Club Written Application Advice

I’m a freshman at Georgetown. During first semester club applications, I consistently failed at getting first round interviews for finance clubs despite spending significant amounts of time on the written applications. I’ve consistently been answering the behavioral questions in a similar way that I’d answer them in an interview (and I’ve done mock interviews where those answers have gotten positive feedback) and spent substantial time on research to back up my answers for the analytical questions. Does anyone have any guidance for what these clubs (or just investing clubs at any target) are looking for in these written applications?

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I'm a member of one of the clubs you probably applied for. 

Did you sign up for a coffee chat? For our club those are de facto first-round interviews (even though we don't admit it), and by far the most important determinant to getting an official interview where more serious questions are asked is coming across as chill/likable. Obviously practicing your behaviorals is key, but so are body language, tone, and confidence. Written app is much less relevant to decisions. 

At the end of the day people in student clubs want kids they can bond with and maybe enjoy a few drinks... which is super important for real-life recruiting too. 

Good news is you have a few more chances to apply. Make sure to sign up for a coffee chat, loosen up, and you'll be in better shape. 

 

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