Bringing Up Contacts in Interview?

I had an interview last week and one of the questions was how I was able to get an interview? I mentioned that I knew one of the SVPs through family friend and that I reached out to meet with him prior to recruiting season and followed up with him, thus getting an interview. I wasn't trying to name drop or anything but I'm worried that it could have come across as pretentious in the eyes of the associate I met with?

What is you guys opinion, would you look more favorably on this applicant, hold it against him or be neutral?

Another quick question just to get your opinion… I think that I honestly got about 85% of my technical part correct; do you think this is enough to move on to round 2 if my personal story part was very solid?

3 Comments
 

I believe the general best practice is it's ok to bring up the contact, but don't spin in it like they "got" you the interview. Talk about the good things they've said about working there, the experience junior lever analysts get when they come in, etc. Think of things about the firm you both talked about that someone who just read the Vault guide and their website. It will reflect well on you if you've spoken to those who know the firm's people inside and out. At the end of the day this is how banks distinguish themselves.

 

It is fine. Alphaholic actually gives some really good advice. When asked how you got there, say you knew you wanted to do banking and reached out to 'XYZ' family friend for details on the industry. He spoke all about the bank and you were very interested in learning more, etc. etc.

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CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

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