"Do you know how to say No?"

Got asked this in an interview. What's the appropriate answer? Without sounding you are unwilling to take on work but are able to manage everyones' expectations? What kind of example would you guys give for such a question?

5 Comments
 

I'd spin in to showcase the high-quality of your ethics. Bullshit example: "Working in a class project, a teammate wanted to steal a paper from his friend who took the class last semester. I said NO."

This seems like more of a question they throw at you only hoping you fuck up, not really paying attention to if you actually answer it well. Saying the above should satisfy the interviewer, let them check the box, and move on.

 
PaperTrailI'd spin in to showcase the high-quality of your ethics. Bullshit example: "Working in a class project, a teammate wanted to steal a paper from his friend who took the class last semester. I said NO."

I think he was asking more in the sense if I am given work from lot of associates, would I be able to say No to any of them? Or would I just want to please them all and take all the work. Any advice about that?

PaperTrail This seems like more of a question they throw at you only hoping you fuck up, not really paying attention to if you actually answer it well. Saying the above should satisfy the interviewer, let them check the box, and move on.
This advice is absolute gold, will remember it for other Qs as well, thanks very much for sharing!
 

Aut et eum eaque excepturi. Et quasi et suscipit inventore.

Possimus quia dolore eligendi quis et. Aut magnam deserunt culpa quia voluptas enim voluptas debitis.

Nisi labore rerum inventore fuga debitis. Reiciendis soluta neque molestiae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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...”