Associate

Contacted an alum of my school who worked in the group and let him know I was interested in a position in the group. I did several phone interviews with him and his colleagues (all at the associate level) before I was asked to come in. I went to their offices and sat around waiting for over an hour before anyone came to speak with me. I was not even offered water or coffee at any point.

I spoke with a managing director that day as well as two vice presidents (covering a range of industries from banks and thrifts to insurance). The interviews went well and they typically just asked about my experience in banking. I also met with the global head of the group. This meeting was very informal and he asked about my experience and what I was looking for out of my career. Pleasant interview.

I was asked a few weeks later to come back. This time I met with a senior associate, two vp's, and three MDs. The last MD was incredibly rude and abrasive. I was applying for a first year associate position and had experience as an associate already. He asked me if I thought I was better than everyone else because I had experience. I answered politely and left with a bad taste in my mouth (he was apparently known for being a jackass and has since left the firm).

After that round of interviews I was asked to go out to dinner with the associates in the group to test my personality / fit with the group. I really liked them, but was discouraged by what they thought they would earn in bonus comp and what they had to say about life working in the group (sweatshop with no room for improvement as you rise up).