Questions to ask an MD - Researching the company
So I was cold emailing a few nights ago for a summer analyst position, and surely enough get an email tonight from an MD at a boutique asking to chat.
Problem is, it's tomorrow and I'm not sure what to ask. I'm going to be researching the company, but any/all guidance about what to ask him would be highly appreciated!
You can ask about his career path, deals he has worked on*, any advice he would have for you, what the culture of the firm is like, etc.
*you could say you are really interested in the firm, and would love to hear more about ____ deal. Just disclaim you understand if he can't talk about such and such deal due to confidentiality issues.
Basically just show you are really interested, and get him to like you.
^
Just to add onto Dubsfan7's comment is that people love to talk about their own career and experiences. Therefore, if you can personalize the questions (frame everything such that he explains everything from his perspective/experience), the more he will enjoy the conversation. I would also ask him how a deal team works together, and how much he interacts/mentors analysts.
My best guess is that since it's a boutique, there is a lot more analyst to MD interaction. After he pitches this concept (there's more collaboration at my firm than at a bulge-bracket), then in your follow-up/thank you note, you can cite that as one of the things you find appealing about the firm and are excited about the prospect of learning from him.
How many yachts/private jets do you own?
Congrats on the first response. That hasn't happened to me yet, mind sharing your template/technique?
CHINESE NICE GOING
FARTMAN
Questions to ask an MD (Originally Posted: 06/27/2013)
I have a phone call with an MD tomorrow, and I was wondering what type of questions do you ask an MD?
how big are you whats your favorite chocolate are you married are you open minded do you want the premium package
on avg how many analysts' weekends have you ruined this year ?
Good responses, but can anyone give me some real suggestions?
When I had interviews for my internship at a BB in London, some of my interviewers were MD's (there was even one MD who was already more than 25years at the bank).
In my experience, the more senior the interviewer is the more relaxed the interview. Senior bankers are much more focused on the fit-side of the interview. The MD that had more than 25 years of experience, he first introduced himself and then asked if I had any questions about banking. The whole interview we just talked about all sorts of subjects, from politics to his career to whatever.
My advice would be to be self-confident and to prepare many questions to ask.
Good luck
Thank you for your response, B90. Can you provide some examples of questions you asked MD's while you were networking?
Be relaxed. Ask about his interests outside of work.
I couldn't stop laughing at this one.
Benny23, doesn't that seem to intrusive?
Any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Does asking about his interests outside of work seem to intrusive?
Can I please get some help? It's very URGENT. I have a phone call tomorrow.
He knows why you're calling. He'll control the conversation. Just answer his questions and ask him to elaborate more on certain things he said.
How is this intrusive? Do you like to talk about work all the time?
Everybody has different interests. See if you can find a common ground.
Questions to ask a managing partner at Goldman? IBD (Originally Posted: 10/16/2014)
So I have an info session with a managing partner at Goldman. He's an alumni. What are some good questions to ask him?
Tough to make any recommendations without info... such as the purpose of the info session. Is the goal to get a job? What level? Any specific group? Is this guy an MD in your group/area of interest?
Huge advantage is that he's an alum, try to make a connection there. Getting people (especially successful alum) talking about their college experience generally results in a positive conversation.
Ask them about their favorite classes during college and how they got to where they are now.
Call with MD - what questions to ask? (Originally Posted: 03/01/2015)
An MD wants to have a "quick 10 min call to discuss the position and answer any basic questions you might have."
What are some good questions to ask about an ER position?
Bump
ask him if he likes his industry that he's covering/what makes it unique and how does he go about choosing which companies to cover? Looking back does he have any advice he wish he knew when he was an associate or analyst? What he likes and doesn't like about the job etc
ask him if he likes his industry that he's covering/what makes it unique and how does he go about choosing which companies to cover? Looking back does he have any advice he wish he knew when he was an associate or analyst? What he likes and doesn't like about the job etc
Final Round Interview SA - Questions to ask MD and Director? (Originally Posted: 10/29/2015)
Hey guys,
By some bout of luck, I was able to get called back for a final round at a leading independent firm (top 10 $ M&A activity during last 12 months). I have the interview next week with and MD and director.
What type of questions should I be asking them at the end? What are they looking for?
I was thinking along the lines of "What are the qualities do successful analysts need to help the firm?" etc...
Share your thoughts guys!
In my (quite extensive) interview experience, questions don't really matter. If you absolutely crush the interview, you can literally ask any question, short of what are you favorite colored socks, and it won't matter. The question portion of any interview is essentially a 5 minute time filler. On the flip side, if you fumble the interview but ask the most insightful banking questions ever conceived, it won't make a bit of difference. I usually lead with the classic "Tell me about your background (lol)", with a real interested look on my face, if he didn't do the obligatory 2 minute intro. I'm sure the question portion of the interview is every banker's favorite.
Spark notes: do well in the actual interview.
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