Last summer, I interned in back office of a top financial services firm. Luckily, this helped me get several interviews for SA front office positions at BB and MM banks, despite being from a non-target (none of which have unfortunately led to offers, despite making it to multiple Superdays and being placed on hold).
A question I've always been asked is: "Well, given that you've enjoyed working for XXXX, and your success there, they're surely wanting you for their IB/S&T/etc. dept this summer, no?"
This always puts me in a tough spot, because to be honest, I was turned down for the top front office positions with the former employer (I think largely due to the tough job market, and coming from a non-target).
I don't want to sound like an unqualified candidate though, so I need to make it seem like the bank does want me for these areas - even though they don't (they have offered me better positions, but not IBD, S&T, etc.). At the same time however, I must balance this with making sure I get the point across to the firm I'm interviewing with that they are my top choice and I won't just go back to my employer last summer.
Any advice on how to approach this?
umm.... spin it like it the firm wasn't a good fit.
Well to be honest the opportunities presented at XYZ were exciting and XYZ bank is a great place to work for some people. From my experience there I realized that it wasn't a good fit for me personally. When I began reaching out to ppl, I realized that the people who worked at ABC Bank spoke really highly of the team oriented mindset, work ethic, and constant desire to be challenged. That's something that I can really relate to and I immediately knew that this is an environment and culture that I could thrive it in..... yadda yadda yadda
I think that answer could be tweaked to work. You def dont want to bad mouth the other bank or say the opportunities presented to you weren't worth considering compared to this position. Maybe have an example of an experience that showed you XYZ wasn't for you, and make sure it emphasizes something that is present in abundance at ABC.
I agree with elan, if you can spin it effectively, it lets you talk more fit/culture/personality BS while completely avoiding the fact that you didnt get an offer. I really see no reason why they would call you out on that or followup specifically unless the person's just a straightup asshole.
Along with what elan said, just be like "look, I respect XYZ and the opportunities there but at the end of the day, I just don't think I wouldve been happy under those circumstances [and maybe talk about a specific example where this was the case: you learning and working well but feeling hampered by the environment]. I see ABC complementing my strengths much better .. etc etc, [insert buzzwords: 'thrive' 'motivation' 'teamwork' 'culture']"
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