Have a Superday at a Strategic Finance Role for a FAANG, Need help on how to discuss Modeling Part of Interview
So I am interviewing at a Google / Netflix / Meta Corp dev role next week. My recruiter told me one part of the interview is to discuss my modeling experience. The thing is, and bare with me, I am going to need to finesse the shit out of this. At my bank all our modeling was done in our product M&A group, As an Analyst 2 I have NOT touched a single model lol.
I know some comments will say "Just be honest bro and don't lie" well the thing is I am going to lie, because I guarantee I will be dinged the second they hear I do not touch models.
I have been on sell-sides where we had models, even though I did not do them, what are some things I should think of and have an interview answer ready for? How did I go about modeling this, what assumptions mattered most, etc etc. Any help on how to finesse this is greatly appreciated. Thank you guys.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's crucial to approach this situation with a strategy that balances honesty with showcasing your understanding of financial modeling. Here are some tips that might help you discuss your modeling experience during the interview:
Leverage Your Exposure: Even if you haven't built models yourself, talk about your exposure to the models in your M&A group. Discuss how you've reviewed and analyzed them, which can demonstrate your understanding of the process and the key components of a financial model.
Understand the Basics: Make sure you're familiar with the basic concepts of modeling, such as the three financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement), how they interlink, and the purpose of different types of models (DCF, LBO, M&A).
Focus on Assumptions: Be prepared to discuss the assumptions that are typically important in a model. For example, in a DCF model, the discount rate and long-term growth rate are critical. Explain how you would approach determining these assumptions based on your understanding.
Highlight Analytical Skills: Emphasize your analytical skills and how you've used them to interpret financial models. Discuss how you've contributed to the decision-making process by analyzing the outputs of the models.
Talk About Learning: Express your eagerness to deepen your hands-on experience with financial modeling. You can mention that you've been studying models and are keen to apply this knowledge practically.
Use Resources: If you have time before the interview, consider brushing up on your skills using resources like the WSO Financial Modeling Courses. This can give you a more solid foundation to speak from.
Remember, while it's important to present yourself in the best light, it's also crucial to maintain integrity. It's better to show a willingness to learn and a strong foundational understanding than to overstate your experience.
Sources: Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, 6 Tips To Boost Your Confidence And Nail Your Next Job Interview, Would appreciate some advice, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, Q&A: I just conducted interviews in 4 Superdays
I just saw this - I’d give you a bunch of advice, but I’m probably late. How did it go?!?!
love seeing shit like this lmao hope you finesse it
Probably not a helpful comment but I wouldn’t advise doing finance at a FAANG. Just stick with banking on the east coast or try product marketing in tech. Maybe strategy if you can find a role somewhere
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same boat lol what did you do?
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