Investment Banking Interview Prep
I need some advice from the people who have been through IB interviews specifically those who had less time to prep (even if you had enough time, I'd like your opinion).
I might get an opportunity to interview for an IB role and if I do, the interview will be in a month (as per the off-cycle timeline). For context, I'm already working at this bank and I can express my interest to the recruiter who can then get me an interview within IB. The problem is, I'm not sure if 1 month is enough to prep for an IB interview and if it is, how much time should I dedicate daily/weekly?
As for my technical knowledge, I can comfortably answer the basic questions from each module in the BIWS 400 (my basic concepts are quite clear). For the behaviourals, I think I just need to keep doing mocks to refine my delivery as well as prep for "why IB?" (basically my story).
Would really appreciate any advice. Thank you so much!
One month is more than enough time to prep in my opinion. Just keep on quizzing yourself using BIWS 400 and read up on market and recent deals
Thanks for the tip! Have you given any similar interviews? If yes, would love some advice about the prep
I’m studying to apply SA28. I’ve found that learning from the 400Qs gives you a very narrow scope of the content. It’s much better to learn externally through an online course or simply asking Claude to teach you. Took me only a few weeks to greatly improve using this. If you can answer the 400 questions and actually understand it, you’ll be in a good spot.
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If you like a flash card format, IB Vine is a clear favorite. It also has a “reported in interviews” bank. Best of luck!
outdated and no longer relevant
Month is enough if you're not starting from zero. You said the basics are clear, so I'd stop adding content and start doing reps.
Rough split. First week, go through accounting, valuation and the LBO/M&A basics again but answer out loud, not in your head. Most people know the answer and fall apart when they have to say it in order. After that, do timed technicals every few days so the walkthroughs come out clean.
For the behavioral side, "why IB" and "why this bank" need to be tight and specific. Since you already work there, that's an edge, so use it. Know which group you're interviewing for and what they actually do.
Keep up with deals and the market too. One or two recent transactions you can talk about properly, with the rationale and how it was financed, goes a long way.
Do mocks with someone who'll cut you off and push back. Reading answers feels productive and doesn't prepare you for being interrupted mid-sentence.
An hour or two on weeknights and longer on weekends is plenty. Cramming the last few days usually just makes you sound robotic.
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