Interview Persona

from my personal experience, I'd say someone strong. Someone who won't cave in under pressure, who will be able to take those long hours. You can pretty much teach anyone with a college degree the basics of banking (which is why there are plenty of engineers with little fiance background in IB) but you need a certain type of personality to deal with the lifestyle.

I just want to come across as a genuine person and that I am not putting on this "interview persona" just for the sake of getting the offer.

walk in there like you are Gordon Gekko about to sell off Bluestar Airlines. make sure you wear suspenders, slicked back hair, and have a sneer on your face the entire time.

ok i shouldnt even answer this question since im going through SA interviews as well... but come on, "interview persona"? its one thing to try to make sure your body language and delivery is on point, but if youre trying to be someone youre not, im sure the interviewer can see through your bullshit

I'd probably walk in with a 'Bud Fox' mentality.

Essentially be confident, but not cocky.

Ultimately, you will have to sell yourself to this interviewer.

Give the interviewer some 'inside information' as to why YOU are the man for the job...that will separate yourself from the rest of the candidates.

Don't put on a persona - be yourself. That's my best suggestion. As pedmonkey says, an interviewer will see straight through your BS. Being confident is one thing, but trying to act like something you are not is a huge no-no.

At my bank it's really important that you project an enthusiasm for investment banking. Some kids come in and go through the motions, but the bankers can tell if you're not actually jumping up and down about the IB world.

It's all about keeping cool under pressure. Walk into the interview room and announce that you know what the interviewer did last Thursday night. You might not know what he/she did, but the chances are neither will they. Then, your years of poker practice will come through.

Just my 2c.

thick skin...not overly sensitive. Confident, definitely not cocky. Arrogance is a huge ding. Teachable, but you must be willing to teach yourself at times and do things you weren't necessarily trained for. Being teachable means admitting your mistakes when you make them, and realizing that you don't know shit one day one. Even the best experienced bankers will admit they have a lot to learn.

Fuck.

"don't know shit ON day one."

See, admit your mistakes. You'll make them all the time.

humble, hard working, competent and eager to learn and be challenged

the last one being the most important imo - there are def incompetent people in banking, but that aside, they have that fire in their belly, which is usually enough since it's not rocket science

Confident, intelligent, and thoughtful. Just be someone you would want to hang out with

act as if you have a nine inch cock