Got the interviews, Cant close

You really think people are going to tell you what really were your weaknesses? If they say the wrong thing, the could get sued. You think they won't just settle for a bullshit response?

Maybe they just don't like you or can't see working with you. Whatever the case, keep plugging away until you find something that works. Ask for feedback at the end of the interview, not after you have left.

Im glad you had the line "maybe they just dont like you or cant see working with you" - Sometimes I feel that I try to push my knowledge in finance rather than try to just "hang out with the interviewer". What is your take on that? Is it better to try and bond with the interviewer? or act professional?

Try to get in touch with alums at these firms. When I got rejected, the alums would find out and let me know what I did wrong i.e. not enthusiastic enough etc

I see - thanks alot of the advice - Its interesting, I am naturally a social person and the"fit" aspect of an interview used to be my bread and butter, while the technical part was my weakness. So, I did alot of research on dcf etc as I am an Econ, not finance major. It just goes to show you, never pretend to be what your not.

try hanging out next time... I can't speak for all recruiters and it will vary from firm to firm. If something doesn't work, try something else!

I guess - this whole process is such a crap shoot that it is frustrating - In fact, the more interviews I do, the more I believe that the banks have their candidate picked out before the interview even starts.

Your right, I should enjoy the 5 hour drives into NYC while falling behind in classes just so that i can be informed that "we cannot continue on in this process"

Welcome to interviewing. My tip would be:

There is nothing more annoying than someone trying to prove they know a lot of finance when you don't ask for it. Don't make finance related jokes, don't "name drop" finance related terms, ignore the technicals altogether. You will get your time to shine when the technical questions start rolling. Otherwise, just be a personable, confident person and relax.

Also: It isn't market conditions, don't believe this for a second. It might be more challenging, but there are a ton of spots out there and people are hiring.

Don't start pulling the pity card. I'm sorry you can't handle the 5 hour drives to NYC and are falling behind in the interview process. Honesttly, you've made it to final rounds so start acting like it. Either you can't handle it or you've had bad luck. You're not going to break into the industry by feeling sorry for yourself. Keep busting balls and it will pay off. To be honest most things materialize in the 11th hour so don't be too upset if thing's don't happen when you want it to.

As I have been interviewing people, I can tell you that it is really difficult to choose between candidates when a lot of them are really on top of it. There are very very close calls where a group is choosing between a few people that are qualified and everyone likes. It stinks, but just keep plugging away.

As a general rule, I've found that candidates who try to "show how much they know" are usually laughably ignorant as to how little they really know.

You need to bond at the right moment. Never offer any technical advice if not asked because if you are wrong you seem retarded. Do not ask for feedback after an interview because that will leave the interviewer in an awkward situation. Asking after you get the no is a great idea if it is a nice interviewer. They will not get sued unless they say we di don’t pick you because of race gender, creed, etc. If they say you did not seem confident in your answers that is in no way a sueable claim.

There are obvious points where the person wants to just bond and if youd o not capitalize they will just keep it more technical. The interviewers who tell you to relax and have a good time are usually the biggest assholes in the group.

Places to capitalize:

I = Interviewer X = Interviewee

I: "What is your favorite book?" X: I really like (NEVER say a financial book it seems fake) The Art of War, what is yours? I: I like Pride and Prejudice X: Do you like other Jane Austen works? Do you like that period of literature?

**If you say a famous book like Art of War be careful because if it is your favorite and the interviewer enjoys it they might get specific. An example, a friend of mine said she loved Tale of Two Cities and the interviewer also loved it and asked her to recite the beginning of the book (It was the best of times...) and she couldn’t.

I: What is something interesting you have done lately? X: I caught a homerun ball when the Yankees played the Blue Jays I: I always wanted to do that X: Do you like baseball? It is playoff season who do you like?

I: What do you do for fun? X: I drink like a goon. Is there a sense of comradely in the office when there is time to go out? I: Well we really like going to these bars and Broadway shows. X: Which is your favorite?

You get the idea. Find questions to ask that are fun.

Make sure you are not a stiff because if an interview is 45mins long and you prove to me that you are ignorant or a stiff in the first 10 mins I will ask you questions with long winded answeers to give me time to think about stuff that I have been too busy to think about at work.

tbroker what's your native language (I know it's not English)

My native language is english but I do not even reread posts because the jist is delivered. The drinking answer was obviously a joke. And it amuses me that the kids who will never get into banking like flaming posts while I have recieved 3 PMs asking me to give situational interview advice...funny

How is that funny?

As much shit as tbroker has been getting these past few days, that was still a pretty funny post. However, I wouldn't say anonymous people soliciting you for advice without knowing your credentials is really much of a status symbol. The original poster asked for advice from the general people. Anyone with any qualification can give his/her feedback. Readers just have to recognize the opinion being presented may be based off of a different set of experiences.

I did not mean it as a "status symbol". I meant it to say that to just say that there are people here who just do not like me and that is fine. However, I am happy that some people find value and can see a joke. Obviously I do not condone saying I drink like a goon but fill in what you do and you're good to go.

And the not speaking english thing, what makes people think that am I that careless haha.

Listen, im not asking for anyone's pity. Originally I asked for advice, and I received alot of good advice. I just did not appreciate the wise ass comment about having a winning attitude. Bottom line, the process of recruiting sucks, so im not gonna beat around the bush and say how much i love it. Not only does rejection suck, but the anxiety of potentially not getting a job sucks too. So do me a favor, save the comments on my attitude.

Also - I have heard from EVERY recruiter/career services person etc that getting a FT job on the street is as harder as ever given two factors -bad market conditions -high retention rate from summer class leaving fewer spots for people like me

so while i may have f'd up a few interviews by trying to hard, the field IS extremely competitive right now

the field is no more competitive than it always is.

have you considered looking at the MM?

I have - but I have actually found the recruiting for MM's more difficult as the alumni connections and school connections are much weaker than the connections at the bigger banks.

I have - but I have actually found the recruiting for MM's more difficult as the alumni connections and school connections are much weaker than the connections at the bigger banks.

It is definitly more competitive this year...that's not just BS from the recruiters. The bank I summered at is barely interviewing anyone--even at top targets (i.e. HYP/W). Additionally one of the BBs that recruits at my school every year isn't even visiting this year. I think places like Lehman that have huge summer classes may only be taking a few more analysts. It's not impossible to get a job in this climate, but this is a bad year to not have a summer offer.

I: What do you do for fun? X: I drink like a goon. Is there a sense of comradely in the office when there is time to go out? I: Well we really like going to these bars and Broadway shows. X: Which is your favorite?

Probably not the best answer...(although it was a joke, but the other advice from broker is solid)

From my experiences, definitely answer the questions they ask with a positive tone, and then ask something from them/add something extra of your own idea. I was asked about Bush's $150 bill tax refund thing, I said it wouldn't work, why it wouldn't, and added what I would do (start a public works project that would employ more people).

Also, if you're screwed or don't know an answer, don't seem too stressed or worked up...handle pressure well.

I was asked a brain teaser, but I came up with the craziest, incorrect answer, and the interviewer laughed. Good times.