recruiter requests informational?

A managing director forwarded my resume to campus recruiting at a BB (I'm going for SA), and the recruiter emailed me asking to set up a time for an informational phone interview. I've searched informational interviews, but what I've found all seems to be the prospective employee requesting them with alumni or current employees. I'm not sure what this means - "discuss what I'm looking for" - does the "connection" basically assure that I'm in? Or that they're letting me down gently? I haven't interviewed with a bank formally or informally before, but I had expected to do a regular phone interview or first-round. I'm not sure what to expect now...

Any insight appreciated!

6 Comments
 

Yes, beware of it actually being a first round interview.

You might get some mildly technical questions especially if it is a former banker calling you.

Make sure you know a lot about the bank. Also, make sure you understand how the different divisions make money independently and in conjunction. Example, an IPO involves IBD on the client side and Sales on placing the issue with investors.

 

Not discrediting what the above have said, but from the looks of your background, and the fact it's HR, I would say it might be a pre-screen/sell on the bank. When I dropped my resume for on campus in Jan, I got a call from an alum at the group that was hiring, and she just kind of sold me on the bank and asked me really soft fit questions. I ended up interviewing with her and got the offer.

Ace all your PE interview questions with the WSO Private Equity Prep Pack: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/guide/private-equity-interview-prep-questions
 

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