Why I was offered a job in investment banking

Any candidate for a job in investment banking who makes it to the final assessment centre will, having passed through the initial stages, be articulate, numerically literate, have an impressive set of grades and currently be attending a prestigious university. However, this may not be enough.

This is why I think I was successful when other people of similar intellect weren't.

1. I really wanted the job HR have a lot of excellent candidates to choose from. If you want to stand out you must show that not only are you bright, but that you are passionate about the work and that they will be hiring a committed individual.

2. I really wanted to work at that particular institution Though they offer many of the same services, the culture between banks does vary slightly and every banker thinks that theirs is the best. Hopefully the culture of the bank you're applying to is the one that most appeals to you. If so, tell them why it is an environment which you would suit and within which you would want to work.

3. I knew a lot about the bank I was applying to I scoured their website and the newspapers. I read the FT, The Economist and anything else I could get my hands on. In particular, I kept abreast of the bank's current deals (the FT lists companies mentioned on the front page)

4. I spoke to alumni I made sure that I'd liaised with people who'd left my university to work at the bank. They gave me advice about the internship and application process.

5. I stood out from the crowd with unusual skills and experiences Languages are useful, particularly rarer ones such as Arabic or Mandarin, and work experience is invaluable. I attended a spring programme to show my commitment to the industry.

6. I was personable and bright Your interviewer might end up working with you and he/she will be more inclined to hire you if they think that you will make a pleasant and productive colleague.

I hope that this was some help. Succeeding in getting a role in an investment bank is all about effort. If you do get an internship remember that your performance during it will make all the difference to the chance of a graduation offer. Working speedily is important but working accurately more so.

Good luck!