OK to ask?

Hi,
Suppose you are in an onsite - interview for a summer analyst position in a BB. Is it ok to ask for a specified product group (M&A) upfront? Given the fact, I am only interviewing and that also for a summer analyst role. How best can i ask this question, and not sound like an idiot. Will good reasons (career wise) to supplement my request for M&A help? I am concerned purely because, I dont want to end up in a random industry group or a product group. Am i being a jackass right now? Should I only concentrate on the interview?

Thanks.

 

Depends on the bank..if your offer will be group specific and you are meeting with somebody from M&A, bring it up...but have a solid reason why. Everybody says they want to work in M&A.

You need to do your homework and figure out how hiring at _______ Bank works. Telling a lev fin guy how much you want to be in M&A could end up backfiring if M&A doesn't like you and lev fin does..but ends not making an offer because they don't think you are interested.

On the same token, if asked, have a good idea where you want to be. just dont force it.

 

Thanks all. One more thing. Typically, we get to meet, say four bankers and they are all in different groups of investment banking? I am interviewing with the ibanking department. Is it ok to ask for details of the people interviewing me from the recruiter? I cant seem to get around a best way to approach this whole issue. I guess I will keep my mouth shut about preferences and talk only when asked and be ready with strong fundamental reasons to work in certain product groups.

 

the interviewers will likely introduce themselves and tell you what groups they work in.

i agree with aspmonkey...don't say anything about what group you prefer unless you have relevant experience in that field (i.e. you interned at a telecom company the year before and so you want to work in the telecom group). even in this circumstance, i would be careful on how you approach the situation.

best bet is to get the offer and then talk your way into your preferred group.

 

I think it is certainly appropriate. Your candidacy does improve two-fold; it shows that you want to take the initiative to research/study interview proctor backgrounds and formulate concise and appropriate questions related to their experience, specific skill-sets developed and the like, etc.

If in fact the recruiter does become inquisitive as to why you may want background information (some firms are sensitive to making this voluntarily public) just be prepared to talk about how you simply want to align tentative questions to a specific proctor (perhaps have an example ready).

"Cut the burger into thirds, place it on the fries, roll one up homey..." - Epic Meal Time
 

I'd agree with what's been said beforehand. I've been very successful being upfront with the groups I want to work in and why. You'll need to do your homework - recent deals, and ideally, chat with analysts who work in the groups to understand the work dynamics and group culture. Always tie your group selections back to your resume. If you can't do that, then you'd be better off not being specific. Also, if you feel confident that you are a storng candidate - lots of interviews already lined up with BBs - then you can be more specific with what you want, without incurring significant costs (assuming you are a good interviewer).

 
Best Response

Every bank I interviewed with had a very specific process for determining placement. Some of them had a matching system where you put your preferences and they compare it to their own evaluations. Others did it before training. Of course, my interviews were all at MM banks not BBs. My advice would be: Don't worry about being in the product group of your dreams at the risk of sounding like you wouldn't like other areas. As far as im concerned, I really don't know which one is the most interesting to me because I haven't worked in them before. I'd rather tell the bank my qualifications and them choose because, odds are, they've done this before and know just what they are doing.

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

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