What is a big mistake people make when they come to interview for a job in investing?
For those of you who have interviewed people for investing jobs, what are some of the big mistakes that you’ve seen? I would like to avoid them in any interviews I get in the future! #finance #interviews #financial-services #investment-management #investing #interviewing
8 answers
Lee’s Answer
This is a great question, sometimes the best way to prep for an interview is by noting all the things you shouldn't do. One of the biggest mistakes you can do during an interview is check your phone.
Helpful tips for Interviewing:
Make eye contact
Bring extra copies of your resume
Know your resume really well
Tell stories to explain your work experience
Dress for the job you want
Bring a notebook and pen, and take notes!
Ask the interviewer questions
Know the job you're applying for
DONT Check your phone
Try to have a conversation instead of an interview
Another tip, the interview starts from the moment you step into the building until the moment you leave, remember to stay 'on' until you've left the building.
Check out this article for more information: http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Dos-Donts-Job-Interviews-34040192
Hope this helps!
Christopher’s Answer
The three biggest GENERAL mistakes people make interviewing...
1) Bad mouthing a past role/boss
2) Not researching the company/industry
3) Not asking questions
Arun’s Answer
Do your research: Know the company well. But more than an academic reading of its history,
name of the founders and its last 10 CEOs.
Know what you will do for them: what they’re more interested in knowing how YOU could help their business
Be prepared mentally and physically: A stressed, overworked or troubled mind wouldn’t help with an
Interview at all and make you lose focus and blurt things you may not have intended for.
Keep a pen and paper handy: Have a notepad at the ready and any stats based question,
jot them down and work them out simultaneously.
Have some stats ready: Everyone loves talking about their accomplishments and awards,
but words are subjective and relative to your role and the objectives of the company.
John’s Answer
Syed’s Answer
Also, polish is very important for investment firms. They tend to be more traditional and serious. Don't take the interview in a casual manner. Dress conservatively and make sure you're well groomed.
Lastly, you really need to be prepared for an on-the-fly investment case. You need to know the fundamentals of the type of investment you're targeting. Key startup metrics for Series A type investments or key financial ratios for public companies at a PE fund, for example.
Teri’s Answer
Adil’s Answer
- Not doing the research
- Not wanting the job
- Padding the Resume
- Not sending a thank-you email
- Not asking any questions
- Pigeon-holing yourself
- Being too casual
- Not being yourself
“It’s important that you come across as authentic. Answer questions in your own words, rather than regurgitating a textbook response. It’s a nuanced point because you don’t want to be overly friendly… just be your ‘professional self.’ It’s OK to make small-talk to break the ice and build a rapport with the interviewer—just don’t go overboard and be too casual
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
good question and good answer above...I will add that a big mistake I think everyone makes for any job interview is not researching the company or organization, knowing a lot about what they do, the culture, etc. Websites and the internet provide a lot of information on organizations...also having questions ready for the interviewer and understanding that you are interviewing the organization as much as they are interviewing you.
Good luck!