money into stocks that would provide them with a high return on investment but also had low volatility. This seemed like a simple task, however, when I started researching companies that fit these criteria, there weren’t many options available. In the end, I decided to go through with the trade despite my discomfort because I knew it was what the client wanted.”

7. Describe a time where you were able to effectively manage multiple tasks at once.

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time when you were able to manage multiple projects or assignments at once while still meeting deadlines and achieving goals.

Example: “In my previous role as a financial analyst, I was responsible for managing several different clients’ accounts. One of the most challenging parts of that job was balancing multiple client needs with company objectives. However, I learned how to effectively balance these responsibilities by prioritizing my work each day based on which clients needed help the most. This helped me meet all of my daily goals while also providing quality service to my clients.”

8. What is your opinion on the current US economy?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your knowledge of the current economic climate and how it affects businesses. You can use examples from your own experience or you can refer to recent news articles that discuss the economy.

Example: “I believe the US economy is currently in a state of growth, however, I think there are some areas where we could improve. For example, I would like to see more jobs available for people who have recently graduated with their bachelor’s degrees. In my last position, I worked on a project that helped create new job opportunities for college graduates by helping small businesses find funding.”

9. Have you ever worked in a team environment before?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential colleague’s teamwork skills. Teamwork is an essential skill for any Piper Sandler employee, so it’s important that you can work well with others. When answering this question, try to highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.

Example: “I have worked in a team environment before, but I prefer working independently. In my last position, I was the only analyst on my team, which meant I had to do all of the research and analysis myself. However, I did enjoy collaborating with other analysts when presenting my findings to clients.”

10. What skills can you bring to the table?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. When answering, it can be helpful to list out specific skills or experiences that are relevant to Piper Sandler’s job description.

Example: “I believe my communication skills and attention to detail make me an excellent candidate for this position. I am also highly organized and motivated, which helps me stay on top of deadlines and projects. My ability to work well in a team setting is another skill that I bring to the table.”

11. Do you have any previous experience trading financial securities?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the necessary skills and experience for this role. If you do, it’s important to highlight your previous success in trading securities. If you don’t, you can explain why you’re qualified for this position despite not having prior experience.

Example: “I’ve been working as an investment advisor at my current company for five years now. I started out as a financial analyst before moving up to my current position. While I haven’t had any direct experience trading securities, I am confident that I have all of the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this role.”

12. What makes Piper Sandler different than other firms in the industry?

Piper Sandler is a unique firm in the financial industry, and your interviewer may want to know how you would fit into that culture. Showcase your knowledge of Piper Sandler by describing what makes it different from other firms.

Example: “Piper Sandler has an excellent reputation for being innovative and forward-thinking. I’ve read about some of the company’s recent projects, such as its investment in blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. These are two areas where Piper Sandler is ahead of many other companies, which shows me that Piper Sandler values innovation and creativity.”

13. When was the last time you made a mistake, how did you recover from it?

Interviewers ask this question to see how you respond to failure. They want to know that you can recover from a mistake and learn from it. When answering, be honest about your past mistakes and explain what you learned from them.

Example: “When I first started working as an investment banker, I was tasked with creating a financial model for a client’s business plan. I worked on the project all night and turned it in before my deadline. The next day, my manager called me into his office and told me that the model I created had several errors. He asked me to fix it and turn it back in by the end of the week. I spent the rest of the week re-creating the entire model. It took longer than expected, but I learned that rushing through projects is not always the best idea.”

14. How do you stay up to date with changes in the market?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are willing to learn new things and adapt to the market. Show that you have a passion for learning about financial markets, how they work and what’s happening in them.

Example: “I am passionate about finance and I love learning more about it every day. I subscribe to several newsletters and blogs that provide me with valuable information on current events in the market. I also take online courses and attend seminars and conferences to expand my knowledge of the industry.”

15. Tell me about a potential client that you interacted with recently. What did you learn from them?

This question is a great way to show your interpersonal skills and how you can apply them in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your ability to work with others and understand their needs.

Example: “I recently had the opportunity to meet with a potential client who was interested in opening an investment account at Piper Sandler. During our meeting, I learned that he wanted to invest his money into stocks because of his interest in technology companies. He also told me that he didn’t want to risk too much of his money on one stock, so he preferred investing in multiple stocks. After learning more about him, I recommended some different options for him to consider.”

16. What do you know about company culture?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you are a good fit for their company culture. They want to know that you will be able to work well with your team and get along with others. When answering, try to show that you understand the importance of having a positive workplace environment. Explain how you would contribute to making it an enjoyable place to work.

Example: “I think it’s important to have a positive company culture because it can make employees happier and more productive. I am always looking for ways to help my coworkers feel valued and appreciated. For example, when I worked at my previous job, I noticed that one of our salespeople was struggling to meet her quota. So, I volunteered to take on some extra client calls so she could focus on closing deals.”

17. What kind of research do you conduct prior to making a trade?

This question can help the interviewer understand your research skills and how you apply them to your work. Use examples from previous experiences where you used your research skills to make a trade or recommendation for your clients.

Example: “I always start my research by looking at the current market trends, including any recent news that may have an impact on the company I’m researching. From there, I’ll look into the financial statements of the company, such as their balance sheets and income statements, to get a better idea of what’s going on with the company. Finally, I’ll read through analyst reports to see if they have anything new to add to my understanding of the company.”

18. If I offered you the job today, what questions would you ask me?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the position and company. It also allows you to ask any questions you may have about the job or Piper Sandler’s policies. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description thoroughly so that you can come prepared with relevant questions.

Example: “I would first want to know more about the training program here at Piper Sandler. I am very interested in learning as much as possible about investment banking and securities trading. I would also like to know what opportunities there are for advancement within the company.”

19. How would you describe yourself as a person? (In three words)

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and values. It also helps you determine if they are a good fit for Piper Sandler, as it allows you to see how well their personalities match up with the company culture.

Example: “I would describe myself as driven, empathetic and creative.” This answer shows that the candidate has a strong work ethic and cares about others. They also have an active imagination and enjoy coming up with new ideas.

20. What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s career goals and how they plan to achieve them. It also helps employers determine if you’re likely to stay with their company for an extended period of time. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what your life will look like in 10 years. Consider things such as where you’ll live, who you’ll be living with and what kind of work you’ll be doing.

Example: “In 10 years, I see myself working at Piper Sandler. I hope to have worked my way up from analyst to associate by then. I would love to continue growing within the company and helping clients find solutions to their financial problems.”