How to land an investment banking interview?
Ready to start your career as an investment banker? Do you think you have it all sorted out? Before you land your first job, there is one more step. First you need to go through your job interview. To nail an investment banking interview, there are few tips you can consider beforehand.
- Prepare
Do your homework. Research the company you applied to and study their history, work ethics, business partners and business deals. Most investment banks are focused on target schools and usually conduct interviews through your school career center. Be sure to regularly check the available positions and opportunities with your school career counselor.
If you are not coming from a target school, the hunt for an interview is slightly harder, but not impossible. Reach out to your career center and find out if they can introduce you to alums. Join a local networking society and try to meet as many people as possible.
LinkedIn is a great source of network connections. Use the LinkedIn groups and reach out to people that are working in the industry. Briefly introduce yourself and express your desire to find out more about any career opportunities.
- Master Networking
The interview is a series of questions you are supposed to answer. It’s an active exchange of specific information. The more you get, the better. But be sure to not drown your interviewer with non-relevant information about yourself. Stick to the one that will help you career-wise, like your interpersonal skills and knowledge about investment banking.
- Don’t ask for a job on the spot
Sales rule number 1: the one to speak first, loses. So, don’t ask for a job on the spot. Keep the networking flow steady and actively engage in the conversation with relevant questions and brief answers. Don’t overwhelm your interlocutor with excess information.
- Enroll Investment Banking Training
Don’t get scared away if you lack a practical knowledge. Enrolling an investment banking training <insert link to training classes> will help you sort out the theoretical information and will put it to work. Investment banking classes are usually led by industry experienced and seasoned instructors. This advantage gives you the incredible opportunity to learn from the best all the tricks you don’t get to learn at school.
- Be present
Get up. Dress up. Show up. Always.