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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

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Christopher’s Answer

Great question and good luck interviewing!

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

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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!

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John’s Answer

For any job interview, make sure you have jotted down five things you want to make sure you say. Study it so that you have it memorized by the interview. If you're finding you can't supply them in direct answers, append them one-by-one to other answers. You can also add one or two as the interview ends.
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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.

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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!

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Adil’s Answer


  1. Not doing the research

  2. Not wanting the job

  3. Padding the Resume

  4. Not sending a thank-you email

  5. Not asking any questions

  6. Pigeon-holing yourself

  7. Being too casual

  8. 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

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Teri’s Answer

Interviewing is stressful. Do research on the role, the interviewer (LinkedIn is a great place to start), reach out to your network for connections to the employer/interviewer. Be prepared with a list of questions that are specific to the role description as well as a couple questions that you learn about during the live interview. Do not be negative or speak poorly of previous employers/jobs. Do not slump - have good posture, remain positive, interested and always try to stay on topic. Answer the questions thoroughly. Get a good night's sleep, dress to impress, Best of luck!
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Syed’s Answer

One thing to avoid is a lack of understanding of the markets and the latest news. For the 1-2 weeks leading up to an interview, make sure you read up carefully on Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Crunchbase, TechCrunch and Dealbook to get the latest on what's going on in the markets generally and in the specific area of focus for the investment firm.

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.
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