Best Response

I would say the key thing is the ability to subtly address the matters below in front of the potential recruiter:

  1. The functions of each role in banking (at least front office "banking roles" - IPO, M&A, DCM, ECM, etc.) I wont be too worry if you are a regular visitor of WSO, but trust me, there are a lot of kids out there behaving just like this (bear?). [

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  1. Why banking? Let's be honest, it is almost all about the thick comps. And these money hungry kids all BS about how much they like Finance. To stand out, I think you may take a more genuine approach on the personality fit (e.g. You are a workaholic and you like to have your schedule stuffed for the whole day. You crave for steep learning curve and is also curious on knowing more about how exactly is this fund raising works. Banking could feed you in both ways.)

  2. Be able to deal/work with almost every type of people

Myth buster: I dont think there's solid finance knowledge required to breaking into banking. As long as you know most of the technical knowledge in the WSO interview prep (You may take a look at the content page, for free), I do not think there is a need to drill further downwards.

Staying tuned to the market news is a plus but it is very difficult for people whos not in the industry

Just my two cents, and hope that helps.

 

You might also want to consider playing bold by telling them you are very interested in [industry that you really like, e.g. gaming, TMT, hospitality, real estate, etc.] and you want to get into that particular team in IBD, and might consider the possibility of getting to a PE of that industry in certain years.

Someone here may think I am insane to advise candidates telling recruiters they may leave the bank soon if got hired. But to me it is a more realistic and honest answer for people who demonstrates genuine interest, rather than telling the typical "I like finance" story.

That said, it is very subjective and you should choose either way you feel most comfortable.

 

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