L/S Pitch during Interview
Quick question: I'm prepping for some interviews and have a long & short idea. How long should I be prepared to speak for? I've prepared a ~30sec version and a 5 minute version but wanted to see how I can gauge which one to start out with.
I.e. -> if interviewer asks some variation of "pitch me your long idea"
For a long/short pitch during an interview, you should aim for a 5 to 10-minute version of your pitch. Based on the most helpful WSO content, this timeframe allows you to cover all critical aspects of your idea while keeping the interviewer engaged. Here's how you can structure it:
Start with a concise summary (~30 seconds): This is your elevator pitch. Highlight the key points—what the idea is, why it's compelling, and the catalyst driving it. This gives the interviewer a quick overview and sets the stage.
Expand into the detailed pitch (5-10 minutes): Dive deeper into the following:
Adapt based on interviewer cues: If they seem engaged or ask follow-up questions, you can elaborate further. If they appear pressed for time, keep it concise and focus on the most critical points.
Remember, the goal is to balance brevity with depth. A 30-second version is great for a quick overview, but the 5-10 minute version ensures you cover all bases effectively.
Sources: How long does it take to formulate a investment idea / stock pitch, How long does it take to formulate a investment idea / stock pitch, Stock Pitch Sample Template - Proven Examples to Help Ace Your Interview, Stock Pitch Sample Template - Proven Examples to Help Ace Your Interview, Three things for formidable presentations
Following
Don't sweat the timing that much. 30 seconds feels a hair too light, and 5min feels too long, but I've never timed myself
You are long, and see xyz% upside/downside because x, y, and z. Summarize the headlines on the key thesis points (granted some nuance/background can take a couple extra sentences). Story now quantified into into your upside and risk/reward, and catalyst path. Boom done
From there, naturally the conversation and Q&A flows back to all the details you know.
Don't sweat it. When in doubt, leave more to the Q&A
Tips:
Thanks. this is helpful! Would be great to get your thoughts on the below pitch? I blanked out the stock but my analysis is still the same - I timed it at ~2.5 minutes.
I’m long stock - 60% upside.
Variant View
Quantify Variant View vs. Consensus
Set Up / Positioning
Catalyst:
lol 2.5 min? If you rattle all of this off in 2.5 min, 100% anyone listening is going to be absolutely lost. There’s way too much info you’re trying to pack together and it’s just too hard to follow. More is not better. It just shows you’re a junior who doesn’t know how to sift through the noise. Highlight only the key arguments. Leave aside all the details for follow ups by saying “I have more to the thesis and numbers if you’d like to hear about them”
2-3 min. Structure matters, lead with the conclusion
..
idk about that...youre explicitly told not to disclose any MNPI so doubt they wont ask + its the job
Quis eveniet tempore ea vitae iusto. Repellendus earum voluptatem voluptatem tempora. Nesciunt est molestiae id qui incidunt omnis et. Eos laborum nulla voluptatem et eveniet.
Harum ea ea sunt vitae quasi assumenda. Autem id quaerat provident aspernatur rerum est reiciendis. Numquam sit voluptatum excepturi deleniti rerum delectus aperiam. Eaque aut qui perspiciatis ut praesentium reiciendis. Officiis magnam similique maiores corporis et ducimus veniam. Nihil tempora nihil libero qui. Aut vel magni voluptatem velit quia sit qui illo.
Est nulla dicta non est quo deleniti itaque. Ut eum quae reprehenderit dolor nam. Repellendus ea modi dolorum fugiat. Quia laborum ut iure id soluta ipsum esse. Est dolorem quia doloribus sit enim exercitationem aut nemo. Error rerum iste sint et porro assumenda id neque. Reiciendis dolores magnam perspiciatis repudiandae sint totam.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...