How to approach interview with director of research
Hello everyone,
Recently got an interview invite for a 30 min chat with the director of research at one of the bigger shops.
Since they don't have the most technical background, I was wondering how would one approach prepping for this.
I was thinking more behavioral, they would be thinking how does this guy think about the business, can he think about the bigger picture, can I put him in front of a client, etc.
But any other insight would be appreciated.
When preparing for an interview with a Director of Research, it's crucial to focus on both behavioral and strategic aspects. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can approach it:
Understand Their Perspective: Directors of Research often have a broader, strategic view of the business. They are likely assessing your ability to think critically, understand the industry, and represent the firm well. Research their background, including the sector they used to cover, and prepare thoughtful questions about their views on the industry or the firm's direction.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Use frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or SOAR (Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Be ready to discuss:
Showcase Big-Picture Thinking: Directors value candidates who can think beyond the technical details. Be prepared to discuss:
Demonstrate Client-Readiness: Highlight your communication skills and ability to simplify complex ideas. Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that a non-technical audience can understand. This will show that you can be trusted in client-facing situations.
Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the firm. For example:
Polish Your Presentation: Dress professionally, maintain good posture, and ensure your communication is clear and concise. Smile and engage actively during the conversation.
By focusing on these areas, you’ll demonstrate that you’re not only technically capable but also a strategic thinker who can contribute to the firm's success. Good luck!
Sources: How to Thrive on Your Research Internship, Guide for Investment Banking Full-Time Recruiting, Preparing for the HF informational interview, Fit/Behavioral Interviews - A Crash Course
I mean what level is this for? I imagine a very junior position given you're asking this.
DoR interviews are rarely "technical". They care about if you're going to fit into the department. But just because they didn't come specifically from research doesn't mean they don't know how it works. Very likely they have at least some finance background and they have a good gauge of what makes a good analyst. They may not ask you to walk through a DCF but they might ask how you think about stocks in a more abstract way. Or how you think research should be written etc.
Ok thanks this is helpful. Yes, I am a junior (~2 YOE) and was thinking similar culture/personality fit. Interesting take on the market philosophy stuff, will make sure to perfect stock pitch and read up a bit.
Definitely depends on the shop, as nutmegger said, they know the research business cold. You could expect some questions on second-level thinking and how you dive deeper into research to gain an edge.
Every interview I’ve had with a DoR has been at the end of the process and has been a “get to know you” interview rather than an actual decision factor. If you’ve made it this far, it’s usually yours to lose.
I wouldn’t necessarily worry about technicals because they are typically just looking for big red flags. Your intuition is generally accurate - make sure you know how the business actually works and make sure you have a reason for why that particular firm/team.
Remember, the DoR is pretty far removed from an associate. Your “second boss” is the associate director of research, not the DoR.
Got it thank you this is good advice. Have a few days to prep so will make sure I'm rock solid on these topics and focus on vibe rather than blowing them out of the water
Former PM ($1B AUM) here. Different seat than yours, but relevant perspective—I've been the buy-side client that sell-side analysts are trying to get in front of.
First, a warning: Be careful assuming the Director of Research "doesn't have a technical background." Most were star analysts before they took the management seat. They can smell a bad assumption from the hallway.
That said, your instincts on the interview goal are right. They aren't stress-testing your accounting. They're asking one question: "Can I put this person in front of my buy-side clients without embarrassing the firm?"
Remember—you're not being hired to generate alpha. You're being hired to generate revenue (broker votes). That's a different job.
They're testing for three things:
The play: Come in with a view on something. When they ask "what are you following?", don't say "I'm interested in tech." Have a name ready and a one-sentence take on why the Street might be missing something. You're not delivering a full pitch—you're showing you have opinions worth hearing.
Thank you for the advice ! Got the offer 😁
Congrats on the offer. That is a huge win.
The points above regarding 'Revenue vs. Alpha' and 'Being Useful' apply even more to the actual job than the interview. Keep that client-first mindset on the desk and you will crush it.
Good luck.
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