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Do not pull out notes during an interview.
Yeah, that pad folio is more so you have something to do with your hands that doesn't look stupid. Under normal circumstances, you'll never need to open it. If the problem is getting flustered, then you need to practice controlling the interview and forcing it to go where you want it to go.
If the interviewers don't have it then give them a copy, otherwise don't open it.
Got it..definitely no notes---don't want to seem like a faux eager beaver!
I agree with everything that's been said. You should only use your notepad to jot down notes for the more complex technical problems to help you keep the numbers straight in your head and maybe do some quick calculations.
NO NO NO. Don't listen to these guys. It is FINE to use notes during an interview as long as its not to answer their questions. When its time for you to ask the questions, then YOU become the interviewer. Companies are not looking for people who are too shy to open their notebook, they are looking for assertive and competent candidates who can be leaders. Don't be afraid to put some pressure on them with your questions. Ask them questions that really matter. Ask them why their bank is better than the others. Ask them what kind of analyst turnover they have. Ask them if analyst bonuses are shielded from poor upper-level performance.
Looking at your notes is absolutely OK when its time for you to ask them questions. I used to look at my notes in every interview to make sure I didn't forget ANY of my questions. The interviewers have notes on the questions to ask you, so why shouldn't you have the same. Just be confident.
Do you really think this is a safe question to ask?
Questions related to salary or bonuses are generally taboo. It's a good question, but I would not ask it.
Okay...thanks---I'll try and be more discreet about it and not whip out a giant notepad like some annoying journalist. I'll keep a thin plastic file with some sheets of paper on my lap and one of those sheets will contain all the questions I think are pertinent. I want to try to explain to the interviewer that this is a learning process for me as well..whatever the outcome, I want to walk out of this a smarter person.
Does that sound like a better option?
took notes during the interviews. It helps, especially when they are giving their shpeel and it allows you to ask intelligent questions at the end. Once you have a notebook open, it's a little easier to look up notes. THough i wouldnt really have a print out or anything. That's really weird and as an interviewer, i'd frown upon that. If the interviewee can't even remember some basics about our company/stock/today's market, I'd be wary.
That being said, there's no reason to memorize every little thing about the company or the product. Sometimes too much research is not good and will only confuse you further.
Sorry..I didn't mean to imply that I would have a whole printed sheet of questions and start reading from it...I would like to jot things down from time to time because it helps me think clearly..
things down during the interview is acceptable. i mean, i did it and did quite well. no one found it weird..
I've had the chance to interview a number of analyst candidates, and some have taken notes like you. Obviously if you're taking notes, it would be rude of me to call attention to it and further prohibit it, but personally it's distracting. I usually don't look favorably upon these types of candidates because they tend to be too nerdy and socially awkward.
First, taking notes is inherently unnatural. The best interviews are the candidates who are able to turn the interview into a conversation instead of an awkward Q&A press conference interview. Taking notes takes away from your ability to be engaging. When you go out with your friends, do you take notes? Second, it makes you look like an eager beaver. Of course I'm heavily focused on looking for people who are intelligent and will work until their fingers melt. Beyond that, I want an analyst that knows how to have a good time. Smart kids with 1500+ SATs and 3.7+ GPAs from top schools are a dime a dozen. I don't need another note-happy nerd to babysit, there are already far too many.
Jotting down brief notes to probe deeper into something I bring up is fine. But if you forget what to ask because it can't sufficiently hold your interest without your precious notes, I have to wonder is the question even worth it to begin with? If you must write, write 5% or less of the time. Eye contact and presentation is much more valuable than your notes.
Maybe I wasn't clear, or maybe you mis-interpreted, but I meant the thing about "jotting down brief notes". Not sitting there actively taking notes on everything.I think taking notes is helpful especially when the interviewer is rambling on about his/herself or a recent deal they worked on or whatever. Let's be honest, everyone loves talking about themselves and I've had interviews where the person spent a good 10 minutes talking about his/her own career path and job. I don't want to sit there awkwardly and stare while they talk.
I would frown upon any person who took notes during the whole interview and didn't make direct contact. If jotting down a few notes about my role/bank/whatever helps them ask more intelligent and interesting questions rather than "So, how did you end up in this particular group" or "Why did YOU choose BB bank", i'm all for it.
Have my interview in two hours...the verdict is: NO NOTES!!
Thanks everyone
just so you know...it went well..I asked a lot of questions. I didn't take notes but I get the feeling they think I'm a bit of a nut
There's a fine line between showing a high level of interest and seeming overly obsessive.
Make sure you have a nice looking folio.
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