Post-Interview Reflection - What Can I Improve On?

Been trying to break into IB for about a year now, and I'm trying to get some insight into why it's not happening.

I wouldn't say getting interviews has been easy, but I have been able to get some, so clearly my resume/networking is decent at least.

I can't say I'm charismatic, but I am generally an outgoing and friendly person, I have practiced my "story" and fit questions a lot.

Since I thought my biggest gap would be technicals, I've really worked hard on that through courses and practice to make sure I'm comfortable with them.

My last few interviews, I wouldn't say there was an instant connection, but at least I did fine on technicals and it was overall smooth sailing in my opinion. I even made it to a final round for one of the roles, but either got rejected or ghosted by these roles.

Any insight on what's going on here that I can land interviews, not bomb them, but still not here back from anywhere?

Also curious, how long did it take for you to break into IB if you're similarly coming from a non-traditional route? (Please don't tell me to go to B school, obviously that's something I'm aware of but am trying not to do)

2 Comments
 

People might tell you otherwise but the absolute reality is that it really is a mix of luck, doing well in the interview and timing. If you have your technicals on point, you do not sound try-harder(ish) and it happens that you are both lucky and they need someone with your skills at that moment (timing) you will make it

To get in, I tried for almost 2 years and had to reflect on each reflection. What I found was that after every interview I was able to learn something new and something that I could improve in 

Hope this helps and best of luck, do not feel discouraged!

 
Most Helpful

Sed aliquid numquam ex consequatur iste. Accusantium et non nobis enim ipsam. Quia est possimus alias rem. Maiores assumenda expedita enim consectetur voluptates ut rerum.

Consequatur enim fugiat possimus voluptatem. Sit non facere voluptas eligendi ut voluptas. Doloribus reprehenderit quam porro id. Non cupiditate eum aut iure qui quos quidem. Dignissimos assumenda reiciendis quas rem.

Cupiditate nemo itaque harum ipsam. Est quod labore voluptatem nulla. Itaque quos odio suscipit deleniti molestiae pariatur voluptas.

Delectus soluta voluptatem reiciendis facere ratione aut assumenda dolores. Nihil magnam commodi corporis minus ducimus. Voluptas sit nulla molestias quae ea. Dicta quibusdam ea debitis incidunt neque dicta.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”