If you’ve been having a brutal time when it comes to actually landing a job offer, you may want to take a serious look at what you are doing and course correct. You know the old adage, it’s not you, it’s you. Here’s a look at some of the common problems that I have seen that keep qualified candidates from getting a job offer.
You Sound Too Scripted and Uptight
I have interviewed literally hundreds of candidates for roles in investment banking. Some of the worst interviews I’ve ever had are when a candidate provides canned, one-size-fits all generic answers. Bankers work a ton of hours, they want to be able to know that you a normal, intelligent, well-spoken person. Trust me when I say that giving automated monotone robotic answers that don’t even answer the interview question is sure to bring the hiring process to a screeching halt.
Preparation for an investment banking job interview is a good thing. Reading from a script, not so much. I recommend prepping for your interviews by creating a bulleted list of answers to potential questions. When you are asked an interview question, be natural, answer calmly, look for non-verbal clues from your interviewer and make sure they are engaged and interested in what you are saying.
You are Overly Enthusiastic, Super Timid or Super Weird
I have mentioned this before. DO NOT BE WEIRD. It doesn’t matter how technical you are or whether you know you can nail the case study, you will never get past the first round if you are weird and awkward. Weird, awkward interviews typically fall into two camps. Overly enthusiastic people who come across like hummingbirds on crack or low-energy timid people who lack energy and enthusiasm for the role.
Candidates who approach interviews with trepidation and think they are there to passively answer questions are not the type of worker that bankers are looking for. Successful candidates are engaged and interview the employer as well. If you’re interviewing, come prepared with questions (complete with follow-up questions); make sure to display an active interest in the company and its operations. That being said, do not fire off a bazillion questions and make the interviewer feel uncomfortable. Be normal.
Not Following Up
No matter how hot the market is, or how talented you think you are, bankers still want to feel the love to know that you are sincerely interested in the job. Write a thank you note or send an email. It’s not that hard. Do not cut and paste the same thank you note and send it to all the bankers you interviewed with. Mix it up a little. Do not write a dissertation. 3-4 sentences max should suffice.
No Preparation
Coming into an interview blind, not preparing is a rookie interview mistake that can be easily avoided. Research the Company and position in advance of the interview. Prepare your qualitative answers. Review your technicals. Conduct mock interviews. There is nothing worse than interviewing a candidate that has not prepared. Talk about dead on arrival.
Making Demands Before You Have the Offer
Don’t do this. This is idiotic. You don’t have the job. Asking for accommodation, guaranteed salary, work from home options. NO NO NO. The interview is not the time to bring this up. If you happen to be working with a recruiter, they can often provide guidance you on these delicate issues. Truth be told, unless you are a ROCK STAR, you really should not be making demands. Heads up, no firm that I work with is ok with an analyst or associate working from home. Net, net you are not going to be paid a NYC salary when you don’t live in NYC.
How Can Prospect Rock Partners Help?
We understand the financial recruiting landscape and have extensive experience working with hiring managers at Bulge bracket banks, Elite Boutiques and Private Equity firms. We can help you pinpoint what went wrong during your interview and help you course correct so that it doesn’t happen again.
Prospect Rock Partners Interview Prep Services
- 360 review to analyze and assess what is happening during your interview process and where it is going wrong
- One 30-min strategy session with a senior counselor
- Plus two 30-min Mock Interview sessions
- Combination of practice, feedback, and coaching
- Tailored to focus on key issues related to your individual background, industry, and job opportunities
- Feedback-practice loop over multiple sessions allows for full mastery of interview skills
- Access to all GTO interview training materials, covering all aspects of the interview and job search process
We know the banks and know what they are looking for. With our guidance and support we will help you navigate this ultra-competitive job market and land your dream role.
