How hard are lateral interviews?
Had an interview at a eb and absolutely got grilled on deep technicals. Was not expecting this coming in as I heard lateral interviews mainly focused on speaking about the deals we've been on, situational, and some light technicals. After that, I def felt unprepared. Was wondering if this is the case for most eb and bb?
I had 4 lateral interviews in early February and got an offer from one. 2 of them were highly technical right off the bat. Very standard technical questions you would find in any interview guide, but I got clapped in these interviews because I wasn't expecting those questions to be asked right away.
The other 2 banks weren't really technical at all. They asked me about my past experiences, the work I've done, what my role was, my accomplishments, how my previous experiences can be transitioned to the work that's done on their group, what I wanna do with my career, and questions like that.
How long was the process? And did you end up getting a second round/offer from the two that were technical off the bat?
The one I got the offer for I applied to in October and didn't hear anything from them until January. Then it was 4 interviews within two and a half weeks.
The other non-technical one I did the first round in January, and then the second round 2 weeks later, then got rejection email a week after that.
The two that were technical I did in early February and got ghosted by them.
Damn, that sounds seriously annoying. I guess if I want to lateral I would need to study? I’m picturing some if not many of the questions they asked you things that you don’t do day to day.
Tbh banks that are absolutely grilling laterals on hypothetical technicals (beyond 400q type) are a red flag - if you come from an unknown boutique, fine, but if you're at a known bank and have deals on your resume that should be the focus. Clearly you're smart and capable enough if you work at a BB/EB/MM already.
Fucking try hards man. So many fucking hardos here dude it’s disgusting
MOE did this, case study too
I agree with this in theory, but every lateral interview I've had with an EB has been like this. Some seriously legit techs
Fully agree, but unfortunately has been my experience at every single firm minus a top BB for a first round (didn't get only technical asked correct and then was ghosted.) I guess they need a way to try to distinguish between candidates somehow. Frustrating though.
Agreed. If you have deals on your resume and can speak intelligently about them, it already demonstrates technical knowledge
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