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Interview Guide

Interviews are a key part for hiring at any company or firm in the world. It is a perfect opportunity for management to get to know if you are a proper fit along with testing to see if you know an adequate amount of knowledge for the specific position. This is also a perfect opportunity for you to promote your skills, knowledge, and personality.

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Steps in the Interview Process:

  1. Resume will be collected through online application portal for each individual company. This can also include the collection of cover letter, statements of interest, or unofficial transcript.

  2. Resumes and all other relevant information will be reviewed by hiring team or recruiting specialists.

  3. Candidates that the firms want to interview for the firm will be selected.

  4. Candidates will be contacted for interviews with specification on in-person (more likely for a full-time position) or virtual (through Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Team Meeting, and other virtual platforms; first-round interviews and primarily for internships)

  5. Interview will occur… so let’s help you prepare.

 

Formats

  • On-Campus Interview (OCI)

    • You must attend mandatory On-Campus Orientation to participate in On-Grounds Interviews. On-Grounds interviews are usually 30-minute screening interviews which take place before an on-site visit.

    • An information session may be held prior to the interview and the employer expects you to attend as most will not have time to repeat company information in your interview.

  • On-Site/Off-Campus Interview

    • Many on-site interviews are gained via Handshake job listings and the Business Horizons career fairs' next-day interviews.

    • These interviews are used so that candidates can meet different people within the organization and can last an entire day.

  • ​Panel Interview

    • These interviews are often rapidly paced with questions coming from a variety of individuals.

    • To achieve rapport during this form of interview, remember to maintain eye contact with, and involve, each person on the panel.

    • Make sure you get a list of the names of the people who attended the panel interview and write them a thank you note within 24-hours of the interview.

  • Telephone Interviews

    • Telephone interviews are used to screen candidates and should not last more than 30 minutes.

    • This is primarily used to weed-out weaker candidates before the more intensive on-site interviews.

    • For these kinds of interviews, make sure you know you resume very well, along with being able to elaborate on the information that you have provided.

    • One key portion to telephone interviews is your tone.

      • When you are speaking with someone on the phone, your communication is only verbal which means it is very important how you sound because it can affect their judgement on the interview.

      • Make sure to sound enthusiastic and energetic so the interviewer feels that you really care about the position.

 

Interview types

  • Resume-based interviews

    • Resume is a key source for questions.

    • Need to be able to expand on each item on your resume. Need to have the ability to go into great depth about specific activities listed on your resume.

  • Behavioral Interview

    • Employers use these interviews to predict the future performance you would have at the company or organization.

    • You will be evaluated on:

      • Skills

      • Abilities

      • Interests

      • Strengths and Weaknesses

      • Willingness to learn/gain experience.

    • For questions like these, utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering questions. This method allows the answers to come off as a story.

      • Situation – Define what was happening/Set the scene by giving background.

      • Task – Identify the task.

      • Action – In detail, describe the specific actions that were performed. Use this portion to highlight the specific skills that you used in completing the tasks.

      • Result – Summarize the outcome of your actions.

    • Attached is an EXCEL File that has 100+ behavioral questions that you can use to help you prepare for an interview. It will take a decent amount of time so make sure you start preparing early.

      • Once you have an idea of the types of questions and how to answer them, it will become much easier when you are in the actual interview.

  • Case Interviews

    • Interviewee will be presented with a specific problem/case that they need to solve or have judgement/feedback on.

    • The analysis that you take for these questions is the important part. Interviewer wants to see how you think and how you go about the problem.

    • Ask good questions if there are some ideas that you think are unclear.

    • There are lots of book online for learning how to approach case interviews. Some of the best books:

    • These interviews are primarily used for in-person and consulting firm interviews.

    • Some firms will give you a case the night before the interview, which you will have to complete before going to the interview. When entering the interview, you will need to present your case to a panel of people.

  • Recommendations

    • Have a pencil and paper to take notes, write down ideas, and do any necessary calculations

    • Ask for additional data if you think that there is data that you need which has not been provided

    • Don’t feel that you need to use all the data and information provided.  Some of it may be extraneous

    • If something is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify it

    • Don’t automatically go for the simple answer.  The cases that seem simple at first, often have hidden complexity to them.  Take some time to think through the case to make sure that you aren’t missing something

    • Provide a recommendation and sound confident (but not cocky).  Nobody wants to hire someone who can’t make a decision.

    • Make sure that the interviewer knows the logic and thought process that you used in the analysis behind your recommendation

 

Preparing for the interview

  • Think about Yourself

    • When answering the questions from the EXCEL file, think about how you would answer questions in different situations to highlight your strengths so the employer can visualize you as a strong candidate.

    • Have an elevator pitch

      • Year and major

      • Hometown

      • Any other key selling points about you (varsity athlete, member of SEED/BASIS/COINS/CREDIT, etc.)

      • What you want in terms of an internship or full-time position or career path

      • How you background make you a good fit

      • Any connections you have with the employer/interviewer and/or the name of the person who referred you

  • Think about what firms are trying to find out when they interview you

    • Are you qualified for the position?

    • Do you have the technical skills required to do the job?

      • Finance, accounting, Excel

      • For some jobs, coding languages, math, statistics, and/or foreign languages may be important

    • Do you have the level of experience that they need?

    • Do you fit the citizenship and visa requirements (important for jobs with security clearances)?

    • Are your written and oral communication skills good enough?

      • Can you convince people?  Can you sell?

    • For more senior positions, do you have a good network of contacts and relationships?

    • Will you be a good fit for the firm and its clients?

    • Does your personality fit with their culture and the cultures of their clients

    • Do your ethics and values match those of the firm and its clients

      • Are you a risk to cause legal and ethical issues?

      • Can they and their clients trust you?

    • Can you deal with stress and pressure?  Can you overcome challenges?

    • Is your work ethic strong enough?

    • Are you proactive – can you work independently without needing to always be told what to do?

    • Are you a team player?  Can you work well and get along well with co-workers?

    • Can you take and use constructive criticism in a positive way?

    • Do you have significant upside potential?

    • How smart are you? 

    • What is your capacity for and interest in learning new things?

    • Are you coachable?  Can you handle constructive criticism?

    • Do you have intellectual curiosity?

    • Are you good at networking? – this is an important skill in client-focused businesses

    • Why hire you instead of the other candidates that they are interviewing?

    • What about you is unique and interesting?

      • Ideally those differentiating attributes should be relevant to the position

      • Examples:  they could indicate work ethic, creativity, or ability to deal with pressure

 

Know what the process is for the firm with which you are interviewing

  • How does their interview process work?

  • What is their calendar timing (in which months do they interview and which academic years)? 

    • For example, are the interviews in April of sophomore year or October of junior year?

  • Do they interview for internships or full-time positions or both?  For internships, do they have internships for freshmen and sophomores or just juniors (rising seniors)?

  • Is the first-round interview done by phone, video, or in-person?

  • Do they come to VT for interviews?  Will you need to travel to their location?

  • How many rounds does the interview process have?

  • How many positions are available relative to the number of interview candidates?

  • Is there a separate process or mentorship program for diversity candidates?

  • How does the firm select candidates to interview? 

  • Do you need to network your way in and get referred?

  • Do they have GPA minimums and what are they?

  • Is VT a target school? Target schools get more interview slots than non-target schools.

  • Which student graduation dates are they willing to interview (firms go by graduation date, not academic standing based on credit hours?

  • Are there diversity programs that feed into the process?

  • Try to learn about the people with whom you will be interviewing

  • How senior are they?

  • What are their jobs?

  • What is their background – are they are a Virginia Tech alum?

  • If they did go to Virginia Tech, what was their major and were they involved with anything that you have in common with them (fraternities, clubs, etc.)

 

Try to find VT students who have interviewed with them previously and can give you advice about what questions the interviewers asked and what they like and dislike

 

  • Know basic information about their firm

    • The firm’s major products/services, including the specialties of the group you are interviewing with

    • The firm’s strengths and weaknesses

    • Important recent news (both good and bad), including major transactions, financial results, clients, and controversies

    • Where the firm’s headquarters and major facilities are located and where the group that you are interviewing for is located

    • Who the CEO is (name and something about them)

    • The firm’s standing in its major markets and who their major competitors are

 

  • Know the details of the job for which you are interviewing

    • What are the typical responsibilities of the job? What are you expected to do and produce?

    • What are the key skills required for the job? What makes someone good at it?

    • What are a few reasons why it is an attractive opportunity?

    • Which part of the company is it in and where is it located?

    • What is the mix between in-office and remote work?

    • What is the typical number of work hours per week?

    • How much travel and client contact does the role have?

    • Is there a formal training program?

    • Do you rotate through multiple groups or stay with one group?

 

  • Have a padfolio with 10 copies of your resume and a pencil or pen

    • It’s OK to take notes during an interview

    • They may tell you information that is important for the future, such as contacts or timing for next steps

    • Can write down your questions for the interviewer in your padfolio so you are prepared to ask them at the end of the interview

 

During the Interview

  • Attitude

    • ​Be positive! Think positively!

    • Don’t go into an interview with fear. It’s a normal conversation just like the ones you have daily.

      • Don’t overthink it, or it will show during your interview.

  • Non-Verbal

    • If you have taken Public Speaking at Virginia Tech, you will understand that there is a lot more than just speaking when we think about communication.

    • 93% of communication is non-verbal so it is very important to consider your general appearance, facial expression, and the tone of your voice. Examples to build a strong connection in the following manners:

      • Eye contact

      • Posture: well-balanced, upright, relaxed, forward-facing, and open. Figure out your habits when you are nervous and practice controlling them. When communicated interest, slightly learn forwards.

      • Your hands should be used in a relaxing way to communicate excitement and interest.

      • Smile to convey your sincerity and create a positive environment around what you say.

      • Tone of your voice should be warm and relaxing.

      • Practice your timing, pausing before answering a question.

  • Verbal

    • Using active verbs and giving concise, concrete, and complete examples.

    • Showing confidence with your answers

    • Being positive in the way you speak

    • Use the S.T.O.R.Y. method when answering questions.

      • State your qualities

      • “Toot” your horn (don’t blow this out of proportion)

      • Outline your progress to this date

      • Relate your background/experiences to the job or internship

      • “Y” should they hire you? (Talk about what makes you unique.)

  • After the interview

    • Get the business cards of everyone that you spoke to

    • Send a thank you email showing your appreciation for being considered for the position along with the ability to learn more about the position and company.

    • If you do not hear from the employer for several weeks, it is appropriate to call or email to see the status of your candidacy.

    • Evaluate all aspects of the job before accepting. Commitments are binding.

 

Career Path-Specific Things to Remember

  • For consulting jobs

    • Expect to have at least one case study interview.  Know how to prepare for it, and how to do one

  • For Wall Street jobs and jobs in asset management or wealth management

    • Be up to date on financial news and major debt, equity and commodity market levels and trends

      • Know what is driving the markets

      • Gave a view on near term market direction and how to invest based on that view

      • Have at least two long investment recommendations and a short investment recommendation

    • Be up to date on what is happening with the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the economies of the US, Europe, Japan and China

    • Know what is happening with the Yield Curve and how Federal Reserve policy and the economy are impacting it and expected to impact it in the near term

    • Monitor key economic data, such as GDP growth, CPI, PPI, Housing starts, and employment data

  • If you are in SEED/BASIS/COINS

    • Know the details about your sector and its holdings

      • How have the holdings performed? – both on an absolute basis and vs. the index

      • Know how SEED/COINS/BASIS is doing overall

      • Know the macro investment strategies currently being undertaken by BASIS/SEED/COINS

      • Have clear opinions about your sector’s holdings and be able to back them up

  • If you are interviewing for sales, trading, research, asset management or wealth management

    • Have opinions about the markets and

    • Be able to relate those opinions to how a debt or equity portfolio should be structured

    • Have multiple long and short trade ideas ready to present

      • Back up your opinion with both quantitative data (numbers) and qualitative points

  • For investment banking and debt and equity research jobs

    • Brush up on your accounting knowledge

    • Know how the three financial statements flow together

      • The 3 statement depreciation question is the most frequently asked

    • Know how to do and explain (step by step) valuations using multiples and discounted cash flows

    • Know the differences between using deal multiples and public market trading multiples

    • Know facts about and be able to discuss the major deals of this current year, including ones in progress and ones that the firm you are interviewing with is involved in

    • Understand how leveraged buyouts are structured, financed and exited

 

Interview Etiquette

  • It is very bad form to accept an interview invitation if you have already accepted a job offer

    • Reneging on an accepted job offer is even worse, because it could damage Virginia Tech’s reputation and relationship with that employer

  • Arrive at least a few minutes early

    • Leave yourself plenty of spare time in case of delays such as traffic

    • For onsite interviews, building security procedures could delay you by 10-20 minutes

  • Behave well in the waiting room or lobby

    • Be very nice to fellow interviewees, receptionists, secretaries, and security guards

      • If you are a jerk to them, it could get back to the interviewers

    • Sit up with good posture and act professionally

      • Work on homework, study for your interview, or read the Wall Street Journal, Barrons or the Economist

    • People who will later interview you may pass by and observe your behavior

  • Bring a padfolio, at least 10 copies of your resume, and a pen or pencil

    • It’s OK to take notes during an interview, especially if the interviewer gives you contact information or information about next steps or people to follow up with

  • Dress properly and conservatively – this is not a fashion show or dance club

    • Dark grey or dark blue suit (black is also OK for women), unless Business Casual is specified

      • Skirt or pants are both OK for women – be careful about skirt length (not too short or long)

    • White shirt for men – blue shirt is acceptable, but could show perspiration stains

    • Conservatively colored blouse for women

    • Conservatively patterned tie for men – red, maroon and dark blue are the best colors

    • Black belt matches best with a dark suit

    • Black dress shoes are preferable

      • No open-toed shoes or excessively high heels for women

      • Men’s dress shoes should have shoelaces

      • Men should avoid wearing square-toed shoes to an interview

    • No monograms or fancy cuff links – it looks pretentious

    • No excess jewelry – Bling is not perceived well

      • One ring per hand

      • No bracelets, necklaces, or earrings for men

      • One earring per ear for women

    • Remove all piercings

    • Cover up all tattoos

    • Religious headgear is OK – turbans, yarmulkes, headscarves

    • Have a conservative hair style and be clean shaven

  • Have a firm handshake and good eye contact

  • Speak confidently and clearly – use good grammar and avoid excessive use of slang

  • Be energetic and enthusiastic, even if the interviewer is laid back

  • Don’t address an older person (over 40) that you are speaking with for the first time by their first name or nickname (“Kev,” “Bo,” “Mickey,” “Augie”) unless you know them.  If they tell you it’s OK to use their first name, then do so.

    • Don’t use sir or ma’am – it sounds too formal

  • Have good posture - sit up straight and lean forward a bit (it makes you seem more interested)

  • Answer questions directly – do not meander or drift off topic

    • Also don’t sound like you are reading from a script

    • Always be truthful – being caught lying or exaggerating will kill your chances

  • If you don’t know the answer to a question, then say so

    • However, if possible, then say something like “but this is how I would approach the problem” or “this is what I think could be the answer” – at least you tried and thought through the problem

    • In some cases, say that you may be able to have the opportunity to quickly do some research and then get back to the interviewer with an answer to a question that you couldn’t answer

  • Be respectful of the interviewer’s time – get to the point and don’t go off on long-winded tangents

  • Always remember that there is a fine line between confident and arrogant – don’t cross it

  • It’s OK to discuss things like your hobbies and interests if the interviewer asks you

    • It may make the interview more fun and avoid them asking you hard accounting questions

    • If your interests and hobbies are questionable or controversial from a legal or ethical standpoint, avoid them

    • If you are uncertain about an answer, take a breath and think for a few seconds

  • Never use profanities or other controversial words

  • Avoid controversial topics, like politics and religion

    • It is OK to speak about religious or political groups which are shown on your resume

    • Be mindful of the interviewer’s background – ethnicity, gender, hometown, college, etc.

      • This could make certain words or topics sensitive or off-limits

  • Always ask for the interviewer’s business card so that you have their contact information

    • Always send them a thank you email within 12 hours

    • If you have their info, you can contact them with follow-up questions

  • Make sure that you remember the interviewer’s name throughout the interview

  • It’s OK to mention names of people at the firm that you’ve met - just don’t look like a showoff

    • Naming previous contacts shows that you care and have done your homework

    • It also gives the interviewer names to follow up with if they want more opinions about you

    • If you have another connection to the firm or interviewer, mention it, but don’t make a big deal out of it

      • Nobody like a candidate who brags about their parent being the boss

  • Never, ever, ever, ask questions about compensation or work hours!

    • Remember that lifestyle questions can make you look like a slacker

  • Be careful with stories about your college days – what is funny to you could be scary to an interviewer

    • Firms are vary wary of hiring someone who could be an ethical or legal risk

  • If you have an outstanding offer or final round interview pending, make sure that the interviewer knows about it

    • It helps them to know if they need to speed up the process

    • However, don’t be arrogant about it

  • Always ask what the next steps are in the process (this is more relevant for the HR person or the person who is taking the lead in your interviewing process)

    • Are there additional rounds?

    • When will they get back to you with an answer?

    • Is there any additional information that they need?

  • If they ask you if you have a question, then definitely ask questions

    • Failure to do so will be interpreted as a lack of interest on your part

    • Have at least 10 questions ready and tailor them to the interviewer, the firm, and the position for which you are interviewing.

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