Interview Q: Where have you applied?
I spent some time searching for a thread on this question but haven't found a particularly strong answer.
The interview question I'm inquiring about is a variation of this: Where else have you applied? What banks have you applied to? etc. etc.
How do you best approach this type of question? Do you admit that you've applied to every BB/MM/Boutique bank in the Americas and several in Europe/Asia too? Or do you say that you've limited your search to a few firms in which you're particulary interested? Something between these two answers?
I'm currently meeting with a few firms, namely larger ones, but I am most interested in your firm because of the people I have met and been able to have conversations with... If they want names they will ask and you can feel free to mention who else you are talking to. The key is to be tactful so that you don't sound like you are arrogant or desperate (both poor qualities to exhibit). Think about it like playing pick up basketball in high school... have you played anywhere else? Are you any good? If you are jumping up and down saying pick me, pick me, please, I don't wanna be last pick, then you probably aren't a prime choice. If you are confident and coy about it you have better chances... They basically just want to see that you are a commodity that is in demand... that's all this question is about so don't beat around the bush if asked.
for one thing, be sure to show consistency in your response. if you are interviewing for IBD, but also applied for S&T at another bank, leave that out. I generally think honesty is a good thing here, but don't be ridiculous and say "oh i blindly applied to 100 places hoping to get a response". maybe something like "i've also applied for SA IBD positions at other banks as well, as i want to get the feel for the culture of many different banks in hopes of finding the right fit"
but, im also still applying/interviewing for SA positions, so maybe im wrong...
Thanks for the quick responses. I like the analogy to a commodity in demand, Rufio. That's good insight to have! I can see how it could be beneficial to mention a few of the other prestigious banks that you're interviewing with.
I usually just mention the banks where I am currently in the process.....I've just finished first rounds at xxx, I have a super day at xxx....
yeah agree with NT_B10...
no one asked me where i applied...they asked where else i was interviewing...i was happy to name all of their competitors.
It's like hitting on a girl. If the girl you're hitting on knows you've had luck with other hotties, then she'll think there's value in you because other girls apparently felt the same way. She also might think you're a slut, but that's a different issue and not really relevant to recruiting.
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