Investment Banking · ~2-3% acceptance rate

Citi Interview Preparation

The most global bank — operating in 160+ countries with top-tier compensation

~100,000+

Applications

~2-3%

Offer rate

£60,000 base

Graduate salary

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HireVue Practice

Citi — HireVue Practice

Your question

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

Application process

How to get into Citi — step by step

Online Application

Opens July-August. Rolling.

Citi opens earlier than most — apply as soon as applications open. Highlight global awareness.

Online Assessment (Korn Ferry)

Within 1-2 weeks

Korn Ferry-style assessments — numerical, verbal, and personality. Different format from SHL — practise specifically.

HireVue Video Interview

2-3 weeks after assessment

4-5 questions. Mix of behavioural and motivational. Reference Citi's global reach and diversity commitment.

Assessment Centre

September-December

Case study, group exercise, and 2-3 individual interviews. Technical depth expected for IB roles.

Offer

1-2 weeks after AC

Citi is known for competitive offers. Total comp often matches or exceeds GS/JPM.

Interview questions

Citi interview questions by round

Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.

1Why Citi over other banks?
2Walk me through your CV.
3Tell me about a time you showed initiative.
4What global trend interests you most?
5Describe a time you adapted to a new environment.

What they value

What Citi looks for in candidates

Global mindset

Citi operates in 160+ countries. Show awareness of international markets, emerging economies, and cross-border dynamics.

Diversity and inclusion

One of the most diverse banks. They actively assess inclusive behaviour in interviews and group exercises.

Analytical strength

Technical interviews are rigorous. Be ready for accounting, valuation, and market questions.

Client orientation

Citi's franchise is relationship-driven. Show you understand long-term client value.

Adaptability

Global roles require flexibility. Show evidence of thriving in new or changing environments.

Leadership potential

Even at junior level, they want people who take ownership and drive outcomes.

Compensation

Citi salary & benefits

Graduate

~£60,000 base (~£90-95K total comp)

Intern

~£52,000 pro-rata

Perks & benefits

Health insurancePensionGym subsidyCycle to workEmployee stock purchase planGlobal mobility opportunitiesMental health support25 days holiday

Culture & work style

What it's actually like to work at Citi

One of the most globally diverse banks — 160+ countries

65-75 hours/week for IBD analysts

5 days in office

Strong emerging markets franchise — differentiator vs GS/JPM

Diversity is genuinely embedded — most inclusive bulge bracket

Canary Wharf office

Clear progression framework

Good training programme for analysts

Insider tips

How to stand out at Citi

Citi's global reach is their #1 differentiator — reference specific emerging market or cross-border deals

Know the difference between Citi's businesses — ICG (investment banking), PBWM (wealth), Services

Citi often opens applications earlier than competitors — apply in July/August for an advantage

Reference their diversity commitment with specific examples, not platitudes

At AC: show global awareness in case studies. Think about cross-border implications.

Compare

Citi vs competitors

Firm	Salary	Hours	Culture	Exit opps
Citi	~£60,000 base (~£90-95K total comp)	65-75/week	One of the most globally diverse banks —...	—
Goldman Sachs	~£65K / ~£95K total	70-80/week	More intense, US-focused	Strongest
J.P. Morgan	~£65K / ~£95K total	65-75/week	Structured, global	Very strong
Barclays	~£50K / ~£75K total	60-70/week	UK-focused, hybrid	Moderate
HSBC	~£48K / ~£65K total	55-65/week	Asia-focused, more balanced	Moderate

FAQ

Citi FAQs

~100,000+ people are applying.
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