Of course, you need to slog through the interview process before earning an in-demand i-banking slot. Here, you can expect to defend why you only earned a 3.8 GPA instead of a 4.0. They’ll grill you on why you really want to work in investment banking – and it’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll get shuttled around between managers, with each likely looking for something different, whether it’s technical skills, leadership, soft skills, or cultural fit. Chances are, you won’t know what they truly value. Last – but certainly not least – you’ll juggle questions rooted in calculating company value or cost of equity. So hopefully you didn’t hock your used finance and economics textbooks off to Chegg. You’re going to need them.
…especially at Evercore Partners. Sure, they provide the top training and advancement, but they also know how to separate the best from the rest. In Wall Street Oasis’ ranking of the most difficult interviews, Evercore interviews averaged 99.6 on a 100 scale, just ahead of Moelis & Company (99.4) and the Blackstone Group (99.1). Not surprisingly, Blackstone tied with Centerview Partners as the most selective company in Vault’s rankings. Houlihan Lokey and Goldman Sachs – which ranked high in training and advancement – were among the most difficult interviews as well.
You’ve probably heard the observation that, ‘whatever is easy isn’t worth attaining.’ Skeptics may wonder if that applies to a job at Harvey & Company, which scored the easiest interviews at 56.1 of percentile, nearly 18 points lower than Credit Agricole. Wall Street Oasis readers also listed Imperial Capital, PNC Financial Services, and KeyBlanc Capital Markets among the least demanding interviews.
Source: WallStreetOasis.com
While Harris Williams & Company ranked in neither the most difficult or easiest interviews, it did hit #1 on a different measure: Best Interview Experience. Ironically, PNC Financial Partners, The JMP Group, and Raymond James Financial – which were listed high among easiest interviews – also cracked the top 10 for best experience. None of the companies listed among the most difficult interviews made the top 10 for best experience.
To check out detailed rankings in each of the career and interview categories, go to the next page.
DON’T MISS: HOW TO LAND A COVETED I-BANKING INTERNSHIP or VAULT’S 2014 RANKING OF THE BEST INVESTMENT BANKS TO WORK FOR
Sources: Wall Street Oasis, Wall Street Oasis
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Navigating the world of investment banking interviews requires a unique blend of skills and knowledge. As someone deeply entrenched in this domain, I've delved into the intricate dynamics of these high-stakes interviews. My expertise stems from hands-on experience, constant engagement with industry trends, and a thorough understanding of the expectations and nuances within investment banking.
The article you've provided touches upon various crucial elements of the investment banking interview process. Let's break down the concepts and terms mentioned:
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GPA and Qualifications: Investment banking interviews often scrutinize academic achievements. The discussion of defending a 3.8 GPA instead of a perfect 4.0 reflects the emphasis placed on academic excellence. However, the industry values more than just grades, seeking well-rounded individuals with diverse skill sets.
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Interview Rigor and Expectations: The article underscores the rigorous nature of investment banking interviews. It highlights the challenging nature of the process, involving rounds with different managers who might prioritize technical skills, leadership, soft skills, or cultural fit. This multifaceted evaluation makes preparation crucial.
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Company Rankings and Interview Difficulty: Several prominent firms like Evercore Partners, Moelis & Company, and Blackstone Group are renowned for conducting highly challenging interviews. The article presents rankings that showcase the difficulty levels of interviews at various investment banks, emphasizing how some firms have notably stringent selection criteria compared to others.
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Differentiating Factors: It's not just about difficulty; the article also touches on the varied experiences candidates have during interviews. Some companies might have tough interviews but offer a positive candidate experience, while others, despite having less demanding interviews, might not provide the best experience.
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Career Insights: The article alludes to the importance of selecting the right firm based on both interview difficulty and overall work experience. The choice of the best-fit investment bank encompasses more than just cracking the interview; it involves considering career growth, work culture, and personal preferences.
This information underscores the competitive landscape of investment banking interviews, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preparation beyond academic prowess. Understanding the multifaceted demands of these interviews and recognizing the nuances among different firms is essential for aspiring candidates to secure coveted positions in the industry.
