1 WEEK TO PREPARE FOR IB SA INTERVIEW - HELP
Some background,
Sophomore and non target for reference
I was cold calling boutiques the other week for fun not really expecting anything per usual, and a partner of a small boutique (10-15 people) picked up the phone and was impressed with my background. I expressed my interest in an internship opportunity and he invited me for an interview over thanksgiving break after reviewing my resume.
I only have a little over a week to prepare for this interview. An analyst I was speaking to told me the interview will be mostly behavioral and personal, and some technical questions, however I'm still very nervous and feel very unprepared.
Does anyone know the most common behavior and technical questions that I may be asked? With such limited time I don't want to waste time/brain storage capacity memorizing things that wont be asked. And yes, IK there are guides with 35-40 questions listed; I just want some personal experience from anyone who has been through SA interviews.
Additionally, any general interview tips are greatly appreciated.
So this is a random boutique, you're talking with a partner, and you're panicking? Partner interviews are literally the easiest. Just be able to articulate why you want to do IB and walk him through your resume, look up transactions they've worked on, read up on what are the trends in their focus industry/ies. Most importantly, don't be cringe and don't act like a robot + prep some smart questions to ask.
I would hope that the interviews are less technical than some of the FT that I've seen.
Behavioral and motivational are easy. Just know the firm, your story, but most importantly your CV - inside and out. That's the best way to tackle it, because then you move away from formulaicly constructed answers that you practiced, and instead into the realm of conversation.
Technicals could be things like what the main valuation methods are, multiples you might use, running through a DCF, why a company might engage in M&A, organic v inorganic growth, stuff like that. Also financial statement questions.
Hope this helps.
In my experience, technicals will be incredibly basic. Linking 3S, valuation methods, etc. Focus on your story and really connecting with the partner. DO NOT be a stiff robot that recites your canned behaviorals. Match interests and feel out the room. Good luck
Breaking into Wall Street vids / free guides are quite nice to ramp up in short time or use the CF institute ones.
As others have said, it’s mostly very basic, so one week should be enough to get the technicals down.
Focus on being a likeable, social person and not some nervous autist or worse. You’ll be fine. Best of luck.
wouldn't expect them to go too heavy on technicals, echoing what everyone else said above but I would not be surprised if he/she asked you a question "what's a news item you've been keeping up with" or "how do you stay informed" also another question I came across was "why should we hire you" so would recommend prepping for those
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