JPMorgan Interview Questions

Application Process (Investment Banking)

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The application, interview and assessment process varies somewhat between different lines of business at JPMorgan. The specific interview questions and information contained herein is based around investment banking and other front office roles.

The application process consists of:
  • Online application form
  • Online numerical/verbal reasoning test
The assessment process consists of:

Online Numerical & Verbal Tests

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The numerical test consists of 20 questions in 22 minutes. Most questions require the interpretation of charts and tables. The test is designed by SHL.

JPMorgan provides some comprehensive examples of the online numerical and verbal tests here.

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

You can take practice aptitude tests to improve your interview performance here

Competency Interview

[Edit] The first interview is primarily designed to assess your motivation for joining JPMorgan, and is taken by a member of HR. The interview will be split to ascertain the following:

You will be required to discuss and draw upon your experiences at university to provide examples to back up your motivations and competency for working at JPMorgan.

Interview questions you are reasonably likely to be asked include:
  • Why are you interested in finance?
  • Why JPMorgan?
  • What do you know about JPMorgan?
  • Why investment banking/the line of business to which you have applied?
  • Why did you pick your university?
  • Why did you pick your university course?
  • What motivates you?
  • What three things would your friends say about you?
  • What do you think you will be doing in your first year/internship at JPMorgan?
  • Tell me about your academic and social life.
  • Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team. (Competency)
  • Tell me about a financial story/non financial story that had taken your interest at the moment. (Commercial Awareness)
  • What are your three main strengths?
  • Tell me about a leader that you have read about in the press that you aspire to

You will also be given the opportunity to ask questions yourself.

Practise difficult accounting & professional services interview questions here


On a single day, JP Morgan may interview 150 candidates, and your interviewer will have carried out identical interviews hour after hour. Make a pleasant, personable impression and go out of your way to please the interviewer such that they enjoy interviewing you, and you will likely get them on your side. Of course, this isn't always possible. If there is no chemistry with the interviewer, or the interviewer looks bored, stressed or tired, give them the answers they need in as efficient manner as possible, so that the interview is made effortless for them.

You will do well to prepare responses for the questions listed above, however, never repeat responses parrot-style during an interview.

Technical Interview

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The technical interview is likely to be more challenging than the first. The purpose of this interview is to test your technical ability and abilities to think on your feet. They will also be attempting to assess your ability to work under pressure.

Questions you are reasonably likely to be asked include:
  • Why JPMorgan?
  • Why investment banking?
  • What do you know about finance?
  • What do you know about investment banking?
  • What's 17 x 18?
  • Are you planning to do MBA?
  • What is share capital?
  • What is IPO?
  • What are your future plans?
You will also be likely to have to:
  • Solve a riddle
  • Draw some graphs
  • Do percentages and arithmetic mentally


The most important thing to do in this interview is keep your cool. They will be trying to find your breaking point. Do not panic and become flustered, this is the response that they are trying to achieve. Take your time when solving problems, and do not be afraid to speak your reasoning out loud.

Practicing mental arithmetic beforehand may help you.

Numerical Test

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The numerical test is performed on paper. The test is designed by SHL. The test is timed and you will be allowed to use a calculator. Calculator (you may bring your own), pencil, eraser and scrap paper will be given. The test is 25 minutes long and there are 28 questions.

The test will require you to:
  • Perform basic calculations
  • Interpret information contained in tables, charts and graphs
  • Use percentages
  • Use ratios
  • Use fractions
  • Use logical thinking
  • Perform calculations and reasoning using time and dates.

No mathematical experience beyond GCSE is required, although a degree with a technical background will be an advantage. Many consider the numerical test at JP Morgan to be amongst the most difficult of all firms, so you should be prepared for this when taking the test.

There will be extreme time pressure during this test. You should work as swiftly and accurately as possible. It is extremely important that you manage your time appropriately on the test, and move on once a question's allocated time has passed. It is unlikely that you will finish the test in the time provided.

Assessment Centre

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JPMorgan use assessment centres for graduate schemes in their Operations, Finance & Business Management divisions.

The assessment centre consists of:

You can prepare for your Assessment Centres with online training - click here