How to Stand Out in FT Recruiting?

Hey everyone, I'm a senior at a US Semi-Target preparing for FT recruiting, and I want to prepare as best as I can. I have had prior internships in insurance and boutique buyside shops, but now want to recruit for banking.

For people who have recruited for or currently work in banking, what would you recommend having prepared in the following areas?

- Resume and relevant experience
- Behaviorals & Techs
- Market and industry knowledge
- Networking and firm research
- Stock pitches, trade ideas, or deal discussions
- Certifications and courses
- Excel, financial modeling, Bloomberg, Python, or other technical skills
- Online assessments, HireVues, and interview logistics
- Anything else candidates commonly overlook

Also, what would you recommend I prioritize the most for the next few months? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

5,934 WSO Academy Investment Banking Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Class of '29 May 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Mock Coffee Chat

“Julius gave great feedback and advice on coffee chats which is something that I am working on. I loved how he discussed about his interest in health and fitness as that is something that I am definetely passionated about as well. We were able to connect well on a personal level. Overall I loved learning about his experience at Citi and I was able to learn many things.”

Class of '30 Oct 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Career Roadmap (optional)

“Timothy was very helpful in helping me structure a roadmap, both long-term and short-term. For instance, he provided a lot of information on how to find internships: using searchfunder.com, targeting wealth management, small private equity shops, and regional boutique investment banks. Additionally, he helped me prioritize the things I currently needed to work on, such as a 3.7+ GPA, and getting involved in case competitions and finance clubs on campus. The structure he provided me was very useful overall, and I will definitely work with Tim again! ”

See All 11,046 WSO Academy Reviews

2 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

O

1mo

To stand out in full-time (FT) recruiting for investment banking, here’s a breakdown of what you should focus on, based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Resume and Relevant Experience

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experiences that demonstrate analytical skills, teamwork, and leadership. Include relevant internships (insurance and boutique buyside shops) and quantify your achievements (e.g., "Analyzed X deals worth $Y million").
Seek Feedback: Have mentors, friends, or connections review your resume. A polished resume can open doors even without networking.

2. Behaviorals & Technicals

Behaviorals: Use the STAR method to structure your answers. Prepare concise stories that showcase curiosity, drive, teamwork, and time management. Tailor your responses to why you’re a great fit for the firm and banking.
Technicals: Master accounting, valuation methods (DCF, comps, precedent transactions), M&A, and LBO concepts. Be ready to explain the rationale behind your answers and ask clarifying questions if needed.

3. Market and Industry Knowledge

Research recent trends, deals, and firm-specific transactions. Be prepared to discuss a deal the firm has worked on, as failing to do so can be an "auto ding."
Stay updated on market news and understand the broader economic environment.

4. Networking and Firm Research

Network Strategically: Speak with alumni and professionals across all levels (analysts, associates, MDs). Focus on understanding firm culture, group dynamics, and strategy.
Be Proactive: Treat networking calls like interviews. Have your story, "Why banking?", "Why this firm?", and "Why this group?" ready. Avoid asking basic questions you can Google.
Follow Up: Send thank-you emails and maintain relationships without being overbearing.

5. Stock Pitches, Trade Ideas, or Deal Discussions

Prepare a stock pitch or trade idea that demonstrates your analytical skills and market understanding. Be ready to discuss the rationale and risks.
For deal discussions, focus on the strategic rationale, financial metrics, and industry implications.

6. Certifications and Courses

If time permits, consider certifications like CFA Level 1 or financial modeling courses (e.g., Breaking into Wall Street or Wall Street Prep). These can signal technical proficiency.

7. Technical Skills

Excel & Financial Modeling: Be proficient in Excel and understand basic financial modeling. Practice building models from scratch.
Programming: Python or VBA can be a plus, but not mandatory.
Bloomberg: Familiarize yourself with Bloomberg terminals if accessible.

8. Online Assessments, HireVues, and Interview Logistics

Practice online assessments and HireVue-style questions. These often test technical knowledge, logical reasoning, and communication skills.
Ensure you’re familiar with the logistics of virtual and in-person interviews.

9. Presentation and Attire

Invest in tailored charcoal or navy suits, polished black shoes, and conservative ties. Presentation matters in banking.

10. Commonly Overlooked Areas

Firm-Specific Research: Understand each bank’s unique culture and practices. Tailor your "Why firm X?" answer accordingly.
Mental Resilience: Rejections are common. Stay optimistic and persistent.
Time Management: Balance networking, interview prep, and academics effectively.

Prioritization for the Next Few Months

Networking: Build relationships and secure referrals.
Technical Prep: Master core concepts and practice mock interviews.
Behaviorals: Refine your story and practice delivering it confidently.
Market Knowledge: Stay informed about deals and trends.
Resume: Ensure it’s polished and tailored.

By focusing on these areas and maintaining discipline, you’ll significantly improve your chances of standing out in FT recruiting. Good luck!

Sources: Guide for Investment Banking Full-Time Recruiting, Guide for Investment Banking Full-Time Recruiting, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/sa-interview-prep-techniques?customgpt=1, Some Thoughts on Networking

Reply

Quote

Report

Other

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

IB

Intern in IB - Gen

1mo

Voluptas asperiores harum aspernatur minus voluptate. Optio eos aliquam mollitia. Quam ullam harum aliquid distinctio libero. Inventore deleniti molestiae aut nemo quam. Itaque expedita iure sed earum.

At velit est ut. Tempore sit minus minima quos cupiditate fuga. Excepturi voluptates quia minus sint. Nisi sit quis nisi aut error officia molestiae. Hic doloremque tenetur nesciunt dolor.

Ut nam excepturi a rerum officiis ut. Consectetur qui dolor perferendis vitae. Tempora unde autem ipsam voluptates. Ut omnis repellat blanditiis. Odio ipsa odit fugiat ratione voluptatum laboriosam autem. Amet delectus in quibusdam dolorem laudantium.