Hi all,
What's the best way to manage conversations with MDs/Group Heads? I'm recruiting for lateral roles and my Superdays have been almost entirely behavioral and similar in format. The senior bankers will ask me to introduce myself then speak for 20 minutes and allow me 5 minutes to ask questions (I'm exaggerating). These guys are always chill and very interesting to listen to, but since I'm the one being interviewed what can I do to stand out or improve my odds of getting an offer? I recently had a Superday with all MDs where I was asked 3-4 questions across all interviews and they did the rest of the talking, I didn't get that offer and unfortunately have had other similar SD experiences, which sucks as the earlier rounds typically go well but I flop on SD.
TLDR: MDs do most of the talking during interviews, especially on SD. What can I do to still make a good impression.
Thanks!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some strategies to manage interviews with MDs and senior bankers effectively:
Preparation:
Self-Presentation:
Engagement During the Interview:
Behavioral Techniques:
By focusing on these areas, you can improve your chances of making a strong impression during your superday interviews with MDs and senior bankers.
Sources: Ask an ex-IB MD anything........., Ask an ex-IB MD anything........., Superday Advice From a Tired Interviewer, How to be a good MD, Stand Out as a Non-Target: Recruiting (Part 1 of 4)
Might sounds harsh, but don't be a pussy. People want to hire people who inspire confidence and know how to carry themselves. If you make it to the superday I assume you know your technicals, but this job/career in the corporate world is largely driven by appearances and confidence, especially in the US. It makes sense the MDs do most of the talking, I've had that before, but now it's 50/50 and I want them to hear what I have to say and remember me. Look up executive presence and figure out how to get it.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/07/31/executive-…
Recently experienced 2 superdays where it felt very qualitative and conversational. Landed both as offers because of 1 secret sauce I found I am good at.
I was asking meticulous (in the weeds) questions about the firm, investment strategy, and team. Not the usual vague stuff like “what is your strategy?” But more along the lines of “why is your strategy x?” What is your typical playbook? How is it differentiated? Have you thought about adding x to the playbook? Has it generated returns? Things like that.
Many thanks!
Didn't get into IB (struck out) but I learned a huge lesson from a final round interview I had with a MD. Never set yourself up in a situation where the interview can turn technical. I made the mistake of mentioning an IB case competition to a MD during an interview (been a few months since I did the case and didn't remember the details). MD proceeded to grill me on a lot of technicals while double checking some of my answers with Bloomberg. One of the most painful interviews I've ever done.
Keep it conversational. I spoke with other VPs / Directors during the Superday and I kept it conversational - all of them were 'fit' based. I gave some weak 'why IB' and 'why this group' answers to the MD after a long day. And that led to me stupidly doing the above.
What did you end up doing after getting struck out, and has the non-IB path been good to you? Recent grad, six months in, and trying to figure out if it is time to move on
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