Position: Financial Analyst
Location: Chicago, IL
Interview Difficulty: Moderate
Interview Process:
The interview process at CDW was structured and efficient. It started with a phone screen from a recruiter who was friendly and clear about the role and expectations. The second round was a behavioral Zoom interview with a finance team member — very conversational and focused on STAR-format questions. The final round included a panel with two senior finance team members and a case-based Excel exercise involving forecasting and budget variance analysis.
Questions Asked:
"Tell me about a time you had to work under a tight deadline."
"How would you explain financial data to someone without a finance background?"
"Walk me through a budgeting process you've worked on."
Excel task: Basic forecasting scenario + pivot table
Tips:
Be ready with clear, concise STAR stories
Brush up on Excel (pivot tables, vlookups, basic financial functions)
Show enthusiasm for both finance and CDW’s team-oriented culture
Overall Impression:
Professional and supportive. The team emphasized collaboration and growth. The process was not overly technical but did test practical understanding of financial concepts.