Final Interview with MD

Interview with an MD tomorrow, BB M&A role. Only 30 minutes is scheduled, all the other interviews were an hour each.

What sort of questions can I expect? Is it possible that they've already made a decision, and they're just "checking" a box by making sure the MD likes me?

 

Is this a phone interview? This happened to me, but it was not with a BB. They had already made a decision and the call with the MD was a formality in which the MD just wanted to personally congratulate me and extend the offer to me.

At the same time, it may be different and maybe it's a real interview that counts just as much or more than the other interviews. Prepare for it. Better safe than sorry.

 

Nope, in person. Already had a technical interview (that I struggled in) and a standard mixed fit/technical interview that I aced.

In terms of prep, I'm mainly focusing on "my story", recent transactions and other news.

 

From my experience in the fall and what I have heard from others, MD interviews are rarely technically heavy, so make sure your qualitatives are on point and that you can pass the airplane test.

 
Best Response

I recently went through a BB hiring cycle and now work for them. The MD (and even the Director) interviews were all about fit, not even remotely technical. Of course they'll ask you to walk through your resume/experience, but most of the things they ask you will be high-level. You should probably be prepared to talk about why you want to work for this company/team. Most MDs have been around the block, so they know what's out there and want to know why you and why them.

Finally, I disagree with the advice that someone gave that the MD might just be calling to congratulate you and extend the offer. That's pretty rare for a BB, they require HR to do that part so that all (legal) aspects are followed in the right way.

Good luck! Lets us know how it goes.

 

Technically the ad was for a lateral hire. I had no IB experience but threw my hat in anyway. They said they were so understaffed they'd be willing to make an exception if I was able to prove myself in the interviews.

 

That's not a rare scenario right now. Generally speaking, it's a great time to be a job seeker; tons more demand than available good talent at the moment.

 

It's been said before, but what seems incredibly important to you is not so much to them. You are a JR guy. You are not a big deal in the grand scheme of things if they are busy doing something crazy like making money. It sounds like things are looking good for you, so I would just relax a bit and give it more time. I know it kills to sit around waiting, but unfortunately that's just how it has to go sometimes.

It can definitely take a lot longer than 8 days. You're interview w/the MD sounded more like a formality and that he would not really be the one making the final decision. That is the case a lot. They "need" to be involved in the ordeal, but ultimately defer to the directors and managers on the hire. This would not be the case for an exec level role.

"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Theodore Roosevelt
 

Wait 2 weeks before you contact them for the first time. If they don't get back to you within another week or MAX 2 weeks, I'd call them...don't email, it's so much less personal. I had this situation once, they told me I'll get to know the decision in a week, but then HR cold me on the promised day to apoligise for not having any updates until Monday (when they really told me). Found it quite nice and fair to at least get a call on Friday. Just don't try to be in their heads every second day.

 

Wait AT LEAST another week from last contact before you try again. I would probably round it to the next end of week/beginning of week (depending on what day your last contact was). EX: Last contact was Tuesday, wait until the following week Friday. Last contact Thursday, wait until the following week Monday. Etc.

"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Theodore Roosevelt
 

Unfortunately I already did.. I called no answer... i should have waited... I cant sleep at night.. I worked really hard for it and been patient.... guess its not their problem...

just became negative..

Chipmunck, did u get the job?

Thanks

 

It doesn't matter if he got it, completely different firm/circumstances. It's understandable to be anxious about this, but you can't let it get to you. You'll lose in the long run if you're always stressing out.

And, yes, you can lose at life.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

What are you doing??? Tell me that the timeline you imply here is not a reality. You didn't call yesterday after 8 days and then again today did you?

No answer? You didn't leave a message, right? They probably wouldn't know who called if you didn't.

I know this is important TO YOU, but it's not as important TO THEM. It definitely blows, and I've been there countless times, but all you do by being the one pushing things is kill your own chances by coming off really bad.

Cap's aren't meant as a yell, I just don't know how to bold in the comment box to emphasize

"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Theodore Roosevelt
 
Something Creative:
Cap's aren't meant as a yell, I just don't know how to bold in the comment box to emphasize
You use without quotes to make letters bold.

Like this.

 

Just relax man ;) I can understand that it sucks to play the waiting game, but take it easy! Yea, I got the job back then, but everybody else I knew didn't :/ My heart kind of exploded when HR started on the phone with "Hi this is XYZ from ZYX calling..I'm so so sorry [here I thought damn!!].."and continued with "I have no update for you by today"

Do other things and don't freak out..

 

lets see guy .... i have my fingers crossed....

i am just worried because that some of the directos got to know me.. and used to pick up my calls and reply to texts... but after the final interview... its been Quiet! i was told that we WIll get in touch... soo I guess I just have to wait .. ufffff

 

I don't think the OP is neurotic, its normal to have the expectations of getting the deal done, especially after going to Superday. The emotional roller-coaster must be keeping the OP from getting through everyday life.

 

Guys,

I forgot to update you on this but would love to hear your feedback.

  1. After the final round, It took 6 weeks for BB's IBD MD to get back. He stated he needs 2 more weeks to get back to me as they have to evaluate more candidates. But he told me I am in the top 3 list.

  2. He calls me after two weeks and says u got the job. Offer letter will be mailed to you in a week. Remember my first round which was in formal was 6 months ago( Dec 2010). Final round super Saturday in May 2011.

3.after 10 days I get a text from him saying: We need some days as we get our FINAL head count approved We will be in touch.

  1. Its been 4 months, form Aug 2011- Nov 2011. I have called him and mailed him 5 times. No response. Its obvious I did not get it and some F-up happened. But AT LEAST there should be some professionalism from a global BB as I have put so much time in to this and I was patient.

Life is a F-up!

Again, thanks for your previous feedback but would like to hear more...

 

That is brutal bro, sorry to hear it worked out that way. Longest process I ever went through was like 3-4 months. When they tell you that you got it and offer is on the way, and then don't return your calls, that shit is weak.

"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Theodore Roosevelt
 

Et sapiente qui et itaque vitae qui rerum. Expedita eos quidem quam nesciunt. Quia natus sequi soluta aut iste dolorum. Facilis aperiam ut eum corporis. Voluptatem officia sit nihil voluptate. Sequi aliquam voluptatem voluptates odit inventore consequuntur.

 

Itaque voluptatem consequatur et aliquam. Vitae quo assumenda commodi culpa qui numquam.

Quod autem et earum. Quia veniam esse culpa aut distinctio ea veniam. Accusantium totam ab enim et rerum tenetur quis. Quasi aut est commodi consectetur sed eos commodi. Voluptas vel aut eveniet architecto placeat.

Voluptate id repudiandae a corrupti. Id quidem dolores qui molestias reprehenderit doloremque molestiae. Corporis magnam sapiente aut dolor sequi atque. Sint quaerat qui culpa doloribus. Vero id quidem ab non eos. Dignissimos enim ad in quas.

Vel omnis dolor et ea. Saepe et iure neque repellendus commodi sapiente enim.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”