How can I improve interview skills for investment banking?

Improving your phone interviewing skills is super important—especially since first-round interviews are often over the phone. Here’s how you can boost your game: 📞 1. Set Up Your Environment Quiet place: No background noise, distractions, or interruptions. Strong signal: Make sure your phone connection is solid. Prepared setup: Have your resume, notes, and job description in front of you. 🧠 2. Prepare Like You Would for Any Interview Know the company and role well. Prepare your answers to common questions (especially “Tell me about yourself”). Have 2-3 strong stories ready using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). 🗣️ 3. Focus on Your Voice Since they can’t see you, your voice matters a lot: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Smile while you talk—yes, it actually makes your voice sound warmer and more positive. Avoid sounding monotone. Add energy and inflection. 📝 4. Keep Helpful Notes Handy Jot down key points or numbers you want to mention. Write down your questions for the interviewer. Bullet out your accomplishments for quick reference. 🔁 5. Practice Over the Phone Do mock interviews with a friend or mentor—on a real phone call, not Zoom. Record yourself to check your tone, clarity, and any filler words like “um” or “like.” 👂 6. Practice Active Listening Let the interviewer finish their question before answering. Don’t be afraid of a brief pause to collect your thoughts. Say things like “That’s a great question” to buy a second if needed. 🤝 7. End with Impact Ask thoughtful questions. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Thank them and ask about next steps. read less

Interviewing for investment banking is intense—but totally conquerable with the right strategy. Here's a step-by-step plan to seriously boost your interview skills:

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🔍 1. Understand What IB Interviews Test

Investment banking interviews usually cover 4 key areas:

• Technical knowledge (finance, accounting, valuation)

• Behavioral fit (teamwork, leadership, motivation)

• Market awareness (current events, deals, financial news)

• Soft skills (communication, confidence, composure under pressure)

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📘 2. Master the Technicals

You need to be fluent in:

• Accounting: 3 financial statements & how they connect

• Valuation techniques: DCF, Comparable Company Analysis, Precedent Transactions

• M&A and LBO basics

• Financial modeling (at least conceptually)

🛠 Resources:

• Wall Street Prep or Breaking Into Wall Street (BIWS)

• Free guides on Mergers & Inquisitions

• Investopedia for brushing up basics

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🧠 3. Prepare STAR-Structured Behavioral Answers

Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Examples:

• “Tell me about a time you worked under pressure.”

• “Why investment banking?”

• “Describe a time you handled conflict on a team.”

📝 Make a list of your best stories from past experiences (college, work, leadership, etc.), and rehearse them with clarity and confidence.

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🗞️ 4. Stay on Top of Market News

• Know 1–2 recent deals in detail (e.g., big IPOs, M&As, market trends)

• Follow: Financial Times, WSJ, Bloomberg, CNBC

• Use an app like Morning Brew or Finimize for quick updates

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🎤 5. Practice, Practice, Practice

• Use mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or career coach

• Record yourself to evaluate body language, tone, and content

• Join IB-focused forums like Wall Street Oasis to see what others are asked

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💎 6. Polish Your Elevator Pitch

Have a crisp 60-second intro that covers:

• Who you are

• What you’ve done

• Why investment banking

• Why this firm

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🔄 7. Reflect and Iterate

After each mock or real interview:

• Write down what went well and what didn’t

• Refine your answers

• Practice follow-up questions

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🧘‍♀️ Bonus: Work on Confidence + Composure

• Breathe deeply, smile, and maintain eye contact

• Think of it as a conversation, not an interrogation

• Use pauses to gather your thoughts—confidence is calm

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