Ahh... February. We're all sitting on our offers and waiting for our relocation bonuses so we can blow them on a night out and new loafers. Absolutely fantastic.

So, given that I am sitting in snowy rural CT contemplating my existence on Earth, obviously I have been perusing the conversation on WSO. Looking through the jumble of seemingly confused individuals with tons of offers, people are asking about where to go. Many of the responses are based on things like "culture" and "fit". This isn't wrong, but it is incomplete, and here is why:

1. You can't figure out 100% of a firm's culture by what you read on the internet

I have a 2nd round interview tomorrow at a consulting gig, doing sales and research work. First went well, I impressed them and they felt I'd be a good fit.

Couple of thoughts: 1) When they emailed me to arrange the interview for the second time, they were much more informal by their language. Is that a good sign to take?

2) What kind of questions usually are asked in a second round?

3) I've established i know about the firm, what other research do you guys recommend?

Thanks guys.

Hello,

I had first rounds at McKinsey last week. Made it through but I think my PEI answers were the weak point. Although I knew that would go in depth I wasn't really prepared for how much and I had to spend way too much time thinking and trying to recall details.

I'd like to make a list of standard PEI type questions that I should work on strong answers for. So far I can think of:

-Tell me about a time you lead a team (through a conflict/to achieve and difficult goal/through a crisis)
-Tell me about a time you dealt with a conflict/crisis/difficult member/whatever on a team (difference between the first one being that here you don't necessarily have to be in a real leadership position, at least thatw as my interpretation)
-Tell me about a time when you failed at something

Ok, so getting an answer wrong is not deadly according 'Getting a technical wrong = auto ding?" thread, but how do you recover and how do you compose yourself after all?

When I got technical answers wrong, I would just ask the interviewer to explain the concept to me. Is this OK?

Hola Monkeys and Men,

I've got my final round interview at a boutique on Friday and I just received an e-mail that as part of their hiring process, they utilize the "Predictive Index (PI) behavioral assessment."

Has anyone ever heard of this / had to do one of these? Is there a right way or a wrong way to answer the questions? Should I try to "game" the thing or just answer the questions truthfully?

I'm getting the login information tomorrow and have to complete by Thursday so I will try to post some of the questions tomorrow night if possible and see what you guys think the best answers are.

- empire

.

Hi,

I recently cleared the first round at Transmarket Group LLC. I've been told that my second round will be non-technical in nature to "get to know me". Im assuming this is a fit interview. Can someone point me to a thread thats got most of the questions covered (possibly with indications on how to answer them)? I already know the standard ones like "Why do you want to be a trader" and "describe a situation when you took risk".

Why would any company invite someone to an interview and then say "we think you are a great fit, but we don't have a position right now." Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of an interview?

Hey guys. I have a phone interview for a Summer Analyst position with Blackstone Technology M&A practice next week and was wondering if anyone has interviewed with them or can provide some advice. What types of questions should I expect (fit, technical, brainteaser)?

Hi all,

I tried searching but to no avail so I am here. I was wondering if it was acceptable to wear certain religious articles (in my case, a hijab) to an interview for BB IBD SA position (top 10 school).

Also, would being female, ethnic, and muslim would affect how I would fit into the culture of the firm? I've read that some bankers choose not to drink at socials because of personal reasons with little or no consequences, but being female, I was wondering if it would be the same for me.

I don't think I would have a problem going out with my team, but I would like to continue wearing my hijab when working and going out.

Thanks in advance for your helpfulness,

Linah

I had a final round for a small distressed debt internship (only 1 spot), and they said they wanted to bring me in for a set of final round interviews, primarily evaluating "your fit with the company"

So basically they bring me in and they make me wait in the interview room, for what must have been an hour. Then they bring in each of the guys one by one, and we're basically just talking about my background, what I'm interested in etc.

I thought it was pretty standard, can't see any reason why it went wrong, but I never got the offer. I called up the main analyst who I'd be working under, and he said that I was an excellent candidate and thought I was bright but there was just someone better.

I have an offer from Stifel Nicolaus for their IBD office in Baltimore. I also have an offer from Ewing Bemiss, its a boutique in Richmond with about 20 bankers. I liked the guys at Ewing Bemiss more, but I feel like Stifel would provide me with better exit opportunities. What do you guys think? Your input is appreciated.

I am a first-year MBA female at a top-10 MBA program, weighing an offer to join a BB for the summer. I have three questions for the experts:

1. What are some key quality of life indicators to try to find the answers to as you evaluate banks? (e.g. do they look down on breaking for gym time, how many weeks most associates take for vacation... if any, etc). It would be great to hear from anyone with answers to these questions already.

2. Am I crazy for even considering IB as a women w/ no fin services background?

3. Are there alternatives to IB that let you live in NYC on a comfortable salary (~$120k), while working <70 hours a week, right out of MBA?

How did you know that Investment Banking was something you wanted to do either before or after an internship and how sure were you?

Hey guys, I have interviews with JP Morgan and Citi this week/next week. Was wondering if you guys have any comments on what the culture is like at each bank, and what kind of person they would be looking for? Any specific things I should mention during the fit part of the interview? Are there any specific things they test in the technical part of the interview?

I really want to do well in these interviews (been recruiting for a loooong time). Thanks in advance!

I have an interview with Leerink Swann & Co coming up. I'm an undergrad student, and am interviewing for an analyst intern position. Given the unique nature of the company (health care) and the boutique firm feel, i think its safe to assume that this interview will vary from the basic BB interview questions. I was curious as to if anyone would have some suggestions as to questions i might receive; more technical but if there would be any out of the ordinary behavioral/other those suggestions would also be appreciated. My experience only includes other intern positions and academic courses, so i dont have a lot of practical or interview experience. All help would be greatly appreciated.

What kind of "fit" does Credit Suisse look for? I heard their interviews were mainly fit and I obviously want to do well.

How should I find the right group within a bank? I have talked to people within the bank, but mostly everyone from my school is concentrated in a couple groups. At the same time, it is hard for me to really get the personality of each group. Should I join one of these groups where there are a lot of alumni who will look out for me? How did you all pick your groups? What are the personality stereotypes for each group (obviously this is difficult/impossible to do)?

Thanks,
hopefulfuturebanker