Hey everyone,
A director called me from a top boutique IB in NY. He said, "Is this a good time?" Unfortunately, it was not for me, so I scheduled a call with him for tomorrow in the afternoon. Does anyone know if this would be a formal first round phone interview, where he would be asking me technical questions? Basically, I cold emailed all the MDs/Ds at the bank and sent them my resume and CL two days ago. Today, I get a call from a Director. Really confused on what to do -- should I prepare like it's an interview or do you think it will be just a chat? Thanks in advance!
You e-mailed every MD and director?
Yes.
Whatever it takes, right? I'd prepare as if it were a "first-round" interview -- hardly any drawback to preparing hard, and would you really want to blow the opportunity after spending all that time reaching out?
This is your "in" - you absolutely need to prep like an interview. You can't just show up; aim to (tactfully) blow this guy away.
Take all the above into consideration, OP, but also keep in mind that a MD will not waste his time asking you how to price a bond or where an investment lies relative to the SML line. That is to say, he probably won't ask you technical questions. It may be wise to focus on every other aspect of interviewing; IE, your story, interview technique, what your goals are, etc.
Those questions would never be asked in a banking interview because they are irrelevant to the banking process.
Which ones? Is it not important to have interview technique and his story down packed? Serious question.
If you meant the bond pricing or SML stuff, I just wanted to relate it to something he might have studied in school.
Why wouldn't you prepare? You applied, they called. I'd think if you were willing to send every MD your resume, you'd be willing to brush up on at least some basic knowledge. If all else fails, have them call me!
If he does ask you technical questions, they won't be terribly difficult. Focus on knowing your story, why that bank/group/position and the technicals from ibankingfaq.com and you will be good to go. It takes about 30 minutes to read through that site and I don't think I've ever been asked a technical question in a first round interview that wasnt listed there. Most frequently asked questions from phone interviews:
Never had anything more complex than that in first round
Thanks everyone! Really appreciate the time you all took out in answering my question -- great feedback!
Hey everyone,
So, I spoke with the banker and he wants me to complete an in-house assessment test thing that they developed for candidates. I'm thinking they give you statements and you have to use DCF to project future cash flows? Let me know what you guys think this will probably be? He said it'll take approx. 3-4 hours. Thanks!
I had a call like this with a VP a few weeks ago. I thought it would be an informational interview where I ask all the questions. I was mistaken, and it turned into a first round interview. Good thing I was prepared. I would suggest going over technicals and fit. I would focus on fit because senior bankers focus more on that. Good luck :)
Et consequatur aut placeat et distinctio dolores non error. Dolores rem est deleniti est facilis. Autem sint modi et exercitationem modi rerum. Velit numquam blanditiis occaecati officiis. Unde voluptatum veniam est nemo a.
Harum corporis nam officiis temporibus vero assumenda illo aliquid. Culpa amet temporibus et quidem beatae iure libero aut. Dignissimos quae recusandae animi qui ea rerum. Rerum veritatis vel pariatur architecto.
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...