How do you set yourself up for success in those elusive investment management interviews? The first key to success in any interview is to be well prepared. Learn as much as you can about the firm and the role you are interviewing for. The more you know, the more the interviewer will believe that you are really interested in a career at his or her firm.
Remember knowing a firm is not just about how it invests. It is also about the culture and style of that firm. Make sure you know if it’s a team-based firm or one that relies on individual portfolio performance. Does the firm provide initial support and guidance – or have a “sink-or-swim” approach? Does success there require you to present effectively to your senior colleagues? Do you have to write up your investment thesis for broad dissemination? Make sure the firm’s culture and style fits with your personality and style. A mismatch in this area is probably harder to hide and overcome than any other criteria.
Knowing these things about the firm with whom you are interviewing allows you to answer the inevitable question of “how do you know you will be a good fit for us?”
Investment Management Interview Tip #2»