TYPICAL INVESTMENT BANKING INTERVIEW OUTLINE
The interviewer will have a list of questions and/or points that his or her bank's human resources department will want to cover. These buckets vary from firm to firm but will most likely include at least some of the following:
The objective of the interview is for you to answer these (and related) questions. Bankers are all about data points, and will try to get as many pieces of information as possible. However, these interviews are not very original and most follow their firm imposed framework to the letter.
Your job is to show interest and enthusiasm in telling your story. Remember to work your story into all of your answers. Try to be as concise and to the point with your answers as you can without leaving anything important out.
| 1. | Housekeeping Items |
| a. GMAT | |
| b. SAT (know your breakdowns) | |
| c. College GPA | |
| 2. | Walk me through your resume |
| a. Why did you choose ... (everything you have ever done!)? | |
| b. What did you learn? | |
| 3. | Why investment banking? |
| a. How does investment banking fit into your goals? | |
| b. Commitment (The interviewer wants to know that you will be excited about doing this job) | |
| c. Knowledge of the industry | |
| 4. | Why us? |
| a. Programs - rotation versus group interest | |
| b. Bank culture - why are you a fit? | |
| c. Other factors - geography, specialization, etc. | |
| 5. Behavioral | |
| a. Strengths | |
| b. Weaknesses | |
| c. Examples of leadership and teamwork | |
| d. Personality questions (the little things you put on the bottom of the resume) | |
| 6. | Technical |
| a. Accounting questions | |
| b. Finance questions | |
| c. Three ways to value a company | |
| 7. | Any questions for me? |
| a. Anything that shows interest | |
| b. Close with a wrap-up of your credentials | |
| c. Make sure that your interviewer is comfortable with your story | |
| d. Next step in the process |