MM M&A Phone Interview - Typical process or not?

I am having a somewhat unique interview process and I am hoping some of you can shed some light on it and what I can expect moving forward.

I am currently working in an emerging market for a big 4 CF team. I am moving back to New York next week and am applying to associate roles in MM IB. A friend of a friend put me in contact with a director at a middle market bank in new york who is hiring for an associate position in their M&A industry. Sent CV to them and immediately replied back that someone on their team would call me. I had a call with a VP this week which went well (some FIT questions and then some basic techincal competency stuff ). VP said they would follow up. Today the VP e-mailed saying what was my availability for a call with the same original director I e-mailed with.

I guess I am just surprised by how informal the process has been so far... so my two questions are the following:
1. Should I expect the same thing from the Director, Fit and Technical?
2. Is this like the final check before they invite me in for a full day of interviews? The Director
cant offer me the role without me interviewing in person with MDs etc right?

Thanks, any perspective is appreciated!!!

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”