IR Interview with Head of IR

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points to consider when preparing for an interview with the head of Investor Relations (IR) at a mutual fund (MF):

1. Research Past Investments:

   • Look at the past investments the fund has made.
   • Identify if they are overweight in a particular position or sector.
   • If there are any publicly disclosed positions, try to reverse engineer the position to understand the logic behind their investment.

2. Prepare Intelligent Questions:

   • Formulate intelligent questions based on your research.
   • Focus on big-picture questions rather than getting bogged down in details.
   • If the head of IR is one of several PMs (Portfolio Managers) at the fund, ask which names are their positions. This can help you compare your thinking with the actual investment thesis at the time of purchase.

3. Stock Pitch Preparation:

   • Come up with a stock you think might be an interesting investment that aligns with the investment style of the fund.
   • Use this as an opportunity to get feedback on your thesis and see how the head of IR approaches the problem.
   • Look at resources like Value Investors Club and pitches made at investor conferences like Value Investor Congress for inspiration.

4. Understand the Role and Expectations:

   • Be prepared to discuss how you would handle new deals and what factors you believe can influence returns.
   • Demonstrate a methodical thought process and an ability to be trained.

5. Behavioral Questions:

   • Be ready to discuss your past experiences, particularly those that highlight your ability to receive and act on feedback.
   • Use the SOAR method (Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

By focusing on these areas, you can show that you have done your homework and are well-prepared for the interview. Good luck!

Sources: Preparing for the HF informational interview, Preparing for the HF informational interview, J.P. Morgan HireVue Interview Questions: What to Expect, Investment Banking to a Hedge fund... Can You Make the Jump?, Hedge Fund: The Investment Life Cycle