Answering why HF
Hi, I’m an IBD analyst and have an interview coming up at an equity L/S fund. This is my first ever interview in this sector (buyside) so I’ve never had any practice on answering why do you want to work in an equity l/s hedge fund. I would appreciate if anyone has any advice on how to structure this?
Given this is for an experienced hire, Is it best to keep it concise and structured, for example:
I want to work for an equity HF as firstly I’m passionate about investing and love XY; secondly I’ve been managing my own portfolio...XY; and thirdly I feel I have the right skills to succeed in this .. XY;
Or is it a good idea to turn it into a longer story:
I was first exposed to investing when I was ... I loved XY... since then I did X and Y... and now I’ve built the modelling skill set in my analyst years during IBD, I would like to apply this into an investing role.
I like the story route as it’s genuine and unique to me but it is a long talk even if I cut it down to make it as short as possible I’ll still be talking for a few minutes so I feel it is too long of an answer and they might then think I’m unable to communicate concisely and hit the key points? Additionally I feel the story route is more applicable to graduates but considering ive been an ibd analyst for 3 years I should just focus on the key points not bring up my school and university years.
This would genuinely be my dream job so would appreciate any advice.
Why dont you try answering the question? Points 2 and 3 of your "concise" option dont even answer the question.
Thanks for your comment. Are you essentially saying to treat 'why HF' with a seperate answer to 'why investing / equities l/s'?
No, I'm not saying that. They are not asking you about qualifications not experience, which is what you're addressing in your points 3 and 2. Tell them why you lioe investing. Tell them why you like public investing vs private equity. Tell them why you like to have more flexilibity than a long only fund. And such. That is what answers the question they are asking.
Thank you very much this is really helpful. Would it be ok if I PM you?
Say "Because I watched Wolf of Wall street and want that life"
There are only two true answers.
You like the game. You want to make money. Anything else is basically bullshit.
I guess there’s a third reason prestige. But I doubt anyone has a successful career chasing prestige.
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