Is it normal for first interview to be with head MD? (Off Cycle)
I'm currently set up to have my first interview at a MM investment bank with the lead MD of the bank and I'm a bit concerned. Is this normal for a first interview? I was expecting to interview with lower level analysts first that would be asking technical questions.....This is an off cycle hiring opportunity I got through a high up connection at the bank. I am moving from a big 4 accounting role (audit) so I really have no banking experience. I've been studying a breaking into wall street interview prep guide to help. Besides this interview I had a phone screen with a recruiter. Can anyone shed some light on what to expect from this interview? How many rounds of interviews are there typically?
Congrats on your offer.
Good luck at your new job and don’t forget, first impressions last!
MDs are often some of the chillest people you’ll meet, just try and be likeable because if he likes you he will pull for you
In my experience, it doesn't really mean anything. He might just have a light few weeks until labor day. But with the strength of your connections, who knows. MD interviews are largely smell tests. They want someone who vibes with their idea of what the team is/should be, then they let others see if you check the rest of the boxes. Technicals are not the main concern, your story is.
In presenting yourself, be endearing and a step-down from annoyingly energetic, have confidence in your delivery, and communicate that of your many goals one is to make his life easier. Basically, answer the question, "can I bring XYZ to a client meeting and expect him not to embarrass me?".
Every lateral hire interview I've had has gone at least 3 rounds: MD, ED/D/VP, ASO in some order. I've interviewed with as many as 9 people in a 17 person team. I've had 6 one on one interviews. Both processes were at different shops. Moral of the story: lateral hiring is weird and reading tea leaves rarely helps. Knowing the answer to "why banking", on the other hand, will help.
Thank you for the response. The interview went well and was just mostly a good conversation about what the bank does and our backgrounds. He said he liked me and would be a good asset to the team but wants to have me talk with some lower level analysts/associates (most likely to test my tech knowledge). I assume they know I'm lacking on the technical knowledge based on my resume and background so hoping they will take it a bit easier on me...but I am preparing the best I can.
Md interviews are the easiest. All about personality and fit.
This weirdly sounds exactly like my position a few months ago lol. Big 4 audit -> first interview at MM bank was with the head MD. Got the offer. Good luck out there!
When I interviewed at a MM firm, I interviewed with the COO of the bank. It's relatively normal, especially when it's leaner deal teams/everyone knows each other. My recommendation is don't take it technical. The conversation will revolve who you are as a person, and if you have the opportunity, ask for advice as a younger candidate. People in senior positions loves to speak, so ask q's like:
"How have you created an environment conducive to the culture you strive to implement" (more direct than that but you get the gyst.
The goal is not to come off as a robot but as a coachable candidate. Good luck.
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