Interview - 1st 30 seconds

First impressions are crucial and first impressions are usually formed in the first 30 seconds (or less). Does anyone have any tips on how what to do during the walk from the waiting room to the interview room? Usually I try to start a conversation about how their day/week is going but it's usually forced and boring.

18 Comments
 

Relaxed smile, go buy a really nice shirt and tie, this the most no brainer descision ever. We've dinged plenty of smart kids because we'd be afraid to have him/her in front of a client. Get a hair cut a week before, aviod the post haircut rape look. Whatever you do, don't smile to much. People will think you're a dope. These are all true.

Ace all your PE interview questions with the WSO Private Equity Prep Pack: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/guide/private-equity-interview-prep-questions
 
Stringer BellRelaxed smile, go buy a really nice shirt and tie, this the most no brainer descision ever. We've dinged plenty of smart kids because we'd be afraid to have him/her in front of a client. Get a hair cut a week before, aviod the post haircut rape look. Whatever you do, don't smile to much. People will think you're a dope. These are all true.

ahaha what's the post haircut rape look? lolol

People tend to think life is a race with other people. They don't realize that every moment they spend sprinting towards the finish line is a moment they lose permanently, and a moment closer to their death.
 

Does the tie really matter? To me, they all look the same. I've always gone with shitty silk ties I bought in Singapore for around 50cents a piece.

Is it worthwhile to actually buy a nice tie or two? I honestly can't tell the difference between a 75 dollar vineyard vines tie and the 50 cent pieces of shit.

 
reddog23Does the tie really matter? To me, they all look the same. I've always gone with shitty silk ties I bought in Singapore for around 50cents a piece.

Is it worthwhile to actually buy a nice tie or two? I honestly can't tell the difference between a 75 dollar vineyard vines tie and the 50 cent pieces of shit.

VV is one of the few ties that's pretty obviously VV

 
firefighter
reddog23Does the tie really matter? To me, they all look the same. I've always gone with shitty silk ties I bought in Singapore for around 50cents a piece.

Is it worthwhile to actually buy a nice tie or two? I honestly can't tell the difference between a 75 dollar vineyard vines tie and the 50 cent pieces of shit.

VV is one of the few ties that's pretty obviously VV

Well, besides the patterns obviously... Meant in terms of the material/feel of it overall.

 

I had that '30-second walk' recently. I made some comments about the office layout as we walked - nothing that made me look like a butt-kisser though. The employer would usually say something like offering you something to drink. Always go for a glass of water. Coffee can make you sweaty/hasty.

And make sure you wear your best suit. You really want this job, right? Also, wear a nice cologne. All senses are involved in first impressions.

 
Best Response

Just a few words to the wise here:

DONT wear cologne

Invest in a Vinyard Vines tie, yes there is a difference, yes they look great, and they are one of the few ties that are acceptable from Analyst-MD level and beyond. If you wear a Hermes or some P.O.S. from a bargain bin you will look like an idiot. Also wear a plain white or light blue shirt.

For suits i reccomend Jos A Bank - nothing fancy but they have great deals all the time and look good enough

As for first 30 seconds, a firm handshake and eye contact should do the trick

 

Dicta placeat libero ducimus. Iusto animi sequi laboriosam aliquid neque unde. Ipsum quo accusamus voluptatem eaque dolor hic aliquam qui.

Maxime porro minus eaque fuga ut velit sequi. Accusamus consequatur eligendi eligendi alias. Corporis fugiat officia suscipit cum.

Quaerat consequatur corrupti est accusamus numquam reprehenderit. Commodi debitis alias dolor sunt.

Enim saepe adipisci dolore quia aut illo possimus. Est ut eius veniam quae et unde fugit voluptas. Esse non consequuntur voluptatem quidem non.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”