Do THIS Before Your Next Job Interview

An investment banking interview is unique in many ways. However if your preparation is focused only on IB, you may overlook some important interview rules that are common to all businesses. Have a 360 interview preparation and minimise the chances to be defeated by someone who is better prepared.

I've recently read a great article from my friend Jimmy Sweeney regarding interview preparation. He has granted me permission to share it with my readers. Here you go.

Marathon runners practice with friends before the big race. Speech contestants practice their speech in front of friends before the competition. Musicians practice with friends and colleagues before a concert. Savvy job seekers do the same.

Never walk into an interview cold. Warm up with a friend or fellow job seeker first.

DEVELOP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Before the practice session study the mission statement of the company you're interested in, the job description of the position you're aspiring to, and the responsibilities involved. Then create questions around that information. Your practice partner can help you there. Next, prepare your answers, including real-life examples from your current work experience so that when you're faced with questions, you have specific details you can refer to on the spot.

DRESS THE PART

Treat the practice session with the same respect and professionalism you would the real thing. This includes dressing appropriately––a suit and tie or sport coat and slacks for men, a pants suit or tailored dress for women. Be sure to polish your shoes and avoid heavy-scented perfumes or after-shave lotions. Select conservative jewelry, avoiding dangling earrings and clunky bracelets that distract. You'll want to keep the hiring manager's attention on what counts—you and your qualifications for the job.

ASK FOR AN HONEST CRITIQUE

Following your practice interview, ask your friend to critique your appearance, attitude, attention span, answers to questions, and to give you his or her overall impression of how you did. In other words, would your friend hire you? This information will be invaluable to you as you can make changes where necessary and keep in place what worked well.

The popular adage, 'practice makes perfect' may not always be true, but 'practice leads to progress' is true all the time. And progress will soon lead you to the job of your dreams.

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Investment Banking Interview

Banking and Financial Services Salary Information 2011

If you love challenge, want to execute your banking/financial knowledge and people skills, and of course to make a handsome income speedily, consider working in Asia, especially Hong Kong.

Here is a link about working in Hong Kong.



In this dynamic market, you need to work in a fast pace and highly competitive environment, however you’ll be very well rewarded financially. An analyst with 1-3 years of experience can earn between $64,000 and $102,000. I used to distribute the investment banking salary info to my readers by email. But I’m getting very busy, so I’ve obtained these links for you to download the reports directly.

HUDSON BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES SALARY INFORMATION 2011
Click below to download reports for individual cities.
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Singapore

The Hong Kong report is very comprehensive, do download it. Below are some highlights that you may want to know.

HIRING OUTLOOK FOR 2011
Optimism about Asian markets is high and hiring activity is likely to remain strong throughout 2011. Many banks, hedge funds and asset management companies with a strong presence in Europe and the US are seeking to develop their business in Asia and will be undertaking strategic hiring to achieve this objective.

Candidates with in-depth experience in China will be sought after this year, as will those with wide ranging business networks…..As in 2010, there is likely to be a greater emphasis on basic salary in the make-up of remuneration packages, as banks seek to avoid negative publicity arising from large bonus payments. Increasing stock options is another possible alternative to paying large bonuses.

Investment Banking Resumes - IB Salary

Private Equity Jobs

Private equity (raising funds to invest in private companies) is a relatively young business however has become of the most well paid careers in the financial field.

A career in private equity (PE) which includes venture capital, PE fund of funds, hybrid funds, and secondary funds can be extremely rewarding. But landing a job in this field can be difficult.

If you're seriously considering a career in private equity, you have to become familiar with how firms hire. Here are a few links that you may want to look at.

PE Recruit – This website offers a free test of your PE skills

PrivateEquityBlogger – This website offers a free PE eBook

PE Jobs Digest – This website offers free PE job listings alert

DreamResume – This website has a team of experienced finance professionals to help write your PE resume with one-on-one support

Related Article
How To Write a Private Equity Resume

Investment Banking Resumes - Private Equity Jobs