Is learning technicals/behaviorals in 3 weeks doable for SA 2026?

I’m a bit late to the process and I’m not too far into technicals OR behaviorals (networked a bit), but I’m working on them now. Some apps dropped so I assume interviews will be out by around then. Looking to grind 400qs and the WSO behavioral guide. I’m a decent public speaker and ok at improvising (except in hirevues).

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, learning technicals and behaviorals in 3 weeks is challenging but absolutely doable with focused effort and the right resources. Here's how you can maximize your time:

  1. Behaviorals:

    • Use the WSO Behavioral Guide to prepare answers for the most common questions. Focus on creating 6-8 versatile stories that can be adapted to various questions (e.g., leadership, failure, teamwork).
    • Practice using the SOAR framework (Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
    • Rehearse your answers out loud, ideally with a mock interview partner or even by yourself with a timer. This will help you sound natural and confident.
  2. Technicals:

    • Grind through the 400 questions systematically. Focus on understanding the concepts rather than rote memorization.
    • Use the WSO Technical Guide and flashcards to reinforce key topics like valuation, accounting, and financial modeling.
    • Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as this will help you during interviews.
  3. Time Management:

    • Dedicate specific blocks of time each day to technicals and behaviorals. For example, spend mornings on technicals and evenings on behaviorals.
    • Incorporate mock interviews into your schedule to simulate real interview conditions.
  4. Leverage Your Strengths:

    • Since you're a decent public speaker, focus on refining your delivery and ensuring your answers are concise and impactful.
    • For HireVues, practice recording yourself to improve your comfort level and reduce improvisation errors.
  5. Networking:

    • Continue networking to gather insights about the firms you're targeting. Tailor your behavioral answers to align with their culture and values.

With consistent effort and the right resources, you can make significant progress in 3 weeks. Good luck!

Sources: Fit/Behavioral Interviews - A Crash Course, SA Interview Prep Techniques, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/sa-interview-prep-techniques?customgpt=1, The 24 Interview Lessons I Learned on the Way to Getting My First Full Time Job, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/sales-trading-interview-guide-gekkos-guidance-part-2?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

the hard part isn't learning them; it's being being able to articulate that knowledge well in an interview. Even though a question like walk me through a DCF is p easy your answer sounds very different than the understanding you have in your head when you start saying it out loud without prior practice. The only way to fix that is through a shit ton of mocks, so need more time for shit like that. The actual SA question difficulty is easy as fuck except for maybe at Evercore/PJT RSSG.

 

Do mocks have to be with other people? Or can I just record myself and do them? I’m not too worried about presentation because public speaking is one of the things I’m good at. I also pretty much only learn by being able to say it to myself aloud.

 

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