IB Interviews are always with men - as a woman I feel like I can't "connect" with the interviewer
Hi everyone, I am a student in the UK who has done a few IB interviews and it so happens that the interviews are always conducted by male analysts/associates - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that - but I feel like it's harder to "connect" or make the person relate to or like you as a woman (or maybe it's just because all interviews are virtual at the moment and it feels impossible to connect with anyone) - do any other women feel this way and how do you deal with this? Additionally, if there are any male associates or analysts is there anything in particular that differs for you when interviewing a female as opposed to a male?
P.S. This is just something I've observed in my own experience, I feel like it would be easier for me personally to have connected with a female interviewer, any constructive advice without judgement would be appreciated! Thank you!
I'm a guy, but I don't feel like I have trouble connecting with women. I just mirror their body language and attitude. If they seem grumpy and pissed off, I don't lay on any charm or small-talk, I keep things confident and direct. If someone is super happy and cheery, I try to smile extra and give a few extra chuckles whenever they make a little joke. Only in a handful of interviews have I actually spent much time discussing anything that could give my interviewer and me a connection (like mutual interests etc.)
I would second this guidance. I’m a male, and have recently had 3 interview processes with varying banks/groups. In only one of those groups there was no female presence, in another group it was mixed 50/50, and in a third group it was 80% females interviewing me.
Personally I feel like I’m more anxious when I interview with women, I want them to like me but general insecurity from my time growing up sort of lingers in the back of my mind, even though I have generally good social skills and am approachable.
My recommendation to you would be to “read the room” and mirror the behaviour of the person interviewing you - i.e. if they are very stern and serious, focus more on being very direct, strong tonality, clear voice (speak tiny bit slightly louder than you normally would in conversation). If the interviewers seem more chill, more happy to be there, then feel free to loosen up your tone and voice a little bit, speak more calmly, maybe try to make some small talk in the beginning of the conversation (e.g. oh how’s work from home been, do you live in the city or commute, weather, how’s your week going so far, etc).
That’s my advice, if you want more help I’m happy to connect 1 on 1 - DMs are always open.
Thank you, I think that makes complete sense because what ends up happening is I'm really cheerful and friendly and less stern and direct, which is usually how the interviewers have been in my experience. I appreciate it!
thank you!
Just as a data point, I have had at least one interview stage where a female peer interviewer was involved. Not sure how many more, have to check my spreadsheet. and that time it was also in London.
couple of things:
- Men in general are statistically more often the breadwinner of a household, and it is likely you will see more male employees in any company
- finance especially has a tendency of a certain personality and a male candidate or prospective staff might prefer it. I am not saying it is a "male industry", but I have seen more men in finance than women. Again, anecdote from me.
Yes I see your point, thanks!
I think part of it might be the English culture, I am part English myself and even though all our female family members were educated and employed, there is somehow the expectation that the mother is around when children are there. It is a bit unfair in my opinion as I believe women and men are equal and should both spent equal time with kids. But the reality of the working world doesn't really allow for that scenario (i.e. compare parental leave in Scandinavian countries with England).
In our company we absolutely hire the same amount of men and women in the initial years. But, sadly, the more years come onto the professionals, the fewer female colleagues remain.
When interviewing at a firm, this effect might be visible!
Looking through my Excel spreadsheet from 10+ years, across multiple countries, industries and jobs.. around 85% of interviewers are male.
Nothing differs a female to a male
people are only interested in your skills and work ethic
skills and work ethic definitely are the most important aspects, thanks!
I've faced no significant differences between connecting with men and women in interviews. Just talk with your interviewer as if he's another human being.
thanks!
sorry
All I meant was be nice :)
Unfortunate reality of the industry and society as a whole. As a girl, you will also 100% be judged on your attractiveness. Not saying this doesn't happen for men, but the effect is significantly stronger for women.
tell me about it, I unfortunately already know that just from 2+ decades of being a woman
I agree with this, all you have to do is look at your deal team slide and see the 20+ year dated pictures of the senior members. Very rarely do they take updated photos…
okay legit question, but is it easier for very attractive women to get hired or no (I feel like it's harder)
On the other side of the coin—I’m a guy and historically female interviewers have tanked me. I don’t believe I do anything different, but I’ve gotten feedback even in group interviews that I come across as arrogant to women when men seem to not have that problem with me/ never once has that been feedback men have given me.
I think the truth is all interviewers have biases and there are different ways people will perceive you based on their past experience. Part of being a good interviewee is knowing how you get perceived and who is interviewing you and adjusting. Just as an example, I was an athlete and usually give a feeler to determine if someone also was an athlete or could have appreciation for it. If they don’t bite, I won’t mention it to avoid the “dumb jock trope”. For women, I now consistently make myself sound less sure of myself and ask more questions, even in the workplace, to make sure I don’t come across as arrogant to them. It’s helped a ton.
That's very interesting thanks, I've also noticed that when I'm cheerful and friendly (as I naturally am), instead of assertive and stern, male interviewers don't seem to like me. It's interesting how you've had to change your behaviour as well
trying to inorganically connect is manipulative. no need to connect if you can present your competency.
I disagree, I think trying to connect with someone makes it feel less like an interview and more like a natural conversation. Regardless, competency and skill are by far the most important aspects
What do you know about getting offers please and thankyou ?
This is pretty stupid advice lol. Interviews aren’t about who is the most competent. Most of the time, you can’t tell and people just select individuals like themselves.
the majority of places give rigorous unconscious bias training to interviewers.
I recently interviewed with a black women, a Middle Eastern man, and a 1/2 East Asian man. I have nothing in common with any, I got hired for my elite skillz.
Female here. I am always very comfortable talking to MDs because they’re better at dealing with people whereas if a male analyst interviews me it can get pretty weird, either super cold or super awkward/annoying. Honestly be yourself, you dont need to connect with everyone. Just listen and try to engage in conversation even if they are very different. Prepping questions has really helped me especially because I didn’t grow up in the US so can’t relate to most things.
I’m a student in the US and I haven’t had trouble connecting with female bankers. If anything I connect with them more then the guys. Also just signed with a BB for next summer, and my interviewers were evenly men and women. We all have preferences and unconscious bias for who we’re comfortable connecting with and there’s no problem with that. I would just recommend being comfortable with yourself and showing confidence. You have to understand your skillset, yourself and reason for IB. Show your personality and show that you’ll be a good fit. I’m sure your experience is different as a women but that’s my 2 cents.
Yes I think in general, female bankers are better with people. Thanks for your advice :)
woahhhh nope - im a lady and I never can connect w women - and im like girly ...the only woman interviewers ive had have been really rude to me...I prefer male interviewers all the way
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