This is an actual question I got and completely f'd up the answer... How would you go about answering this question? It seems like a lose lose scenario. If you answer it seriously, by explaining your high GPA/relevant experience then its a really boring answer and you might even come off as really arrogant. If you don't take it seriously and give a joke response, that might also not go over well, depending on the interviewer. I really can't think of a reasonable answer to this question.
16 Jun 2018
Positions in equity research are available for seasoned professionals and new hires. New hires out of school will start as research associates and move up the chain to a research analyst after gaining experience. Before any of this though, you must get the interview and show the interviewers you have what it takes. The best way to prepare for these interviews is to follow the markers, learn the common questions asked and practice tirelessly. Equity Research Questions - Fit/Behavioral As with most interviews you will most likely start out with the standard set of behavioral questions, some of
27 Nov 2017
Hi guys, I go to a school that is ranked 45-40. I have had two real estate internships and I want to break into banking. I went from a 2.87 gpa for my first 2 years to 3.27 gpa that I round to a 3.3 on my resume. I am not qualified enough for an analyst position realistically, even though I am very knowledgeable about financial markets, corporate finance, and financial products. I'm trying to find a job that I could have at a bank for 1-1.5 years and work on my cfa to pivot to an analyst role in NY. Also, I have a strong personal connection with a pretty high up employee at a particular bank
25 Mar 2018
Hey guys, very new to posting on this site. I have an upcoming 1st round interview for an Analyst position within Blackstone's Real Estate Asset Management group, and I'm wondering if anyone with past experience has any tips on how to stick out as a strong candidate. I have been preparing the typical behaviorals, so this is more geared towards any sort of technical prep I should add in. A little more background on me... I'm a rising senior at a top-tier, non-to-semi-target school, interned at a top RE manager/developer/investor (Brookfield/Hines/Vornado etc.) this past summer, though I did not
15 Aug 2017
Hi, I'm a junior from a non-target and landed an interview with BX PWS, coming up this Friday. I haven't researched much into this group so would really appreciate if anyone can share what they know about Blackstone's PWS division and/or know what I should prepare for the interview. Thanks!
04 Oct 2017
Hello all, I was suddenly grabbed by an idea to write down the lessons I learned from the ten interviews across seven different positions and 6 different companies I attended in the past 2.5 months on the road to my first job out of university. I started brainstorming in rough chronological order by the date of interview so don't construe this as a list by importance, EXCEPT for the first and last points, which I believe to be the most crucial. It is not exhaustive, and I may add to it if a) I can be bothered, and b) they come to mind. I've included some tips and tricks (such as "use the
06 Dec 2015
Hi, So I passed the online numerical arithmetic test for Optiver (by the skin of my teeth!) and now I have a phone interview for a campus hire execution trader position coming up soon. I've been told it's an "informational interview" with HR, from what I've gathered it's also something of a behavioral interview. Does anybody have any experience with Optiver's interview process? What kinds of questions do they ask? Also can someone describe to me the difference between an execution trader and a derivatives trader? I know Optiver hires both straight from college but I'm not exactly sure what
12 Nov 2015
I have been in the work force for about a year (2015 grad) and am seeking to move laterally into an analyst position within the restructuring group at a well respected boutique. I participated in a phone screen and was asked to complete a take home case study a few weeks later. A few days after submitting, I was notified that my case study passed the review of the team and that I would be coming in for the "next round". Can anybody shed some light (from past experiences of their own or having conducted similar processes themselves) on what I can expect in the process moving forward? Given the
04 Feb 2017
I have an upcoming interview next week with a top BB and have been told that it will be highly technical. I feel solid on DCF, CAPM, WACC, Comps, and other more traditional SA interview topics. What are the chances it will get much worse than that (LBO, Merger model, etc.)? What else could they mean?
16 Nov 2014
Before I start I want to make it clear that I did in fact search the boards on the topic and found it there wasn't any established answer. My rationale for thinking about bringing one in is that I have limited/non-existent finance experience. I am trying to do everything I can possibly do on my end to increase my chances. I am in the midst of completing WST Training courses, they are maybe 50-70 hours in total and I was thinking of building a basic 3-statement/DCF/M&A model of two companies I had in my mind.
02 Aug 2014
Hey, I will be having an on-campus interview with GS for an internship in the Finance (Controllers) Division for this upcoming summer. I was wondering what I should expect from this first interview, with regards to questions: technical or behavioral? Also, could you share what specific types of questions I should prepare for with this interview coming up. P.S. This is my first legitimate interview as well, so I'm pretty nervous, so any suggestions will help!
30 Nov 2014
Just wanted to know if anyone can share experience on their investment banking associate phone interview with Stephens Inc. I have a phone interview tomorrow. Surprised I even made it that far. I'm worried about the financial modeling exercise I have to do after the phone interview is done. Anyone have input on associate level interviews and modeling tests?
31 Aug 2016
For anyone looking on how to make a killer first impression and get yourself a better job, this video I recently put together will get you there. This should help with networking events and first days on the job. I think it will help some of you nail the "fit" part of your interviews as well. Enjoy! P.S. If you want to skip the intro, you can go right to 9:20 of the first video and get straight to the meat :-) See video 2 inside the post... Link: How To Make A Good First Impression
24 May 2014
Hi WSO, I'm an undergraduate in my senior year from Singapore, studying at a university in the USA. I've recently received an invitation to a first round interview with Citi for their cross-franchise Management Associate Program during my winter break. The problem is that they want to interview me in their Singapore office, and I wasn't planning to return home this break because of the price of airfare. I don't want to turn down an interview chance opportunity, but neither do I want to buy a $1600 ticket home and cancel my existing holiday plans. Does anyone know if there's a precedent for making alternative arrangements in this kind of situation (interview in another office, via phone or Skype, etc.?) What's the best way to respond to the recruiter? Thank you!
17 Nov 2014
Have a 1st round summer associate interview with HLHZ Restructuring soon and was wondering if anyone could provide any tips on what to expect (types of questions) and how to prepare (any specific guides/good books to check out)? Any help is appreciated
24 Jan 2015
I'm a rising sophomore at a target (HYPS). In order to prepare for interviews at places like DE Shaw/Jane Street etc for potential internships next summer, I've been going through the sort of brain teasers that they've been asking. To my chagrin, I find myself unable to solve a fair number of them (even though the solution makes sense once I read it). This has been happening pretty consistently, and to be honest I'm feeling a little down...I've never really considered myself to be brilliant, but not too stupid either (I have a 3.9+ in a Math/CS double major). Bros, is there still hope for me?
30 Jul 2014
Hey guys, this is my first post on WSO. Just got notice for a first round virtual interview with CS on Tuesday. I'm interviewing for the summer analyst position. Anyone have advice specific to virtual interview? I was thinking that since I won't meet in person it will be less fit based with more technical questions. How deep into technicals do you think it will go? Does anyone who's interviewed with CS have any advice in general? It will be my first ib interview ever...so I'm a bit nervous. Couldn't find this topic anywhere when I looked but if you know of another thread talking about this just post it below.
04 Dec 2014
A few weeks ago I finished interviewing for MBA consulting internships and wanted to capture some of my thoughts while they're still fresh. There are lots of good resources for case interviews available, but most of the truly great advice I received for behavioral interviews was from personal connections. Below is my overview of tips for succeeding in the process. This is meant to be thorough, and reflects my experience through 20+ interviews. That said, it is likely not exhaustive, and I welcome any additions or comments you can provide. I'll add sections or elaborate, as appropriate. Acing
21 May 2014
Hello WSO, I wanted to give back a little bit by talking about the recruiting process I went through and the interview questions I answered. First Round I got an interview via OCR. Spoke with one associate level person in the tech banking group. Questions were mainly behavioral. Asked about group work mostly. On the technical side of things she asked about what I would consider when lending to a company. (Free cash flow, strength of financials, strength of business, management team etc). Afterwards I asked what she thought about increasing cash burn rates in many tech companies as well as speaking to her about the economy and the Fed. Second round
28 Oct 2014
I have a pre-interview dinner coming up the night before an interview for an internship position. I have never been to something like this before so I am not totally sure what to be expecting. I am aware of appropriate table etiquette and the like but I am unsure about the social atmosphere i will be getting myself into.I would definitely appreciate any tips you guys/gals can throw my way. Also, is this something that every candidate who gets an interview also gets a dinner invite? Thanks. Pre-Dinner Interview Reception Drinks As for drinks, it is ultimately your decision whether or not you
07 Oct 2012
I've got an interview coming up with Fitch Ratings as an Associate Analyst in their NYC office. I've been told that they have an excel modeling test and was hoping someone who may have gone through the process can give me some insight on what the modeling test may entail and also what technicals to expect during the interview. You can PM me details if you'd like. Thanks.
07 Aug 2014
Still in the recruiting process. Had 3 interviews in the first round and I thought that I got a No in first one but did pretty well in the last two. I just received a "We are still reviewing feedbacks, blablabla" email while some of my friends received invitation to superday. Is it OK to reach out to the last interviewer? (the most senior one and I did a good job during his interview) I actually want to get some referral from him but I would write to ask for an informational talk. Is it ok to do that? Thanks in advance
08 Dec 2014
So I just got notified that I've been invited to interview at a top tier growth equity firm, and the opportunity just sounds absolutely amazing so I'm desperate to land the position. If someone currently at a growth equity fund wouldn't mind elaborating on the interview process, I'd be forever grateful. An overview of the typical growth equity interview process, some fit / industry (HCIT and B2B SaaS) questions they'll probably ask, general finance questions more relevant in GE, etc. would be great. I've only found generic overviews with search, and I also have additional questions. I will
27 Sep 2012
Hey, I have an Merchant Banking phone interview coming up in a couple of weeks. Does anyone know what I should expect to be asked, aside from the basic "fit" questions? Thanks!
07 Nov 2014
Andy note: this was originally posted on 9/14/12 So last time we established that when I come to recruit at your school (and I promise you, today I am recruiting at a school attended by probably at least 40-50 of the people on this board), I'm really just doing it to get a much-needed break from the office, a little sleep, and a chance to do my own thing (read: booze it up and party with old friends) for a day or two. It would be pretty cool if I could accomplish this without actually doing recruiting activities, because I find them just as awkward and lame as you do. But I'm stuck with it
24 Sep 2012
I finished applying for most roles at the end of November to ECM, just wanted to know when non-targets usually hear back from recruiters? Thanks a ton.
21 Dec 2014
Hello! I am currently a sophomore at a semi-target/non target and have my eyes set on MBB for an internship next summer (after junior year). I am an engineering major at a top 10 program, with a 3.75 and decent test scores (2100+ SAT). I have done some work for a small consulting firm (which has some big name clients) and will be interning at a Fortune 100 non-consulting firm this summer, most likely as a project manager. I am decently involved around campus (member of 3 organizations and play on multiple intramural teams, and will look to hold a small leadership position in one of the organizations next semester). I am mostly worried about my lack of a target school, the lack of any really prestigious awards, and leadership positions.
09 Apr 2014
My apologies in advance if parts of my question seem repetitive to what's already on this forum, but I'm hoping for some advice from those of you who've been in the same situation as I really am quite stumped right now. I'm a rising Junior at a target with OCR. If it matters at all in this context, I have a 3.7, along with research experience in finance/economics and an IBD internship (non-BB but well-reputed financial conglomerate: think BNP, RBC, Wells Fargo...) lined up for this summer. Because of certain constraints, I will only be able to study abroad Junior Fall. As part of my
11 Apr 2017
Basically I have some interviews coming up and I am struggling big time with brain teasers. I just can't find the intuition behind them. I don't have a very maths based background and any probability etc. that I have done was done over two years ago. So many potential questions, so little time to prepare. Does anybody have any tips? Cheers
16 Aug 2012
Hello, I have a 1st round phone interview tomorrow for a summer internship, S&T at Morgan Stanley in London, and a VP is going to interview me. What should I expect concerning the type of questions ? More technical than motivational or the opposite ? I'm also an intern at a structuring desk currently so I imagine he's going to ask me a lot about that too... Thank you for your replies
15 Nov 2015
Anyone know anything about them? Looking for more info on culture, reputation, exit ops, deal flow in the NY office. I interviewed with them for SA but I still don't have a great feel for what they're all about. Tried a search and couldn't find much. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks
06 Feb 2012
So before my 1st round interview I have to take a finance assessment test, I'v been told that it is all basic stuff, nothing too tricky. But as an Econ major, my basic finance is a little rusty, so what topics do you think might come up and what ratios/formulas, etc should I go over before the test? the test is 10 questions, 20 minutes.
27 Sep 2012
Does anybody have experience and insights with this? Not really sure what to expect except for hardcore technicals etc. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
06 Mar 2014
Guys - how is Arma Partners in terms of exit opps. Am interviewing at a number of places across different sector teams - and am trying to weigh up for PE exit. Thanks
21 Jun 2012
I have an interview with a hedge fund for a trading assistant position. Wondering what kind of things I should know. I'm an economics major, and this is a dream position for me, especially since I have had so many 1st round interviews this semester in recruiting but no final rounds, and I'm graduating this semester. Appreciate any help.
18 Oct 2011
I have an interview tomorrow for my dream job. I'm so ready to be done with consulting, and I'm so ready to be done with freelance work (my overhead is so gdamn high that I'm close to eating dog food.)
07 Nov 2011
I have a first-round with an F100 in-house strategy consulting group. I honestly have no knowledge of consulting, let alone this particular group. From what I understand, it's a small program (25 total people) and they only take one intern each year. The team "focuses on the strategic and operational business priorities of the Chairman and CEO of the company. The department advises the senior executive team in setting the strategic direction at the corporate and business unit levels." And it's essentially a pipeline for senior management positions (their former CEO and CFO came from the in-house consulting program). Would this be like other consulting interviews (i.e. a case study and some behavioral questions)? I've already taken a pre-screening test with analytical problems.
22 Feb 2012
If you see a posting for an on campus recruiting for a position you want to be in, what should you do besides just apply to obtain the first round interview. For instance there is a position I really want and it only has the contact information of the college recruiter in the positing. Would it be appropriate to email this person expressing interest (what should I say)? Or should I just apply and hope to get the interview. Normally I would think setting up an information interview would make sense, but I don't know who to contact or who could help me get that interview Thanks guys
19 Aug 2014
I am a junior at a semi-target school, with a 3.8 GPA, many extracurricular activities (president/exec board member of several organizations) and several financial internships (but no ibd internship). I have attended several diversity recruitment events early this year and started networking in summer. Recently, I luckily got invited to first-round interviews of some BB and boutiques. However, what depresses me is that I was rejected in all first-round interviews I have done. I prepared very hard before every interview, but my preparation obviously wasn't effective. As I receive more rejections, I become more and more confused and worried. I don't want to let opportunities running away, but I really don't know what I can do to improve. What did I do wrong? Any advices?
18 Nov 2014
Do you think it's generally true that female interviewers will most likely call back a less attractive/modest looking woman, than an atractive female? And do you believe that attractive female candidates have an advantage when interviewing with male HR? Any opinions? I'm asking this question because I noticed that most of the past interviews which I did not pass were with male interviewers and that maybe it is my appearance that is subliminally affecting their decisions, and thus is probably why I have had bad luck in the past 15+ internship interviews I've already had... I noticed how I seem
01 Nov 2014
Hey guys, I hope this post would be interesting for people interested in IBD in Korea. I just got off the phone with an analyst with Citi IBD in Korea. These guys were super unpredictable. And probably with the least manners in terms of the times they are calling at. I got a phone interview at 11 PM when I just started sleeping at 10PM.... since it was Friday and all decided that after an intense week of working in the city MWF, two case comps and one final paper, I decided to sleep early.
14 Apr 2012
They all wear wide collar shirts... basically like this http://pnb1.giltcdn.com/images/share/uploads/0000…
04 Sep 2011
I am doing a school-year internship at a no-name boutique with literally no dealflow. What's the best way to answer this question?
02 Dec 2011
I have an upcoming 1st round interview at a 10bn+ L/S equity fund which includes a 1/2 hour modeling exam. This seems like a rather short time frame to build a 3-statement and DCF. Does anybody have any experience with short modeling tests for HFs? Would greatly appreciate any insight on what to expect. Thank you very much in advance.
14 Oct 2014
Alright, as of right now I've got 2 MBB SA interviews next week, and I am WOEFULLY unprepared for them. I found out about one yesterday and the other today and with work I haven't been able to do much. I banged out all of Case in Point yesterday, and probably haven't retained enough to make it useful. In browsing for sources, I found Victor Cheng's Look Over My Shoulder and a lot of people say it's one of the best sources they've used.
26 Jan 2012
In looking for a job, I have alerts set up for IB Analyst positions in various places through Indeed and other sites. Obviously it's next to impossible to even land an interview by just applying through the company's website, but I usually find the head MD for the department or group on LinkedIn and reach out that way. The other day I applied for a position that I found on LinkedIn, and then reached out to the MD who heads up the department, asking him if we could speak on the phone for a few minutes about the vacancy. He wrote me back very quickly (I wrote him Friday mid-day, and got a
15 May 2012
It is the fall and interviews are here for some and coming for others. Though the same questions are asked and the same obstacles faced over again, it seems some never learn. It is never any one single thing that gets you the job you want, unless we are talking about the eternal present 800 pound gorilla. Preparation. Knowing what needs to be done and actually doing it in a timely fashion. It is easy to get hung up on statistics and eye catching talents, reality is far simpler than that. Just follow the steps and you will get there. In fact, as the following article suggests, simply not making
17 Oct 2011
I was recently invited to a first round interview for Monitor's summer internship program. The interview is on February 4th, and I found out about it this past Saturday. In all honesty I was not expecting to receive an interview offer so I stupidly did not start preparing for the interview until I received word on Saturday.
24 Jan 2012
I recently had a phone screen and was asked what I thought to be an interesting question, and I was wondering if anyone here had anymore insight into it. I was asked "what are some potential reasons a owner of a company might not be able to sell it to an interested party?" I had never really thought of something like this before, but a few reasons I gave after thinking about it for a second were that the company no longer has strategic value to the interested party, for example if the other party was interested in buying the company to have access to its patents but the patents just expired, and that there might be conflicts on how the leadership of the company's would integrate after a merger, making the seller unwilling or unable to sell the company."
27 Jan 2015
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26 Jan 2015
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