Who gets interviews at the EBs and most firms? Literally been cooked everywhere already even though I am passing tests. Am at a target (LSE/Oxbridge) and speak a European language (German/French). Have relevant experience with financial modelling and a brand name on CV too.
This is my final year so need to get something. Feel like I am only going to get 2/3 interviews and will need to make the most out of it.
| +515 | Change My Mind: Banks Shouldn’t Hire Foreigners at All | 120 | 47m |
| +317 | Article - UBS’ Investment Bank Keeps Losing Ground | 40 | 1h |
| +295 | Don’t work at UBS - UBS Sucks | 28 | 1h |
| +90 | An Exhaustive Guide: How to Solve Every Single Accretion/Dilution Question | 8 | 3h |
| +60 | Should My Intern Get a Return Offer? | 24 | 10m |
| +59 | When to Leave Office as Intern | 8 | 3d |
| +49 | Best IB Group Overall? | 28 | 8m |
| +38 | Would you rather be a Touse Squid or a Bouse Mogger in IB | 2 | 3d |
| +33 | What do you say to ppl who don’t know EVR/LAZ/CVP/PJT | 28 | 4h |
| +31 | STEM student lost in London IB recruiting | 17 | 1d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Getting interviews at elite boutiques (EBs) and top firms can be highly competitive, even for candidates from target schools like LSE or Oxbridge. While your profile—target school, European language skills, relevant experience, and financial modeling expertise—positions you well, the process often comes down to a combination of networking, technical preparation, and timing.
Key Insights:
Networking is Critical: Many candidates who secure interviews at EBs and top firms emphasize the importance of networking. Building relationships with professionals at these firms can lead to referrals, which significantly increase your chances of landing interviews. If you haven’t already, aim for 20-30 networking calls and focus on connecting with alumni or professionals in your target firms.
Technical Mastery: While passing tests is a good sign, EBs are known for their highly technical interviews. Make sure you know your technicals "cold," including financial modeling, valuation methods (DCF, LBO, Comps), and sector-specific approaches. EBs often expect a deeper understanding due to their smaller analyst classes and higher expectations for responsibility.
Tailored Applications: Highlight your unique combination of skills—target school, language proficiency, and brand-name experience—in your applications. Tailor your cover letters to show passion for each specific firm and role.
Leverage Your Final Year: Since this is your last chance, consider applying broadly to a mix of EBs, bulge brackets (BBs), and strong middle-market (MM) firms. Some firms may still have openings, and casting a wider net can increase your chances.
Maximize Your Interviews: If you expect only 2-3 interviews, preparation is key. Practice behavioral questions, refine your story, and ensure you can articulate why you’re a strong fit for each firm. Confidence and passion can set you apart.
Persistence Pays Off: Even if you’ve been "cooked" in earlier processes, don’t let it discourage you. Many candidates face rejections before landing offers. Keep pushing, and use each experience to improve.
If you’re feeling the pressure, remember that many successful candidates have been in your shoes. Focus on what you can control—networking, preparation, and persistence—and make the most of every opportunity.
Sources: My path from a non-target to the top EB, Interviewing For Infrastructure Investment Roles, MSF to IB, Journey from CC to EB, From Liberal Arts to EB
Still early days so wouldn't despair yet, but yes unfortunately these roles are becoming more competitive. Keeping applying as early as you can/complete tests/hirevues straight away, and begin interview prep so you nail the opportunities that you do get. All the best
thanks man, barely anytime with masters apps too. feels like a shit situation to be in. just want to finish this all by december
same man have any of you guys been hearing back from uk processes?
heard back from two (recruiting agency ran) and that is it. been ghosted everywhere else
Bristol Trackr made everything far more competitive and harder to break in.
bump so crazy how competitive everything is now
Architecto ea incidunt maxime corporis ea. Deleniti impedit enim et repellat exercitationem provident expedita. Dolore rerum veniam fuga minima. Omnis nam quod corrupti non hic nisi molestiae commodi. Aut et ut voluptatem est adipisci. Aut accusantium velit ab qui nam saepe debitis.
Ut ipsa culpa deserunt omnis consequatur. At consequatur doloribus quam ut voluptate aspernatur earum.
Quia aliquam aut et est. Et quis voluptas voluptas deleniti dolorum. Numquam ab reprehenderit fuga neque. Impedit asperiores et qui doloribus.
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...