Module 2: Behaviourals
Recruiting | Behaviorals | Accounting | Enterprise Value / Comparables | DCF | M&A | LBO| Market questions | Brain teasers
It all begins with having a REAL plan for the IB recruitment cycle
Slide deck 1 contains 33 slides that covers the most pertinent behavioral and market-based interview questions that potential candidates may face. This slide deck is not only an essential tool for interview preparation but also an insightful guide for understanding the nuanced expectations and challenges in the world of investment banking. Slide deck 1 equips its users with the essential and core questions that make up the base of any interview.
Asked to determine if the candidate is able to: work under high pressure, apply high atention to detail, tell an engaging story, demonstrate high motivation, and if they have the skills to do the job.
Questions Include:
- Walk me through your resume / tell me about yourself?
- Why do you REALLY want to enter investment banking?
- What is your greatest strength?
- Tell me about a time you showed leadership.
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with somebody in your team, and how you resolved it.
- Walk me through your role on XYZ item on your resume.
- Have you ever managed a team before? What was your role and what were your greatest challenges?
- And many more!
Telling Your Story
Whether you’re interviewing at a bulge bracket bank or a boutique advisory, your answer to “Tell me about yourself” can make or break your first impression. This lesson breaks down exactly how to craft a clear, confident, and compelling personal story.
In this Lesson:
Why “Tell Me About Yourself” Matters
It’s almost always the first interview question—whether phrased as “Tell me about yourself” or “Walk me through your resume.” In the first two minutes, the interviewer is assessing your communication, motivation, and fit.How to Structure Your Answer
A clear structure keeps your answer concise and engaging. Your story should follow a beginning (background), middle (experience), and end (why you’re here), all within 1.5–2 minutes.The Introduction: Personal Context & Motivation
Start with where you’re from and something interesting or relatable. Then explain what sparked your interest in finance to help the interviewer connect with you.Extracurriculars (ECs)
Mention relevant leadership roles or standout accomplishments—especially if you don’t have much work experience. Finance clubs, sports, and other ECs can show drive, initiative, and teamwork.Work Experience
Focus most on the experiences that are relevant to finance or demonstrate analytical skills. Share specific examples of your projects, responsibilities, and quantifiable results.Example: Josh Jia’s Work Experience
Highlight impactful projects like building a DCF model or pitching a real investment that led to an acquisition. Go beyond listing tasks—walk through your thought process and contribution.The Conclusion: Why You’re Here
End with why you’re interested in investment banking and how your past experience led you here. This gives your story closure and signals to the interviewer that you’re done speaking.
Pros and Cons of Investment Banking
Whether you’re considering investment banking as a long-term career or a launchpad into other areas of finance, it’s important to weigh the full picture. This lesson explores the real advantages and trade-offs of working in IB—beyond just the paycheck.
In this Lesson:
Professional Development
Investment banking offers unmatched exposure to financial modeling, transaction execution, and high-stakes client work. It’s one of the fastest ways to develop real-world finance skills.Industry and Deal Exposure
Whether you’re in a product or industry group, you’ll gain experience across multiple sectors and deal types. Every project is different, keeping the work dynamic and fast-paced.Learning Environment
You’ll work alongside top-tier talent and benefit from world-class training. The steep learning curve pushes you to develop quickly and take on significant responsibility.Client Impact
Many deals—especially in M&A—are the most important events in a company’s history. Your work can have lasting strategic and financial impact.Compensation & Exit Opportunities
IB is among the highest-paying careers out of undergrad or MBA. It also opens doors to roles in private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and corporate finance.The Downside: Hours and Lifestyle
Long hours (often 80+ per week) and unpredictable schedules are the norm. Personal time and work-life balance can be difficult to maintain, especially during live deals.Repetition and Pressure
The work can be repetitive early on (slides, comps, formatting), and expectations are extremely high. But mastering these tasks leads to more advanced responsibilities and sharpens your attention to detail.Stress and Burnout Risk
The intense, high-performance environment can be mentally and physically demanding. That said, it prepares you for any high-pressure role in finance going forward.
Why Investment Banking
Whether you’re crafting a cover letter or preparing for interviews, having a thoughtful and personal answer to “Why Investment Banking?” is essential. This lesson breaks down the real pros and cons of the field—so you can answer the question with confidence and credibility.
In this Lesson:
Why It’s Asked
“Why IB?” is one of the most common and important interview questions. Your answer should reflect a clear understanding of what the job involves—and why you’re choosing it intentionally.Option 1: Tell a Story
If you have a clear moment or experience that sparked your interest in IB, use it to lead your answer. Then back it up with 2–3 specific reasons and one example that reinforces your fit.Option 2: Use a Structured List
If you don’t have a defining story, explain 2–3 reasons why you want to work in IB. Support each point with an example (like a client-facing role or fast-paced experience) to add credibility.How to Talk About the Downsides
Acknowledge the challenges honestly, but emphasize what you’ll gain from them. Show that you understand the trade-offs and are choosing IB with both eyes open.The Takeaway
A strong “Why IB” answer should reflect genuine interest, not just prestige or pay. When you speak from a place of knowledge and self-awareness, your answer will stand out.
Why this Firm/Group (Coming Soon)
Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier bulge bracket firm or an elite boutique, understanding the recruiting process is essential to getting your foot in the door.
Strengths and Weaknesses (Coming Soon)
We’ve helped over 1000 students and career switchers break into bulge brackets, elite boutiques, and top middle market firms with proven frameworks, real interview questions, and technical training that replicates the job.
Situational Questions (Coming Soon)
We’ve helped over 1000 students and career switchers break into bulge brackets, elite boutiques, and top middle market firms with proven frameworks, real interview questions, and technical training that replicates the job.
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