Failure Questions Flashcards
What’s your greatest fear about IB?
Doing a lot of work on deals and not getting the chance to see them through and get the full experience of the life of a deal.
What’s your plan B if you can’t get into IB this year?
I’ll do something else finance related. I have an interest in asset management and recruiting hasn’t yet begun for that. I also have an offer to return to Citi if I really can’t find anything.
That guy over there has a 4.0 from Harvard. Why should we choose you over him?
He may have the better academic credentials but IB isn’t just about being good academically. I’m smart, I’ve proven I can work hard, and I’m like able. I also don’t come from a blue chip background so I’ll work harder than that guy because I have more motivation.
Lets say your MD is meeting with a client and you have been invited. As he’s presenting you notice a mistake in the materials. Do you point it out?
No - unless it happens to come up in the meeting, in which case you speak only if the MD asks you about it. In that case, briefly acknowledge it and move on. Most of the time people barely look at pitch books so it won’t even be caught.
Why did you not receive a return offer from your internship?
I did well in my internship and got positive reviews, but I didn’t feel a real fit with the culture there. From those I’ve spoken with here, this is a much better fit for me.
Why are we your first choice? Wouldn’t you prefer New York or London more?
I realize it’s unusual because New York/ London is more popular, but I am really impressed by this company, I have more friends and family here, and the cost of living is much better!!
