Having my first interview in a week, how to prepare?
Hi folks, I finally got a first round interview for an IB role after 2 years of applying, useless to say that I am very overwhelmed about it.
The setup is informal and over Zoom with an Associate, I'd like to put all odds on my side. I have a "great" fit for the role, come from a target school, nothing I'm worried about specifically.
Any tips on how to prepare and be in my best mind for it? Should I wear Suit&Tie or just Suit, what to avoid... I am usually good at Interviewing but can also be easily informal or too lively, should I worry about this?
I know those are stupid questions I can answer myself but I'd love to have your takes on it.
Wish me luck!
Goodluck
First off - congrats on getting the interview. Most importantly, try and stay relaxed and not overthink the questions that are being asked. Although you may think it is "informal", take the interview serious and dress professionally (I've always wore a dress shirt/tie if the interview is virtual). I'd imagine the Associate is primarily screening folks and much of the conversation will be more qualitative (i.e., fit-based questions, why firm/banking, discussing relevant experience, etc.). They want to see that you have a passion for banking and arn't looking to jump ship within the first year or so. I've done a number of these myself and have also been on the other side of the table and that has been my experience so far. Still be prepared for the common quat questions (walk me through a DCF, how are the three financial statements linked, $10 increase in depreciation question, etc.) just in case.
Hope that helps! Feel free to message me if you have any additional questions.
Download online a PDF version of Breaking Into Wall Street's 400 Questions. Then go through the basic sections for accounting, valuation and DCFs. This should give you a very rough but good idea of what kind of technical questions you can expect.
Best of luck!
Oh, and definitely wear a suit and tie! Better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Congrats on the interview. Know the answers to "Why banking?" and "Why XYZ bank?". Be prepared for basic technicals - accounting, valuation, process - and maybe a couple of brain teasers. It's zoom, so jacket and tie are the right move, and be aware of what is in your background on the video call.
Good luck!
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