Application Process - Chapter Introduction
This section will guide you step-by-step through the application process of most investment banks. It is important that you understand the exact
structure of the process in order to prepare for each step accordingly
Our research shows that investment banks typically look for a similar set of characteristics in an applicant. As with every exam in life, you need
to know which basis you will be graded on. Therefore, it is important to memorise the following 5 key characteristics:
- Commitment: Motivation and Work Skills
- Team Player, Leadership and Management Skills
- Strong Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
- Corporate Finance Knowledge
- Market Awareness
These 5 key characteristics will be evaluated during all stages of your application and interview process. So keep them in mind when you fill
out your application form and build your CV
The online application form is your first impression when you apply for your desired job. In order to make the right impression, this section is
packed with an array of useful tips
Most online application forms for graduate positions at leading investment banks include numerical and reasoning tests. If you fail to pass a
certain hurdle rate, you won't be invited to the next round. Don't panic - this section will provide you with a solid toolset in order to pass your
numerical and reasoning tests. In addition, we have included a couple of samples so you can get comfortable with this task
Your CV will be your all important self-marketing brochure and an important reference when you demonstrate that you have the relevant skill
set in order to start a career in investment banking. Therefore it is worthwhile investing some time to make your CV perfect. The following
section contains useful guidance on how to tailor it to your finance interviews.
Interview Process - Chapter Introduction
OK, now you are confident to pass the application process. Perfect! So let's move on to the next stage of the process, THE INTERVIEW
On the first couple of slides we give you some general tips for the interview and guide you through the general interview structure. Most people
are not doing interviews on a day-to-day basis so it is useful to familiarise yourself with this unusual situation. It's just like every good race
driver races the track in his mind before he starts the engine. Therefore, we outline the interview phases, look into common questioning
techniques and analyse the first couple of seconds of your interview - your first impression
Thereon we go through in detail all the 5 key characteristics:
- Commitment: Motivation and Work Skills
- Team Player, Leadership and Management Skills
- Strong Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
- Corporate Finance Knowledge
- Market Awareness
Looking into the interviewer's mindset it is crucial to understand that he will evaluate you along these 5 key characteristics. By the end of your
interview you want to make sure that he is convinced that you fulfil or exceed all these 5 key characteristics and that he ticks all the right boxes.
That is why we will go each single characteristic to see:
- What attributes the interviewer associates with each characteristic
- Which types of questions you should expect
- How to prepare for these types of questions
- How to behave in the interview when you get tested on these 5 key characteristics
For the 5 key characteristics above we have included over 100 real-life interview questions plus over 50 guesstimates and brainteasers to get
you covered
