JPM over Goldman: JPM does have some groups that are stronger than their counterparts at GS. In general, JPM's breadth and depth are unparalelled: more of a financing powerhouse, believe a stronger global presence, and can provide a lot of other services for clients beyond just advisory and some ECM/DCM like Goldman does (yes Goldman has a balance sheet post-crisis, but JPM blows them away on the debt side if not equity).

Also, any "Why our bank?" answer always has to touch on the people you've met there, how strong you find the culture, what a good fit it is, etc.

The "Why didn't you get an offer?" question is really tough. If you can post your thoughts on why you specifically didn't get an offer, people might be able to give you better advice about how to spin it. IMO it's tough to outright lie here and say you did get an offer when you didn't, because it's so easy for bankers to check (not with HR, just calling up friends at other banks).

 

I called my mentor at Goldman and she said she didn't know why I couldn't convert my offer. Few facts-

1) No one in my college got a return offer in equity research 2) I completed my project in half time and took up my mentor's work as well (she was pregnant at that time) 3) They seem to have shifted their hiring policy

Thanks for your answer, I definitely get why JP over GS.

 

You can claim that the market was bad, or the firm simply didn't give out any offers. However, it sounds too much like you're making excuses and recruiters can smell right through that.

A safer bet would be to "come clean" and say that, while you performed well and received positive reviews, you didn't fit in with the culture very well, and from what you're seen and heard so far, you believe that the firm you're currently interviewing with is a much better fit for you.

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Best Response

I come from a military background, but I've experienced the same thing in the academic world, too. That said, I imagine it's the same in the professional environment.

Spend about 30 minutes typing up all of the positive things and even some of the negative things from your summer experience. Then, write like a half page LoR from her perspective. Get her on the phone and ask her to review both items. She can put her own personal touches on it to make it like she's written it.

She will have only had to put like 15 minutes of work into a LoR. That is minimal time, especially if you're saying she really liked you.

You win because you got a LoR and she wins because she gets to have a baby and not spend time writing a full LoR.

 

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