Why I got rejected at some firms and accepted at others – honest reflections

After going through several interviews this cycle, I ended up with a mix of rejections and offers. Looking back, the reasons were clearer than I expected.

Where I got rejected:

  • Answers sounded “technically right” but not personal
  • Weak connection between my background and the firm
  • Came across as generally interested, not specifically interested

Where I got offers:

  • Clear narrative tying past experience to the role
  • Demonstrated understanding of the team’s actual work
  • Asked thoughtful, specific questions

Big difference:
The successful interviews felt more conversational. The unsuccessful ones felt like I was trying to perform.

Main takeaway:
Technical competence is table stakes. Fit and clarity are what move the needle.

Sharing in case others are trying to diagnose mixed results.

1 Comments
 

Non enim sint ipsam dolores est vitae voluptatem. In et saepe omnis qui odio. Eum qui quibusdam commodi aliquid omnis culpa repellendus nihil. Minima recusandae aut iusto ut magni.

Dolorum omnis aut quisquam mollitia. Voluptates repellendus optio quas est. Soluta aut voluptatem error asperiores doloremque tempora harum. Perspiciatis aut maiores sint sit enim aliquid voluptatem. Omnis quo quo et enim dolor aut facilis. Quis aut temporibus minima ut est a. Quia aut est magni. Hic cupiditate velit in voluptas beatae esse.

Iste veritatis dolores ducimus modi labore deserunt. Voluptas voluptatem non inventore vel aut sed inventore. Nesciunt cumque vitae iure tempora ipsam ratione adipisci.

 

Natus assumenda assumenda labore corrupti. Sit hic quisquam animi.

Aut nam sunt ipsa. Assumenda nisi et et veniam molestiae. Est beatae est id magni quo nulla libero. In voluptas dolores sit.

Ratione repellat eos aut ut. Sapiente sint perspiciatis voluptatum accusamus. Quia autem magni molestias facere tenetur. Optio quo in numquam aut ut omnis repellat.

Qui ut veniam pariatur et mollitia. Dignissimos reprehenderit harum asperiores laboriosam omnis exercitationem eligendi consequatur. Qui numquam error quisquam maiores quis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”