Applying to an Investment Bank: Demystifying the Selection Process

Programme for Today Dispelling the Myths The Selection Process The Application Form Online Tests The Interview The Assessment Centre What We Are Looking For

3 The Selection Process  There is no formal application form or interview for the schools programmes  Your CV and Cover Letter are your only opportunity to sell yourself  Think about who you are:  What do you do well?  What do you enjoy?  What have you done in the past that could be transferred into the workplace?  Spell check!

The Application Process WHO ARE YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS? WHAT CAN YOU OFFER US? Match your strengths to the skills required by the firm and the position you are seeking before you put pen to paper – this is your first opportunity to sell yourself – get your thoughts in order Think Spell Check!

The Curriculum Vitae (CV)  Clear and logical presentation  Use clear differentiators for each part of your CV  Use bold for section headers and contrasting text for the main body text  Keep It short  List most recent events first  Clear and logical presentation  Use clear differentiators for each part of your CV  Use bold for section headers and contrasting text for the main body text  Keep It short  List most recent events first LAYOUT CV  Academic ability  Extra curricular activities  Follow a story – beginning, middle and end  Think about what will make you stand out  Can you quantify what you have said?  Be honest!  Proofread – spelling and grammar  Academic ability  Extra curricular activities  Follow a story – beginning, middle and end  Think about what will make you stand out  Can you quantify what you have said?  Be honest!  Proofread – spelling and grammar CONTENT

6 Example of a Bad CV

7 Example of a Good CV

The Cover Letter  Makes a statement about yourself  It brings out key points from the CV  Answers the question, “Why should we see you?”  It tells us why you want the job and why you want to work for us  Makes a statement about yourself  It brings out key points from the CV  Answers the question, “Why should we see you?”  It tells us why you want the job and why you want to work for us  Introduce yourself and what you are seeking  Go through the competencies you think make you who you are, and speak to those  Sum up why you should be employed  Keep to one page – keep it concise  If there are gaps in your CV, explain why  Introduce yourself and what you are seeking  Go through the competencies you think make you who you are, and speak to those  Sum up why you should be employed  Keep to one page – keep it concise  If there are gaps in your CV, explain why WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?LAYOUT

9 Example Cover Letter

The Interview PURPOSE STRUCTURE PREPARATION BODY LANGUAGE DO’S & DON’TS

The Interview PURPOSE STRUCTURE PREPARATION BODY LANGUAGE DO’S & DON’TS Identify and assess your skills Gain further insight into you To market the firm Opportunity to ask questions

The Interview PURPOSE STRUCTURE PREPARATION BODY LANGUAGE DO’S & DON’TS Types of Questions Competency-based Technical Opportunity for your questions

The Interview PURPOSE STRUCTURE PREPARATION BODY LANGUAGE DO’S & DON’TS Research the firm Anticipate questions Think of answers to show your skills Appearance Practice, Practice, Practice

The Interview PURPOSE STRUCTURE PREPARATION BODY LANGUAGE DO’S & DON’TS Try to relax and don’t slouch Maintain eye contact Use purposeful gestures

The Interview PURPOSE STRUCTURE PREPARATION BODY LANGUAGE DO’S & DON’TS Be confident Listen to questions and think about your answer Demonstrate your talents by using examples, “I did....” Move past any mistakes and stay focused

Guidelines for Answering Interview Questions Give concrete examples based on your own experiences Don’t give hypothetical responses, i.e., “generally I would do this” Explain your role in the specific examples that you give Demonstrate self-development – through explaining what you learnt during the experience Don’t generalise your responses with the term “we” In summary, consider what you did, how you went about it and what you learnt

Sample Questions You Could Expect Why are you applying for a summer internship in XYZ Division? Why have you made an application to Morgan Stanley? Who else have you applied to and why? Tell me about an achievement you are proud of? What did you learn? Can you name two companies that you think should merge and why? Tell me about a story in the financial press, which has recently caught your attention Describe a project in which you went beyond what was expected of you Give me an example of where you presented a creative solution to a problem What role do you usually take in a team?

Summary: The Interview Create a positive first impression Show you are truly interested in the organisation Appear calm and confident Deal with the questions Make the most of your opportunity to ask questions about the firm

…What We Look for in You Entrepreneurship Teamwork Integrity Passion and Intellectual Curiosity

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