TorQuest FT Analyst Interview Insight

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights on what you might expect in an analyst interview, including technical and qualitative questions:

Technical Questions:

1. DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) Analysis:

   • Be prepared to walk through a DCF model and explain each step.
   • Understand how to build a debt table.

2. Cap Rate:

   • Explain what a cap rate is and why the terminal cap rate might be higher than the going-in cap rate.

3. Market Trends:

   • Be ready to discuss both local and macro market trends, such as how foreign investors or oil prices affect commercial real estate (CRE).

4. Advanced Technicals:

   • For full-time (FT) interviews, expect more advanced and intense technical questions compared to summer analyst (SA) recruiting.
   • Master all sections and topics of the guides, including building simple DCF and LBO models.

Qualitative Questions:

1. Behavioral Questions:

   • Common questions include "walk me through your resume," "tell me about a time when...," and "walk me through a deal."
   • Be prepared to discuss your responsibilities, buyer/seller rationale, sector trends, valuation, and risks for any deals you were involved in.

2. Thoughtful Questions:

   • Ask about the trajectory/growth strategy of the firm, deal flow, and their expectations of a good analyst.
   • Inquire about what you can do before starting to hit the ground running.

3. Interview Strategy:

   • Show genuine interest in the work and whether it would be a good mutual fit.
   • If you don't know the answer to a technical question, think through it out loud rather than simply saying "I don't know."

Additional Tips:

• Preparation: Make sure to have quality answers for any deals you were on, including buyer/seller rationale, sector trends, valuation, your responsibilities, risks, etc.
• Humility: Be humble when describing your contributions to deals.
• Fit Questions: The "do you have any questions to ask me?" portion of the interview can tip the scale in your favor, so prepare thoughtful questions.

For more detailed insights, you might want to check out the full threads and discussions on Wall Street Oasis.

Sources: How to Navigate FT Recruiting: Learn from My Successes/Failures, Q&A: 1st Year Analyst at MM IB, Analyst Interview - Common Questions, Q&A - Tiger Cub Analyst, Interviewing for a SA or Analyst position? Here's what I'd want to hear as a VP.