How to Be a Stand-Out Candidate During Interview Process

In addition to technical aptitude, investment banks are also looking for very specific qualitative characteristics in the candidates that they interview. Although some of these qualities may be listed in the job description, unfortunately most are not. The good news is that these soft-skills are pretty standard across most banks. You can prep the technical all you want, but your real key to getting an offer is to utilize your resume, cover letter and interview to highlight as many of these qualitative traits as possible.

Soft-Skills Investment Banks Really Look For

Below please find a list of the qualitative characteristics that investment banks look for during the hiring process. This list is by no means comprehensive, but it does contain several of the main traits that can help you stand out.

• Intelligence – Mental capacity to understand things and learn quickly.
• Diligent – Willing to put in the long hours and do the “heavy lifting”.
• Responsible – Takes ownership of work product.
• Accountable – Willing to re-do the analysis if it’s not right.
• Driven ­– Desire to grow and develop as a banker.
• Mature – Show up, be reliable, be professional.
• Professional – Can you be put in front of clients?
• Team Player – Are you willing to pitch in when needed?
• Attitude – Are you a complainer or do you have a sense of entitlement?
• Independent Thinker – Can you work independently?
• Likability – Can they sit next to you? For hours? Are you annoying? Weird?
• Interesting – Can you hold a conversation?
• Growth – Are you promotable?

You should make sure that your “story” highlights some of these “soft-skills”. If it doesn’t you should revise it. I strongly suggest bulletting your responses to potential interview questions in advance. It is one thing to answer the question. It is another to answer the questions and showcase one of these skills in your answer.

How Much Company-Specific Do You Really Need to Do?

It’s hard to believe how few candidates actually do research on the bank they are interviewing with. Many candidates spend so much time pre-networking and attending information sessions to secure the interview only to drop the ball when it comes to company prep. Perhaps one of the most important questions an interviewer will ask is “Why do you want to work for our bank?” Be prepared to answer this question with as much detail as possible. Due diligence on a firm is a crucial part of the process. How much do you need to research? Net, net you should be able to explain to your mother what firms like Credit Suisse, Goldman and Lazard do and how they’re different.

The Power of Asking Intelligent Questions

Asking questions is an important part of the interview process. Doing Company research before the interview allows you to ask more sophisticated questions that underscore your enthusiasm for the firm and showcase your preparation skills. Make sure you have some good questions to ask your interviewer. One of the best questions that I was ever asked is “What differentiates a good analyst from a great analyst?” It can provide a treasure trove of information. It is important to note that the best questions often refer back to something you discussed previously in the interview. It shows that you are paying attention, engaged and can process information quickly. It is also important to remember what the interviewer says and make sure you incorporate this input into your next interview.

Best Websites for industry Insight

• http://interactive.wsj.com/front.html
• http://www.thedeal.com/
• http://www.economist.com/
• http://www.businessweek.com/
• http://news.ft.com/home/us/