Networking and superday conversations

To impress IB associates and VPs during superday interviews, here’s what has worked based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Bankers enjoy talking about themselves and their careers. Prepare intelligent, specific questions about their experiences, the firm’s culture, or recent deals. For example:

   • "What has been the most rewarding deal you've worked on at the firm?"
   • "How do you see the firm differentiating itself in the current market environment?"

2. Reference Networking Conversations: If you’ve networked with employees at the firm beforehand, mention those interactions. Highlight insights you gained and how they influenced your decision to pursue the firm. This shows genuine interest and preparation.

3. Be Engaging and Personable: Tone and inflection matter. Speak with enthusiasm and confidence. Make the conversation feel natural rather than robotic. A good conversational flow can leave a lasting impression.

4. Use Pre-Canned Frameworks for Behavioral Questions: Prepare anecdotes for common behavioral questions (e.g., teamwork, conflict resolution, success, failure). Deliver these stories authentically and concisely in 4-6 bullet points. Avoid generic answers and focus on real, relatable experiences.

5. Showcase Your Curiosity: When they ask if you have questions, always have a few ready. Avoid overly generic ones like "What’s your favorite part of the job?" Instead, tailor your questions to the interviewer’s role or background.

6. Be Prepared for Situational Questions: Examples include:

   • "What would you do if a presentation had a mistake right before a client meeting?"
   • "How would you handle being overwhelmed with tasks from multiple team members?" Practice these scenarios to demonstrate problem-solving and prioritization skills.

7. Focus on Delivery: Your delivery matters more than the content itself. Even if your story is only loosely related to the question, a confident and engaging delivery can make it memorable.

8. Avoid Over-Connecting with the Wrong Person: Be cautious about assuming a strong connection with an MD or VP who might not even attend the post-interview discussions. Instead, focus on leaving a strong impression with everyone you meet.

9. Be Authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Bankers can spot insincerity. Stick to your strengths and let your personality shine.

10. Have a Strong “Tell Me About Yourself” Answer: This is often the first question and sets the tone for the interview. Make it concise, logical, and engaging, highlighting your background, key achievements, and why you’re interested in the firm and role.

By combining these strategies, you’ll stand out as prepared, personable, and genuinely interested in the role. Good luck!

Sources: Superday Advice From a Tired Interviewer, Superday Advice From a Tired Interviewer, Ask an ex-IB MD anything........., https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/can-i-get-into-investment-banking-from-non-target-school?customgpt=1, An ex-Goldman Sachs insider’s 10 tips on how to sail through investment banking interviews