Best ways to prep technicals?

To prep for technicals and behavioral skills effectively, here’s a breakdown based on the most helpful WSO content:

Technical Skills Prep

1. Master the Basics:

   • Use guides like the WSO Technical Guide, which is highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage of technical questions.
   • Supplement with resources like the "400 M&I question guide" and books such as Investment Banking by Rosenbaum & Pearl for M&A and LevFin-heavy content.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice:

   • Go through common technical questions like WACC, DCF, and PiK interest. Even if some interviews don’t ask these, being over-prepared is key.
   • Focus on understanding the concepts rather than rote memorization. This will help you adapt to unexpected questions.

3. Excel Proficiency:

   • Practice Excel modeling and financial analysis. Being proficient in Excel is a must for technical roles.

4. Stay Updated:

   • For roles like S&T, stay informed on market trends and understand how your desk’s product fits into the macro picture.

Behavioral Skills Prep

1. Storytelling:

   • Prepare answers for common behavioral questions like:
     • Tell me about a time you succeeded.
     • Tell me about a time you failed.
     • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
     • Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
   • Use a storytelling approach to make your answers engaging and memorable.

2. Resume Walkthrough:

   • Craft a cohesive 90-second resume walkthrough. Highlight positive transitions and motivations behind each step in your career.

3. Mock Interviews:

   • Practice with a partner or mentor. Ask for brutally honest feedback to refine your answers.

4. Be Natural:

   • Avoid overly rehearsed answers. Instead, have a collection of experiences you can adapt to different questions. This makes you sound more genuine and likable.

5. Calm and Composed:

   • Slow down, breathe, and gather your thoughts before answering. Silence can display confidence, while filler words like "ummm" can weaken your response.

Resources to Consider

• WSO Guides: The Investment Banking Prep Pack combines technical, behavioral, and networking guides, saving you time and effort.
• JobTestPrep: For practicing aptitude tests, which are often part of the screening process.
• Networking: Build connections through cold emails and coffee chats to gain insights and advice from industry professionals.

By combining these strategies and resources, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle both technical and behavioral aspects of interviews. Good luck!

Sources: Technical Skills to Prep for SA S&T, The 24 Interview Lessons I Learned on the Way to Getting My First Full Time Job, Would appreciate some advice, Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/non-target-to-bb-ib-sa?customgpt=1