Informational Interview - The phrase

Is it just me or does anyone else HATE the phrase "informational interview"?

Has anyone ever used it outside of WSO? because i'd wager a significant amount that they wouldn't have a f*cking clue what you're on about! And to me, it's the most awkward, embarrassing and pathetic synonym for a chat.

Please stop using it.

8 Comments
 

I have no idea what it means, but people keep asking me if I'll give them one. Is it like sex? Should I be saying yes?

 
SDEcon11When I send my initial networking e-mails, I usually use "informational interview" in the subject heading, but I never refer to that word after when I'm chatting with the intended person.

yerrr, don't do that.

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 
GED or Bust
Oreos
SDEcon11When I send my initial networking e-mails, I usually use "informational interview" in the subject heading, but I never refer to that word after when I'm chatting with the intended person.

yerrr, don't do that.

So what would you want to see in the subject heading?

I go with the company name followed by the word "recruiting." Examples: Wells Fargo Recruiting, or PwC Consulting Recruiting. No need to hide your intent.

 

Facere nesciunt numquam perspiciatis cum dolorum libero deleniti. Est consectetur laboriosam iste est fugit animi.

Aliquid rem accusamus nisi et. In eaque laudantium ex expedita.

Ad illum incidunt libero blanditiis tempora. Similique nisi voluptatibus sit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”