Hi. I’m glad to have this chance to meet you and learn how an economics and business major can break into the IB industry. I want to be a 2008 full-time investment banking analyst for Goldman Sachs. With recruiting season approaching, I wanted to follow-up and ask you how I could best position myself for an interview with your firm.
1. “Can you handle long hours? ” “Yes, I am excited about the job and I think it’s an opportunity for me to learn a lot. Working long hours is part of the job and the analyst role. I understand that the hours can be challenging at times, but I’m excited about what I will learn from investing the time.”2.
“What if you had to pull an all-nighter? ” A great answer here would be to say, “Look, that’s the nature of the industry and if it’s something I’m called upon to do, I’m willing to do it. Am I going to be thrilled about pulling all-nighters regularly? Well, probably not. I would be lying to you if I told you I was, but I do believe working here is a tremendous opportunity. ” 3. Why investment banking? Why do you want to work at our bank? In your response, highlight that investment banking is a very competitive and lucrative area, offering tremendous growth opportunities.Talk about the latest industry trends and how they impact businesses in the bank’s specialty.
Talk about the opportunities presented recent mergers and acquisitions and the challenges due to by the sub prime crisis. Has Lehman Brothers responded appropriately? What are your thoughts on JPMorgan and Bear Stearns? Be prepared to discuss the firms on the front page of today’s Wall Street Journal. You need to convince the interviewer that you have the necessary drive, capabilities, and personality best suited to become a successful investment banker.Gaining the trust and respect of the recruiters is very important for cracking these interviews. Talk about the company’s position in the industry and how it differs from that of other Wall Street listed firms – both bulge bracket and boutique. 4.
Why Citi? In a relatively short period of time, Citi has become one of the industry's most powerful platforms for financial products and services. A key factor in this success has been our ability to attract some of the most talented people in any industry. Working at Citi gives employees the chance to create an exciting and wide-ranging career in one of the world's leading organizations.Our belief in employee ownership offers a unique experience in entrepreneurialism on a global scale, and an unparalleled geographic footprint enables our employees to work with and learn from a diverse group of colleagues whose insight, integrity, and commitment set the standard for success in our industry. 5.
Why GS? The firm’s commitment to diversity and support for women, the high calibre of people I met throughout the interview process and the firm’s global presence appealed to me the most. “Supportive and respectful management”
