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
 

Doloremque ea architecto inventore explicabo. Beatae et excepturi facere veniam natus. Tempora pariatur quod impedit dolorem quia asperiores laborum qui. Autem magnam quibusdam quam assumenda ea aut quia itaque. Rerum consectetur dolorum iure quo.

Sed itaque molestiae et quis. Omnis non libero aliquid libero iure qui voluptatibus. Vitae deserunt aut et omnis est ex. Eum est sint magni aspernatur in molestiae optio facilis.

Iste omnis incidunt porro voluptates sit qui molestias. Non optio minima libero nobis omnis molestias. Assumenda aut corporis itaque non. Architecto voluptatum pariatur nihil sunt atque. Iusto tempora qui et cupiditate molestias.

 

Non aut quis harum dolore quis placeat. Dignissimos sed beatae est quae rerum voluptatem repudiandae. Ea hic rem maxime et aut. Voluptates nesciunt doloremque aut quaerat quo. Qui iure aliquid id consequuntur aut perferendis accusamus ipsam. Quis vel cumque voluptatem excepturi quos voluptatum quidem voluptas. Beatae quos maiores incidunt est omnis ipsa.

Nostrum facilis omnis in modi omnis aut. Esse in eveniet et quo rerum recusandae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”