20 UBS Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at UBS, a global financial services company, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some specific interview questions.

While you can’t predict exactly what you’ll be asked, you can get a sense of the kinds of questions that are likely to be asked by researching the company and the role you’re applying for.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of some common interview questions that UBS candidates have been asked in the past. With these questions in mind, you can start crafting your own answers and practice delivering them with confidence.

UBS Interview Process

The interview process at UBS can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require some form of online assessment, followed by one or more interviews. The difficulty of the interviews will depend on the role you are applying for, but they are generally not too difficult. Overall, the experience is generally positive, with most interviewers being friendly and helpful.

1. How would you describe your communication style?

UBS is a global company that requires its employees to communicate effectively with one another. Your communication style can be an important factor in determining whether you are the right fit for UBS. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to describe your communication style and how it has helped you succeed in previous roles.

Example: “I consider myself to have a direct communication style. I believe that being honest and transparent about my opinions and ideas is the best way to ensure that everyone on my team understands what’s expected of them. In my last role as a financial advisor, I noticed that many clients were hesitant to ask questions or voice their concerns. I made it a point to make sure each client felt comfortable asking me any questions they had. This led to more productive meetings and stronger relationships.”

2. What is the difference between a stock and bond?

This question is a basic knowledge test that the interviewer may ask to see if you have enough financial knowledge to work at UBS. Use examples from your experience to show how you can apply this knowledge in your daily job.

Example: “A stock represents ownership of a company, while a bond is a debt instrument issued by a government or corporation. In my previous role as an investment advisor, I had to explain these differences to clients who were confused about their investments. I would first explain what each type of security was and then discuss the pros and cons of investing in either one.”

3. Do you have any experience working with clients in another country?

UBS is a global financial services company that offers its clients solutions to their financial needs. As such, it’s important for employees to be able to work with clients in other countries and cultures. When answering this question, you should describe your experience working with international clients or customers.

Example: “I have worked with several international clients at my current job. I find that the key to success when working with international clients is communication. It’s important to understand how they communicate and what language they speak. In addition, I make sure to use visual aids like graphs and charts so that they can better understand our products.”

4. Tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with someone who was difficult to work with, how did you handle it?

UBS wants to know that you can work with others and collaborate effectively. This question is an opportunity for you to show your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and conflict resolution skills.

Example: “I once worked with a colleague who was very outspoken and would often criticize my ideas in front of other colleagues. I tried to be patient with her because she had been working at the company longer than me. However, after several weeks of enduring her behavior, I decided to have a one-on-one conversation with her about how her comments were affecting my performance. She apologized and promised to change her behavior.”

5. Why do you want to become an associate director at UBS?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in the position and how you can contribute to UBS. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experience that make you a good fit for the role.

Example: “I want to become an associate director at UBS because I’m passionate about helping clients achieve their financial goals. In my current role as a senior financial advisor, I’ve helped many clients plan for retirement, save for college and invest money for other life events. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and I feel like I have the interpersonal skills and knowledge to help more clients reach their financial goals.”

6. Tell me about one of your recent projects or initiatives you worked on.

This question is a great way to show your potential employer what you’re capable of and how you can contribute to the company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your skills and abilities while also showing that you are passionate about your work.

Example: “I recently worked on an initiative with my team where we were tasked with finding ways to increase our client retention rate by 10%. I was able to use my research and analytical skills to find out which clients were most likely to leave the bank and why. We then used this information to create targeted marketing campaigns for these specific customers.”

7. How would you help grow our client base here at UBS?

UBS is looking for candidates who can help the company grow its client base. This question helps employers determine if you have strategies to attract new clients and retain current ones. Use your answer to highlight any experience you have with growing a customer base.

Example: “I believe that one of the best ways to grow our client base is through referrals. I would implement referral programs where customers could receive discounts or other incentives when they refer their friends, family members or colleagues to UBS. In my last role as an investment advisor, we implemented this strategy and saw a 20% increase in our client base within six months.”

8. Give an example of a time when you were able to successfully meet a deadline.

UBS is looking for candidates who can meet deadlines and work under pressure. This question allows you to show your ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively and complete projects on time.

Example: “At my previous job, I was responsible for managing the company’s social media accounts. One day, our CEO decided he wanted to post a new video to all of our platforms. He gave me one hour to get it done. I immediately got to work by editing the video, finding music and writing the script. After an hour, I had everything ready to go. The CEO loved the video and posted it to all of our channels.”

9. Describe one of the best presentations that you’ve ever seen. What made it so good?

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and how you can apply them in a professional setting. When answering this question, it’s important to remember that the person asking probably hasn’t seen every presentation ever given. Instead of focusing on the content of the presentation, focus on what made it so good.

Example: “The best presentation I’ve ever seen was when my manager gave us our annual goals for the year. He used a lot of visuals and kept his speech short and sweet. It was clear he put a lot of thought into the presentation, and it really helped me understand what I needed to do to meet my goals.”

10. Are there any areas in your life where you need improvement?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your self-awareness and how you handle constructive criticism. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area of improvement that you have already started working on or one that you are actively trying to improve.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my communication skills. I find that sometimes when I’m nervous or excited, I speak too quickly or use jargon that may confuse others. In the past year, I’ve been practicing public speaking and taking classes in business communications. This has helped me become more comfortable with presenting information to large groups.”

11. If we hired you, what would be your first 30, 60 and 90 days plan?

This question is a great way to see how you plan and execute. It also shows the interviewer that you are ready to get started right away. When answering this question, be sure to include your goals for each time period and what steps you would take to achieve them.

Example: “My first 30-day plan would be to learn as much as I can about UBS’s current processes and systems. Then, I would create an actionable plan of how I could improve these processes and implement new technology to make it easier for employees to do their jobs. My 60-day plan would be to start implementing my ideas and strategies into the company. Finally, by 90 days, I would have implemented many of my plans and would be working with my team to ensure they’re happy and productive.”

12. How much risk are you willing to take if you know the reward will be high?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your risk tolerance and how you would handle high-risk situations. Your answer should show that you are willing to take calculated risks when necessary, but also have an understanding of what types of risks are worth taking.

Example: “I am willing to take risks if I know there will be a positive outcome. For example, I would be willing to invest in stocks or other financial instruments that have a higher risk factor because I understand that the potential reward outweighs the risk. However, I would not be willing to take on any type of risk that could potentially lead to a loss of money or resources.”

13. Which investment strategy would you recommend for a client looking to retire in 10 years?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of investment strategies and how you can apply them to specific situations. When answering this question, it’s important to be as detailed as possible in explaining the strategy and why it would benefit the client.

Example: “I would recommend that my client invest their money into a diversified portfolio. This strategy allows for investments across multiple asset classes, which helps reduce risk while also increasing potential returns. I would also encourage my client to consider investing in index funds because they are low-cost and have historically outperformed actively managed mutual funds.”

14. Are you familiar with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)?

UBS is a global financial services company that provides clients with access to foreign markets. As such, the company has an interest in complying with UBS’s regulatory requirements and ensuring its customers are compliant with their tax obligations.

Example: “FATCA requires foreign financial institutions to report information about accounts held by US taxpayers or face steep penalties. I am familiar with FATCA as it applies to my current employer. In fact, our firm recently implemented new software to help us comply with this law.”

15. Have you considered becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in the future?

UBS is looking for candidates who are interested in continuing their education and pursuing a CFP certification. If you have already started the process of becoming a CFP, be sure to mention it during your interview.

Example: “I am currently enrolled in an online course that will help me prepare for the Certified Financial Planner exam. I plan on taking the test within the next year or so. Having this credential would allow me to provide more comprehensive financial advice to my clients.”

16. How do you stay up-to-date on industry news?

UBS is a global financial services company that needs employees who are knowledgeable about the industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have an interest in learning more about the financial sector and how it’s changing. In your answer, explain what news sources you use to stay up-to-date on current events. If you don’t have any specific news sources, tell them which types of media you consume regularly.

Example: “I subscribe to several financial publications, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Businessweek. I also follow many finance professionals on social media. This allows me to learn about new developments in the industry before they become common knowledge.”

17. What does financial success mean to you?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s values and how they align with UBS. It also helps you understand what motivates them in their career.

Example: “Financial success means that I am able to provide for my family, while still having time to spend with them. For me, it’s important to have balance between work and life. I want to be successful enough to make a difference in the world through my work, but not so much that I sacrifice my personal relationships.”

18. Explain the differences between stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs.

This question is a basic knowledge test that the interviewer may ask to ensure you have a strong understanding of financial terms and concepts. Use your answer to define each term, explain how they differ from one another and provide an example of when you’ve used them in the past.

Example: “Stocks are shares of ownership in a company. They’re typically issued by companies as part of their initial public offering or IPO. Bonds are debt instruments that represent loans between two parties. When I worked at my previous job, I helped clients choose between stocks and bonds based on their risk tolerance and investment goals. Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from many investors to purchase securities such as stocks, bonds and other assets. ETFs are similar to mutual funds but trade like stocks.”

19. Can you tell me why you decided to pursue a career as an analyst?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the financial industry and how you can contribute to UBS. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about why you chose a career in finance. You should also highlight any skills or experiences that led you to pursue this career path.

Example: “I decided to pursue a career as an analyst because I have always been passionate about numbers and data. Ever since I was young, I enjoyed solving math problems and puzzles. Throughout my education, I excelled in all of my math classes and even tutored other students who were struggling with their math homework. This experience helped me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in the financial sector.”

20. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a well-rounded individual. You can use this time to discuss any unique skills, hobbies or volunteer work that may be relevant to the position.

Example: “I am an avid runner and have participated in several marathons. I find that running helps me clear my mind and come up with creative solutions to problems. In fact, when I was working on a project for my last employer, I had a breakthrough idea while out on a run.”