How would you answer: “what will you do if you don’t get into banking?” in investment banking interviews?
Interviewing some candidates soon and I’m wondering what a good response to this would be. I remember being asked this a few times myself during interviews, but was never sure if my responses were received well. Anyone have any suggestions? What are they trying to get out of this question?
"How committed are you to breaking in". This is a layup in interviews. Answer with "Haven't given it any thought actually... I know IB is what I want to do and I won't stop till I'm where I want to be etc etc."
To qualify, I'd never ask this because I think it's a dumb question, but this response would make me think you're either 1) foolish or 2) lying to me and would reflect very poorly.
Would much rather hear you say something close (i.e., corporate development, corporate finance, etc.,). Wrong answers are really just anything that's in vogue and irrelevant to the job you're applying to (i.e., if you tell me you would become a tech pm instead, I'd assume you're not actually interested in IB and only applying because it's a popular path).
So many IB questions are more of a phycological analysis of the person rather than trying to get to know the candidate
"Have not given it other thoughts" is a bad response (know you are probably just giving a canned WSO post, I am just trying to provide some more clarity for other users).
Something like "Through my career research, and networking, I have come to the conclusion that IB is the best fit for me as if aligns my Strengths 1.,2.,3. and although I have know of other industries, I have not given the same dedicated deep dive to find good firms that align with my values. I would ultimately try and find a roll that gives me the skills need to move back to banking at a later date"
Agree with you. Wasn't trying to provide a word for word response, but rather convey an idea
I have never been asked this but would probably say that you would go for a role that is as close to IB as you know (list specific examples) because you are genuinely interested in the work and then would look to try and break in later on in your career if that’s a possibility
I've been asked this, and my impression is that they want to see how committed to IB/finance you are. So you should say something close to IB or emphasize how you will continue developing IB skills and re-recruit down the line.
“That’s not going to happen.” (Direct eye contact until they speak first)
Make them your bitch
let them do all the talking
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