Best Response

In my experience, it depends on the person you meet. I did meet a couple of bankers who asked me what stocks I have looked into and what my opinion was about their performance. It was nothing too technical though. I am sure that putting in some time to look into a couple of stocks would pay high dividends. If anything, it will make you look knowledgeable imo. However, I do agree with other people who commented on this thread. You should be the one asking questions even if the interview is focused on your background. The entire purpose of the informational interview is to learn more about the industry and the experience of the banker you are meeting.

Array
 

I know you're very busy so I'll let you get back, thank you very much for your time, have a good day and cheers for the interview you balla!!! i'm going to be awesome, probably your boss one day.

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 

Here’s all you need to do: Make a great first impression in your first call or in-person meeting. Follow-up and ask for what you want. If you’re networking well in-advance of recruiting season, sure, follow-up every few months so they remember who you are… But if it’s close to recruiting season just follow-up and make your request: “Thanks for speaking with me last week. With recruiting season approaching, I just wanted to follow-up and ask how I could best position myself for an interview with your firm.”"

Hope this answers your question. Do PM me if you have specific questions.

"I am the hero of the story. I don't need to be saved."
 

You're not asking for a job, you're asking for advice on how to break in. Start by talking about his past experience and how he got in. Pick his brain a bit about his experiences. Then transition to your situation and talk about your past and where you'd like to go, and ask for his advice on what he thinks you should do. Then follow up with asking if he can recommend anyone else that you could talk to. Don't ask him for a job or bring up your resume at all unless you'd like to ask him to review it for you.

 

Good suggestions.But How to finally land to reference? Had almost 20 information session interviews.I am always embarrassed about asking reference? Since I am far away from the NY,even land a cup of coffee is very hard for me. All the information session interviews I did are phone call.any suggestions about how to get coffee time and finally lead to reference? Thanks

 

I'd personally flick through a copy of the economist and anything that grabs your eye read and then research about it online until you have a solid foundation of financial news. Obviously the economist has up to date news but I'm sure if you look into something it will be going back for a few years.

 

If you have/can afford access to Bloomberg, you can pull a wealth of industry/prospective firm info on there, i.e. league table standings for that firm's IBD, relevant stock ratings by that firm's analysts, etc. I also like Institutional Investor, which can have some pretty good articles. Also, knowing ahead of time your interviewer's favorite NFL team & lick his ass on that subject.

All the world's indeed a stage, And we are merely players, Performers and portrayers, Each another's audience, Outside the gilded cage - Limelight (1981)
 

it's about fit. you'd probably be better off knowing who won the Pats - Steelers game than memorizing their website. you aren't going to be quizzed on it. it would be helpful if you could fit some of the company's themes into your story. tell your story well and you'll be good.

if you know who the interviewer is, learn something about his background. and then learn the background of the background.

 

I missed the first thread but you should obviously stay apprised of current events and know how they have affected and will continue to affect the industry moving forward (although many of these topics may be uncomfortable, i.e. write-downs, credit freeze, potential for recession). Informational sessions are generally much more about fit and personality than anything else. So as long as you go in and have some semblance of understanding regarding the current market conditions and dont act like a jack-ass you should have a pretty good shot. Good luck.

 

definitely a good idea to bring a notepad portfolio, just be sure not to be concerned with writing everything down so as to not make eye contact. best thing you can do is ask good questions and seem personable -- im sure you can remember answers to most of the questions without having to write it all down. good luck!

 
teamam:
definitely a good idea to bring a notepad portfolio, just be sure not to be concerned with writing everything down so as to not make eye contact. best thing you can do is ask good questions and seem personable -- im sure you can remember answers to most of the questions without having to write it all down. good luck!

I'm sure I won't have any problems with remembering answers to most of his questions, but the reasons was just to bring it, just in case he refers me to another firm, individual, etc... who can help me out.

 

I have a quick question

I'm planning on sending a thank you note later today. The meeting went very well to say the least, in conclusion he's willing to help me find a PWM summer position with one of his financial advisors.

my question now is, during the thank you email, how can I mention that I'm also interested and wouldn't mind working in IBD, S&T, M&A, or ER. And not to just limit the possible summer internship to just PWM without giving off a bad vibe?

Thank you.

 

At this stage in the game you should just add a line like this into your cold emails if you're still contacting people:

"I understand that you're a busy man, but I was hoping I could have 15 minutes of your time over the phone sometime next week to speak with you about your experiences in the investment industry, as well as any internship positions your firm may offer."

I haven't gotten any negative responses from that, and it clearly states your intentions.

If you're meeting in person, and you feel the vibe between the two of you is good after chatting for a little bit then just straight up and ask if there's anything available with their firm for over the summer.

 

Depends on the place, but in exactly the same scenario I landed an internship at a boutique last Winter. In my case all the questions were fit questions and "walk me through your resume" kind of stuff, I did not get any technical questions at all.

 

The best way to approach this is to build a relationship slowly from the ground up--just straight up asking for a job comes off that you're just using that person. A good way is to email and call with "follow-up" questions or chatting about the market trends. Show that you're excited about the field and pick his brain. At some point when you have a good relationship going, you can offer to assist him with some work for free, or ask if he knows anyone who's looking for some assistance. Emphasize how much you want to learn the business.

The Partner isn't stupid; he knows this is what people have to do to get into the field. When positions open up, they'll keep you in mind if you make a great impression.

Metal. Music. Life. www.headofmetal.com
 

This depends on a few things. The day of the week, the time of the day and your personal relationship with the person you are having an informational interview with. If it is 1230 pm on a Tuesday it would be good to try and aim for the prearranged window. If it is 8 on a Friday evening the prearranged time window is generally less important. It is never rude to ask if running over the X time window is going to be a problem for the other person. However with that said, don't just interrupt at exactly minute 30 or what ever to announce it. Wait for the current topic of discussion to change.

Follow the shit your fellow monkeys say @shitWSOsays Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne
 

Don't kill it if you don't have to and if he doesn't seem to want to. Of course, sometimes you do have things to do (classes, other obligations, etc.), and it's not inappropriate to tell them that, thank them, and say goodbye.

 

I always bring my resume just in case he does not have one. A lot of informational interviews don't use the resume, but you don't want do say "I didn't bring it" if he asks for one. It maybe more informal but it is still an "interview". Life comes down to a few moments; this is one of them. Don't forget the Cubans, kid.--------------couldn't help myself.

"Greed, in all of its forms; greed for life, for money, for love, for knowledge has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA."
 

I have often sent it the day before or the morning of, so they can browse it before I arrive (if they feel like it). Depends on how I feel about the relationship, usually. I always take one as well. Take one of those nice leather folders with the pad inside and the school seal on the front, and take some notes-- I always have the best response when I'm taking notes-- I think it makes me look more studious!

 

Definitely bring the resume folder along with a few copies. I was on a networking trip the other day and despite the fact that I had emailed my resume to the alumni a week before he still asked if I had one when we sat down to talk.

 

yep - you meet/call someone from the firm and just ask them questions about the job/company/city, etc. if they really like you (polite, respectful, sense of humour, good communicator) they may put in a good word come selection time. it's quite informal, but suit is recommended.

 

the importance of informational interviews. It's an awesome opportunity to make an impact on someone at the firm you will be (hopefully) interviewing with later. Do your homework and make a point of coming off as motivated (obviously) and well-informed. If appropriate send a thank you note afterwards to thank your interviewer for his time and consideration.

Good Luck.

 

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