Phone Interview Situation
I was lucky to get a heavy hitter (not in IBD, a different division) at an all purpose bank like citi, hsbc, db in asia (but not singapore/hk/china/india) to refer me to the head of investment banking in that same nation where there is no recruiting process because the satellite office is very small with only 3-5 people.
The head of ibanking in that country wants to set up a phone interview with someone in singapore/hk where there is formal recruiting (which for all intents and purposes, is almost over).
What can I expect from this phone interview? Typical phone interview? Fully technical? If I do well offered an SA position? I’m a sophomore, but I don’t think the head of ibanking in the satellite office who wants to set up the phone interview knows that…
Be prepared for anything. Study the technicals, but also do not neglect the behavioral questions.
Will do. If I get technicals I just don't know, do you suggest manning up and just saying I dont know, or notifying the interviewer that I'm a sophomore and haven't taken those respective classes yet?
I suggest knowing the answer if you get technicals. If you don't know, admit it, but with 24 hours notice you should be able to read over a number of guides and teach yourself the answers to the more popular questions.
Got it. Thanks for your advice gomi & drexelalum11.
here on WSO. Its pretty compact and easy to read with most tech questions you could expect.
Yea, the tech guide here on WSO is quick and easy. As a sophomore, I would focus on the stuff in the "beginner" sections. But definitely prepare the behavioral stuff too. I would guess they don't expect you to be a finance whiz as a soph, but just that you have done your homework.
NEVER lose your BlackBerry www.conveniencesoftware.com
As I understand, this is for IBD then? If so, technical-wise, learn the 2-3 main valuation techniques and the purpose of the 4 accounting statements at the least.
This is your chance to shine, seize it.
yes it is for IBD. I just found out that the person interviewing me will be an MD in global markets. Does this change anything? MD won't waste time asking fit and will look to grill me?
9 out of 10 MDs won't waste their time asking technicals, they'll leave that to junior people, they just care if they like you. Might be one or two basic technicals to see that you're competent, but he isn't interested in listening to a teenager stammer through an LBO analysis.
I wouldn't worry too much about technicals.
Tips: 1) have your resume in front of you... you will want to use it as a hand rail when you tell your story (have bullet points of your story in front of you too ... its easy to ramble on and on when you can't see the other person's face so have your bullet points laid out and stick to them)
2) stand or sit up straight, your attitude and confidence are huge over the phone so making sure you're not slouching around and sounding dull will help
3) have your technical resources open in front of you... you may not even use them, but they will add confidence
4) when he is silent, don't feel a need to fill that silence with rambling
Not to hijack, but for those of you who have done phone interviews, how do you minimize those awkward seconds after you finish your answer and no one says anything? Just wait until the interviewer asks the next question?
Expedita praesentium fugit corporis earum totam blanditiis ipsam. Recusandae animi laudantium mollitia ab voluptatum quam aut autem. Qui praesentium est enim quasi et aut corrupti.
Veniam necessitatibus reprehenderit nemo delectus. Et nihil labore et porro. Voluptas sunt odio sunt suscipit nihil facilis cumque.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...