My background:
Semi target undergrad 3.5 GPA.
No-name boutique IB internship
B4 Audit/TS for 2 years
Doing a bit of lateral recruitment plus campus recruitment just to cast my net wide
3 BB interviews so far.
Rejected by one and the other two are not looking good. I feel that if they're impressed by my interviews, they'd be in touch by now. Expecting rejections
BB interview 1: rejected for not giving enough details when I walked them through the M&A process. I suspect I screwed up on something else too
BB interview 2: They informed me I passed the interview but haven't been in touch about the next stage for a month now. I clicked well with the interviewer and he seemed to agree with every answer I gave. But then no news???
BB interview 3: It consists of 2 interviews with two associates. Clicked well with interviewer 1 with him saying he's impressed with my experience. It was supposed to be a technical interview but he said 'because of your background in accounting, I'm not going to ask you any of that' (that's a first. bad sign??). I felt good about that interview but I could've probs given more details to each answer. He ended the interview with 'let's keep in touch'. Got on really well with interviewer 2 since I feel insanely passionate about her sector. However the actual interview ended after only 15 mins with her talking about her experience for 10 mins. When I went through my modelling experience, i gave a very very brief overview and asked if she'd like more details expecting her to say yes. She didn't .. Been over a week and still no news so I am guessing I got dinged.
I also tried recruiting last year, only had 2 BB interview invites and failed both.
Literally feeling like a massive failure. I am thinking about buying IB interview guide from either WSO or M&I since I don't know who I can practise with and can offer good advice (I stopped networking after i landed that no-name boutique stint and big 4 TS through connection. I need to start again).
Any advice would be really appreciated!!!
Remain optimistic and like you mentioned, keep networking. Could create some unanticipated opportunities.
Keep your head up, it’s a grind for a reason. The fact that you’re getting interviews at some of the most coveted banks on the steeet should be something you’re proud about, just keep working on technicals, mock heavy with peers and contacts, and remain confident and I’m sure you’ll land something, we’ve all been there stay positive
I think either way I’ll walk out of the process knowing I’m more of a fighter than other candidates who just had it smoothly :) thank you.
Keep in mind that there's a lot out of your control in the recruiting process. Sometimes it's in your favor, other times it's not. Frankly 3 interviews isn't a ton, so I wouldn't read too much into your candidacy based on that. I would follow-up with the remaining two opportunities if you haven't already (if they don't respond, follow-up again the following week). Agree that the month+ wait isn't a great signal, but you never know if they just put the process on hold or something
I would actually recommend buying one of the guides (used the WSO one personally). It sounds like there may be some areas where you would benefit from seeing how the guide recommends answering certain questions (technical and otherwise)
3 interviews really isn’t a ton that’s the sad part. I just don’t get many interviews while some people literally get invited to interviews with every BB on the st .. every interview felt like life or death :(
I’ll defo buy the WSO! It’s rrally hard to improve without knowing what the standard is.
Thanks for your encouragement and advice!
Turns out I passed one of the BB first round (and it's my top choice too)! It took them just over a week to get back to me (and i thought i failed based on that) :)
nice - good luck!
Long way to go. Just 3 interviews? you have to stick with it. Trust me - this rejection you are facing now is just the start. You'll get there. Will take serious will to so...
Hey! Since you’re sharing here, don’t mind me asking but how do you normally deal with the “do you have any questions” question?
I can't tell you specifically what questions you should ask but focus on the interviewer's background. By that I don't mean just the general 'what's your experience been at Bank A. I meant making it a conversation and interaction. For example, if your interviewer said they have experience in this particular sector and this particular country, ask their experience in those and tell them what you know about their space and how you found it interesting and wanna learn more. They would almost always come back with more info and it's up to you to make it a convo rather than just them answering your question and you ending with 'ok cool, that's interesting'. Hope it helps :)
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