400 ib interview questions

Here are Investment Banking interview questions and answers for freshers as well as experienced candidates to get their dream job.

Investment Banking Analyst Interview (2021) Questions and Answers

Table Of Contents:

Let’s start with this summary infographic (scroll down to go straight to a more detailed analysis):

Intelligent Preparation For Interview Questions

First, note that this article is about investment banking interview questionsnot the overall process, how to win interviews, or what to do before and after the interviews.

Second, I’m going to link and refer back to our existing coverage for many of these questions since the most important ones have dedicated articles on this site.

There are only four types of questions you’ll encounter in interviews at investment banks, and you can prepare for 3 / 4 of them in 1-2 days (or less).

The last category – technical questions – will take more time and effort, but you can save time by focusing on the right topics and ignoring the fluff.

IB Interview First Impressions – Carrying Yourself

Weve all heard about it at one point or another. Forbes has written on it.“First impressions are the best impressions.”

Within just a few seconds of meeting, people will form a solid opinion of who you are. Perfecting your first impression while carrying yourself with a healthy balance of confidence and humility lays the foundation and tone for the rest of the interview. The following section has been written by Patrick Curtis, CEO of WallStreetOasis, based on his vast experience of interviewing candidates for investment banking positions.

Read it over, perfect your entry and learn how to leave a lasting impression on your interviewer from the get-go.

  • A simple “Nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time,” is a great way to say hello.
  • Dont flub the handshake. Standing until I sit down is a good way to show respect and humility and is always appreciated.
  • Dont come on too strong/overenthusiastic or Ill think I will be annoyed with you the first week on the job.
  • Sit up in your chair. Dont wear weird socks. Fake smiles/laughs are a no-no. A quick joke is a gamble – it could be a plus, or I could just think youre silly.
  • The biggest thing I am looking for is humble confidence – someone I would like to grab a beer with.
  • Listen, listen, listen!!! So many mistakes happen just because of not listening carefully and not being in the moment.
  • Be punchy, brief, and learn how to end a sentence. I cant tell you how many times people have gotten into trouble by rambling off into some ass-backward irrelevant tangent. Learn to be comfortable with a little silence here and there while we absorb your answer.
  • Investment Banking Interview Questions Category 1: Your Story

    There is only one question in this category, though it may be phrased in different ways:

  • “Tell me about yourself.”
  • “Walk me through your resume.”
  • “Why are you here today?”
  • “Tell me about your experience.”
  • Each of these phrases should trigger the “story reflex” in your brain and set your 200-300-word pitch into motion.

    This question is the single most important one in any interview, so if you do nothing else to prepare, please take 30-60 minutes to outline your story!

    FAQ

    How do I ace my IB interview?

    Here are seven tips to help you not only survive the I-banker interview but also stand out in the process.
    1. Show That You’ll Be Easy To Work With. …
    2. Know Your Stuff. …
    3. Be Respectful & Reserved. …
    4. Bring Your Elevator Pitch. …
    5. Show You Are Eager To Learn. …
    6. Lay Some Groundwork Beforehand. …
    7. Get Your Financial Statements Right.

    Are IB interviews hard?

    Comparatively speaking, investment banking interviews are known to be extremely difficult. You’ll face highly technical questions along with behavioral inquiries and even an occasional brainteaser. Plus, the physical process is rather daunting.

    What are IB interviews like?

    Many of the technical questions you get will be on basic accounting and valuation. They will ask you questions on discounted cash flow analysis, intrinsic valuation vs. relative valuation, etc. Interviewers may also give you challenging brainteasers to see how you think about problems on the spot.

    What questions should I ask at an IB informational interview?

    Your questions should be based on the person’s background and why you contacted them in the first place. Focus on asking for advice and asking about their career. You could also ask about their hobbies and interests and even deals they’ve worked on, but these topics are riskier and better for follow-up interactions.

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