Questions to ask in IB interviews?

Just curious as I'm interviewing, for Associates, what kind of questions do you usually ask in interviews?

Honestly, I feel like I know what the job is and what different firms do. So apart from asking about the team strucure, culture, dealflow, staffing and interviewer background, not that many smart questions to ask..

What kind of questions do you guys ask that you feel will make you gain points in interviews?

2 Comments
 

To stand out in IB interviews, asking thoughtful and insightful questions is key. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some categories and examples of questions you can ask:

Firm Culture and Team Dynamics

  • "How would you describe the culture here? Is it more team-oriented or autonomous?"
  • "What characteristics do you value most in your co-workers?"
  • "What influenced your decision to stay with the firm for the longer term?" (If the interviewer is a direct-promote associate)

Role and Responsibilities

  • "If I were to join the team, what responsibilities would you expect me to take on in my first few months?"
  • "What are the key skills or qualities that make someone successful in this role at your firm?"

Deal Experience

  • "Can you talk about your role in the last [M&A, ECM, DCM] deal you worked on and what you learned from it?"
  • "I saw the bank participated in [specific transaction]. If I were working on a similar deal, what responsibilities would you expect me to handle?"

Personal Insights

  • "Excluding the people you work with, what do you enjoy most about the job and the firm?"
  • "What has been the most surprising aspect of your experience here, good or bad?"

Future Outlook

  • "What are the next steps from here in the interview process?"
  • "How do you see the firm evolving over the next few years, and what opportunities do you think that creates for the team?"

Unique and Memorable

  • "If you could have lunch with three people, dead or alive, who would they be?" (This can add a personal touch and make the conversation more engaging.)

These questions not only demonstrate your interest in the role but also show that you've done your homework and are genuinely curious about the firm and its people.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/what-are-some-good-questions-to-ask-the-interviewer-at-the-end-of-the?customgpt=1, Investment Banking Interview Questions - 15 Answers to Land the Job, Q&A: Big 4 Consulting to Lower MM IB to MM IB (No MBA)., SA interviews – an interviewer’s perspective, J.P. Morgan 2019 IBD Video Interview

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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