QUALITIES THAT INVESTMENT BANKS LOOK FOR
QUALITIES THAT INVESTMENT BANKS LOOK FOR
It is important to see yourself as a portfolio of skills and qualities. There are a number of skills and qualities that banks look for,
and a successful candidate needs to put together several, but certainly not all of them. Additionally, it is probably a good idea to
have some balance in your portfolio.
Some qualities that banks look for on a resume or in the interview and some suggested ways to demonstrate them (these are just a
few, and some banks will emphasize some more than others):
Show a strong interest in Finance:
Be able to convey to an interviewer/contact that you understand what investment banking is, what an associate does,
and why you would be a strong candidate for that particular bank.
Read the Wall Street Journal and other financial publications and show that you can speak intelligently about the issues
discussed.
Specifically, gear you course work toward finance and accounting - show that you learned something in these classes.
Show that you are "Smart" (particularly quantitatively):
GMAT (also SAT) scores. Definitely include on your resume if 700+.
Undergrad GPA (as in high - 3.6+), college (as in more prestigious), and scholarships/honors and/or major (e.g.,
engineering, math, and science) are all ways to signal this.
Graduate degrees including applicable coursework, interesting thesis work, and GPA.
Fluency in multiple languages.
If you are looking for a summer job, you must get at least Proficients in accounting and finance. If you are looking for
a full-time job, you want to have taken a bunch of finance classes.
A record of success and/or achievement
Academic GPA and awards.
Leadership of student organizations or teams.
A demonstrably high level of athletic accomplishment (college sports, national teams, etc. - captain or other leadership
of such a team is very good).
A job at a "prestige" firm - another bank or consulting firm.
Rapid advancement/promotion and unusual levels of responsibility for your age and/or experience level in previous
employment.
Team player
Participation in team sports, the higher the level the better.
Team-driven job accomplishment bullets on resume.
Other obvious team experiences and team successes.
Energy and stamina
Athlete, especially of the endurance variety (i.e., distance running, triathlons, etc.).
Demanding academic programs - joint degree (if relevant), medical school, graduate degree.
Former investment banking analyst and/or consultant.
Worked two jobs and/or triple majored in college (stuff like that).
All kinds of extracurricular activities with a good GPA.
All kinds of community service with a record of achievement.
Specific, applicable skills
Job experience where you used Excel, and if possible, built models.
Independent or work/study where you did this (small business consulting or prior job).
Work experience where you learned to read a financial statement - banking, accounting, etc.
Work experience or education that shows that you are comfortable with numbers.
Work experience (or leadership positions) that show that your are comfortable in front of clients, or, at least in front of
people generally - sales, teaching, etc.
