Getting an interview with Discover is exciting! It means they see potential in you as a candidate But now you need to prepare for the actual interview
Interviewing at a big financial services company like Discover can feel intimidating. However going in with the right mindset and preparation will set you up for success.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ace your Discover interview. From tips on how to prepare to the most commonly asked interview questions, you’ll be ready to wow your interviewers after reading this.
Do Your Research on Discover
Before your interview, take time to thoroughly research Discover. This shows the interviewers you took initiative to learn about the company.
Check out their:
- Website
- About Us and career pages
- Latest news articles mentioning Discover
- Mission, values, and culture
- Major products and services
- Recent projects or initiatives
- Executive team bios
- Financial performance
This gives you insight into Discover’s goals, challenges, and workplace culture. Use what you learn to tailor your interview answers. Show how you and your skills can help Discover achieve their goals.
Understand the Role You’re Interviewing For
Along with researching Discover, understand the role itself.
- Carefully read the job description
- Identify the core responsibilities and qualifications
- Note the team you’d be working on
- Look up profiles of people currently in this role via LinkedIn
This ensures you can directly link your background to the role during the interview. Be ready to explain why you’re an excellent fit.
Practice Answering Common Discover Interview Questions
Practicing your answers helps you sound polished, thoughtful, and confident.
Here are some of the most common questions asked at Discover interviews according to Glassdoor:
Tell me about yourself
Focus on your relevant background and skills for this role in a concise 1-2 minute pitch.
Why do you want to work for Discover?
Show your enthusiasm for their mission, culture, and the role itself. Use facts from your research.
What are your greatest strengths?
Pick 2-3 relevant strengths and provide specific examples demonstrating them. Quantify your accomplishments when possible.
What is your greatest weakness?
Choose a minor weakness not core to the role. Explain how you’ve worked to improve in this area.
Describe a time you faced a conflict at work and how you handled it.
Share a story highlighting your conflict resolution abilities. Focus on the actions you took.
Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.
Be honest but upbeat. Explain the lessons you took away from the experience.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Tie your goals to growing your skills and responsibilities at Discover.
Why should we hire you?
Summarize why your skills, experience, and passions make you the standout candidate for this role at Discover.
Do you have any questions for me?
Ask thoughtful questions that show your understanding of Discover and the role. This demonstrates your engagement.
Preparing examples from your background for behavioral questions like these will help you provide smooth, thoughtful responses.
Dress Professionally
Aim for smart business attire in traditional dark colors like black, navy, or grey. This could include:
- A business suit
- Button-down shirt paired with dress pants or skirt
- A modest dress with a blazer
Avoid loud colors, patterns, or distracting accessories. You want the focus to be on your interview responses, not your outfit.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your interview time. This ensures you’re relaxed and composed when it’s time to meet your interviewer, not rushed or frazzled.
Take a few minutes in the waiting area to breathe deeply and center yourself. Review your notes one last time as a refresher.
Greet Your Interviewer Professionally
When meeting your interviewers, make a great first impression with a warm, confident greeting. Make eye contact, smile, and have a firm handshake.
Use their name if you know it from scheduling emails or research. If multiple people will interview you, ask for introductions.
Ask Good Questions
The end of the interview is your chance to ask questions. Prep at least 2-3 insightful questions ahead of time.
Avoid questions with simple yes/no answers. Ask engaging questions like:
- How would you describe the culture on your team?
- What are the top goals or priorities for this role in the first 6 months?
- What do you enjoy most about working for Discover?
Smart questions show your thoughtfulness and interest in the company.
Follow Up Politely
After the interview, promptly send a thank you email to each person who interviewed you. Express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your interest in the role.
If there were any unfinished thoughts from the interview, this is a chance to mention them.
Following up is an important and often overlooked step that makes you memorable.
Stay Positive Afterward
The interview is over – nice work! Now avoid fixating on how it went. Don’t nitpick all your answers. Trust that you prepared sufficiently.
Be patient during the hiring decision timeline. Continue moving forward with optimism in your job search.
With this advice, you’re ready to have a fantastic interview experience at Discover. Bring your A-game and let your skills shine through. You’ve got this!
Discover Careers: Learn about our recruitment process with this step by step video guide
FAQ
Why do you want to work at Discover?
How many rounds of interview are there in Discover?
What’s it like working at discover?
The company is paying 15-25% under market. The people at Discover are really great. The majority of those you associate with are fully committed to shared goals, including a real desire for positive customer service experiences. Employees are willing to share knowledge. Top level management is available and the different job grades fully mingle.
What should you ask in a discovery interview?
There are 4 key areas you want to move through in a Discovery Interview: Note that you don’t see a “solution presentation” area. That’s by design. You will not talk about your solution or startup at all in this interview. Ask about the problem space. Never mention your solution. It’s all about listening.
What is the purpose of a discovery interview?
The discovery interview allows the accountant to explore the client’s situations, opportunities and concerns that may have motivated him to ask for the meeting. This interview is the place and time for fact finding and determining the client’s goals, whether it is from a tax or wealth management point of view.
What are discovery questions?
Discovery questions are quiz-like and non-judgemental. They aim to assess users’ confidence and experience with a host of real-world digital practices. Just by answering the questions, users are made aware of digital practices they already have and new ones they might try.
