Investment Banking Interview - Here Is What to Do If You Want to Succeed

Investment banking may be the most competitive position to apply for after graduation from University. It is not unusual to have 500 to 1,000 resumes for only 25 to 40 vacancies. How well you do on your investment banking interview determines whether or not you make the short list for those few vacancies. Here is some advice on how to stand out from the crowd so you will be selected for an investment banking position.Show interest and dedicationInvestment banking is a job that averages 80+ hours of work each week. Candidates who show the motivation and desire to put in the necessary hours will easily make the short list. No company wants to spend the time and money to hire and train an applicant that will get burned out on the hours and quit in less than a year. If you are able to stress that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job your resume will end up in the short list.Be preparedThe majority of the questions you will be asked in your interview will be technical in nature. This will range from calculation of formulas to solving case studies. Since this is the meat of your interview questions, you should focus most of your preparation on how to answer these questions. Spend time reviewing how to calculate formulas and practice several different case studies. Companies want to see how well you can solve problems. Your ability to answer these questions correctly will be a determining factor on whether or not you will be considered for the position.Are you a good fit?You will be asked several questions about why you want to be an investment bank. Your answers will allow the company to measure whether or not your expectations for the job meet the requirements of the job. If they are not a good fit then you will never be selected for the job. Another question is what are you long term goals as an investment banker. The company is trying to gauge how serious you are about the position and working for the company long term. Companies want to hire people that will be with them for a long time instead of somebody who are there for a short period to get experience and then move on to other opportunities.Do you have the right character?Make sure you answer every question in your investment banking interview factually and truly. If you stretch your answers because you think that is what the interviewer is expecting in your answers, you lose credibility. If you are willing to lie during an interview, you will probably do much worse in dealing with the bank's clients. No company wants to hire someone who is of questionable character. Do not risk your chance of being hired because you embellish your answers.Investment banking is a one of the highest paid positions in the financial industry. For this reason many people attempt to enter this position after university. Follow this advice and you will succeed in your quest to be hired as an investment banker.