Different ways to say "how can I best position myself for an interview at your firm?"

I'm pretty sure people just started saying this because they read it on M&I, and your mileage may vary, but to me this phrase always seemed like an awkwardly vague part of business-speak. You might disagree, which is fine, but basically I can't get it out non-awkwardly over the phone or on email--I'm all for subtlety when trying to get referred, but this just doesn't cut it for me.

So, what are some slicker (or at least less jilted) ways to say the same thing? Thanks in advance for the help.

9 Comments
 

"I really want to work at [firm name]. What do I need to do to get an interview?"

That would work best in my case. I know that's what young people want to ask in those sorts of conversations and it's clear when they are trying intimate. I'd feel better if they didn't tie themselves up in bizarrely constructed sentences and just came out with what I know they are trying to say. Clear and direct communication is itself an attractive feature in a candidate.

Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 

SA recruiting

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

Agree with above post. It's difficult for larger firms in particular to get interviews outside of formal applications. Not saying it doesn't happen though. Best path to take is to mention your intention to apply during the info interview catch up and seek out advice on the process. This may even lead to your contact requesting your CV, if they haven't already - but you shouldn't expect that to happen by any means.

 

Just to add, I played by the rule. Sent him a polite message asking how could I best position myself to secure an interview with his firm and also reiterated my interest.

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

I emailed a ton of folks but only few gave info interviews. But yeah, I got your point. Thanks for the input!

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

Beatae distinctio aspernatur omnis nulla excepturi. Aut error quia perferendis ex qui ut et.

Corrupti iste fugiat tempore doloribus inventore dolore enim. Aperiam inventore deleniti incidunt et ex. Quia suscipit rem a nesciunt.

Dolore ut ipsam quis molestiae. Delectus iste sed aut autem aut molestiae. Asperiores molestias quidem et sit. Nostrum dolor voluptas recusandae iste molestiae. Ad est nobis in doloremque harum. Aut vitae quia est reprehenderit praesentium voluptatem rem.

Autem ipsam minima alias cumque incidunt. Qui cum ea nesciunt. Animi est non hic incidunt. Quia sequi laborum voluptas vel hic quas. Fuga laborum quo ipsa et suscipit. Corrupti dolores non et sequi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”