Realistically, can I namedrop in interviews without talking to them?

I've had good success in the past by namedropping a ton in interviews, however it was a ton of effort to speak to those people and I'm not sure if the effort would be better placed on other things. Probably not a good idea if it was during an AC with an MD, but by that point I would've done some informational networking anyway. However for the Hirevues and first rounds with HR, is HR really going to email a random analyst you name dropped to check if you actually spoke to them? Especially when they're sifting through hundreds of HVs?

This is UK btw where networking isn't required, it's only useful for things like this.

12 Comments
 

In general: don’t do it.

I’ve gotten away with it, but under specific circumstances. I.e. “Tell me about your experience at X”., “While I was at X I was on the Y team, who Z runs, you might know them”.

That only works though if the connection is obvious (these two went to a relatively small grad program at the same time).

 
Most Helpful
Intern in IB-M&A

I've had good success in the past by namedropping a ton in interviews, however it was a ton of effort to speak to those people and I'm not sure if the effort would be better placed on other things. Probably not a good idea if it was during an AC with an MD, but by that point I would've done some informational networking anyway. However for the Hirevues and first rounds with HR, is HR really going to email a random analyst you name dropped to check if you actually spoke to them? Especially when they're sifting through hundreds of HVs?

This is UK btw where networking isn't required, it's only useful for things like this.

I’ve had people drop my name in cover letters, applications, and interviews. Every time HR has sent me a note asking if I know the person, and every time I’ve been honest about whatever connection the person is or isn’t. 

I wouldn’t do it, it’s stupid. 

Always view these situations through a risk vs reward. The reward is incredibly low to name drop a person (especially an analyst) and the risk it back fires is non zero. Then if you start name dropping senior people, the risk it is checked is much higher. All in all, a terrible risk vs reward profile. 

 

Modi repellat ipsa omnis tenetur porro ullam ea voluptas. Molestiae nesciunt omnis commodi ratione ut. Perferendis possimus id non tempora illo aliquid id. Ullam facilis voluptatem sit voluptas non ipsam alias.

Ex adipisci tempora aut et voluptates necessitatibus aliquid. Accusamus explicabo illo voluptatibus labore. Nam sunt excepturi totam qui aut quia. Accusamus voluptas autem nobis qui quaerat laudantium non.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”