How Not To Stand Out In a Banking Job Interview, Chapter 47

22 March 2010

1 minute read

How Not To Stand Out In a Banking Job Interview, Chapter 47

There's something about finance that brings out the bluster and bravado not only in battle-tested traders, but even in college students seeking their first job or summer internship.

The latest anecdote in the Alexey Vayner genre was related to me last week by a hiring manager at a mid-size broker-dealer.

One candidate said he expected a $120,000 offer and intended to hold out for one. "If I don't land a good enough job in another three months, I'll go to medical school for awhile," he told his interviewer.

The kid showed up wearing a suit that cost at least $800 - and sneakers. Someone must have told him to try anything to stand out. "I'll bet he stood out the same way as someone who walks in with something dangling out of his nose," I averred. My friend agreed.

AUTHORJon Jacobs

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2 comments

Jo
Joim Crossan
23 March 2010
Wow, I am practically spechless. This arogance is beyond the pale. I have children in their 20's that cannot find work no matter how hard they try and this joker comes to an interview dressed like a Hollywood celebrity wanna be and "expects" 120k.
Intellect and honesty will allow you to stand out. Look the interviewer in the eyes and speak truth. After all, you need them more then the need you.
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Re
RealityCheck
23 March 2010
This is garbage. Who cares? Vast majority of the candidates who are interviewed are fine. They dress appropriately and don't say ridiculous things. After reading so many of these type of anecdotes and stories you would think the crazy interview behavior runs rampant, but reality is that it is an extremely negligible minority. Lets just be honest and say that people who end up getting the banking jobs go to great schools (Ivy League). THAT's how you stand out.
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