Got an Interview! Help?

[TabJockey]

Hey guys im a 3rd year finance student in Melbourne and I have been trying to drum up some summer work.

My main interest is in securities analysis and I have focused on applying to mid size companies that generally don't have a work experience programs (ie. NOT investment banks) that have equity research departments.

Anyway so after a few weeks of emailing analysts and calling them up in the wee hours I have two interviews this week, one tomorrow with a smaller business and one on Friday with Wilson HTM.

I am absolutely stoked to get an opportunity to learn at a firm like Wilson HTM, and as i am the only student (from the sounds of it) to apply for work experience over the summer I hold a good chance of them giving me the ok on friday.

What im asking for help with here, is what sort of questions do you think they will ask me in the interview? I am being interviewed not by HR but by two head analysts. They have a project for me to work on which will be of value to their firm, so they will probably want to establish that I have some basics down in the world of finance and they wont have to baby me. No idea yet what this project is however.

I will prepare for the interview by reading some Wilson HTM equity reports, looking at what fundamentals they seem to focus on and having a good grasp of their general analysis.

Any other pointers would be appreciated!

 

[Julia]

Tab jockey: you may regard this suggestion as superficial and worthless, but my suggestion would be to simply be honest about yourself. About your qualifications, ambitions, attitudes, view of the world.

You are young and inexperienced. They will not be expecting you to bring wisdom and acquired knowledge to any work experience role.

But they will be looking for someone who has the capacity to be intelligent in his approach, curious and willing to learn, and who is prepared to do what he's told.

They will not be expecting you to take a research project and run with it.
You will rather be expected to follow directions and complete what projects they set you on time.

My guess that one of the questions will be: "why do you specifically want to have some work experience with Wilson HTM"?
Obviously they are not going to be too impressed if you tell them they are just one of many firms to whom you have applied, but instead perhaps have a reply ready which points to the advantages you see WHTM offering their wide variety of clients.

(I regret to say that I was one of these piddling little retail clients of WHTM many years ago, and my experience with them was a total disaster).
Don't let that put you off though!

Good luck. Keep us posted on how you go.

 

[TabJockey]

I always hold your comments in high regard Julia!

Thanks very much for the advice I think you hit the nail on the head.

 

[doctorj]

HThey have a project for me to work on which will be of value to their firm, so they will probably want to establish that I have some basics down in the world of finance and they wont have to baby me. No idea yet what this project is however.

You want to establish that you're easy to get along with, intelligent and won't take more of their time to do the project than it would take them to do the project themselves.

Since you don't know what the project is, the best you can do is to familiarise yourself with their client base - what industry, what issues are going on at the moment that impact that industry and to have an opinion on some of the companies they cover (basic high level SWOT). You should know what's going on in the market and ideally, you should find out the names of the people that are interviewing you, find out about the companies THEY cover, study them closely and if asked for an example, use one of the companies they are responsible for (and make sure you're right). Be topical, be informed and be current.

Basically, as an intern, you're going to be a pain in the ass and a drain on resources, so you want to help them understand that you'll be as little of a hinderance as possible. Be clear about what you know, don't ever undersell yourself, but don't be arrogant or you'll be cut down in a heartbeat.

 

[awg]

Do research on HTM Wilson, from their website etc

I once obtained a job because they were blown away by how much I knew about their company and products (different industry)

( They made a mistake, and passed up more appropriate candidates, cause I dazzled 'em)

 

[skc]

The way I prepare for interview is to set up a matrix/table.

On the top role across the columns I list the criteria that the company is looking for. E.g. Easy going personality, ability to learn on the job, basic knowledge of finance, good communication skills...

Down the table for each role, list your major past jobs/uni subjects/personal experiece etc.

Then in each cell, enter evidence that supports the criteria.

Ideally you want at least 2 to 3 entries for each criteria. And with this layout, you will soon see where your strengths/weaknesses are for the job.

Another trick you can often do is call up your interviewer the day before, say you are calling just to confirm the time/date. Then casually ask if they have any particular interview process. I have seen students been given almost an exam to do right there in the interview room to test their skills - you don't want to be caught out by a surprise like that. Keep the call short and sweet and professional, however.

Remember lastly to bring everything that may be relevant - academic transcripts, CVs (always bring a printed copy even if they should have on already), calculator etc.

Good luck.

 

[Sean K]

1. Tell us about yourself? (You read the Financial news before Sport or the Comics and spend hours on a financial forum discussing the stock market)
2. What do you know about HTM Wilson? (Regurgitate website and what you think they're good at. They are a great manager and won XYZ)
3. Why do you want to do work experience here more than anywhere else? (You like Wilson volleyballs and the movie Cast Away)
4. What are your strengths? (easy one)
5. What are your weaknesses? (impossible to get right)
6. Why should we accept you over someone else? (You have a very hot 17 year old sister who will come into the office each day to do favours)
7. Do you have any questions? (Yes, what is the company policy on drinking at lunch time?)

The answers aren't necessary the correct ones. There are no correct answers.

Good luck!

 

[prawn_86]

7. Do you have any questions? (Yes, what is the company policy on drinking at lunch time?)

ROFL!!

 

[TabJockey]

Haha its funny whenever I think about the company name I always envision the volley ball and start crying out "WILLLSONNNN" in my head. This happens at least once a day.

 

[JTLP]

6. Why should we accept you over someone else? (You have a very hot 17 year old sister who will come into the office each day to do favours)
Good luck!

Awesome.

If they ask about your weaknesses - say something cheesy like "my weakness is that I like to be thorough in my work - skipping lunches" haha maybe not that lame but make it like something positive is a negative.

All you can do is be honest and try and razzle dazzle. Don't be afraid to embellish the truth...you were the Junior Vice President at Uni right???

 

[Miner]

First of all good luck.

I would like to echo on the comments made by others and would like to add the following what I expect from young graduates coming for interview.


1. frank and honest - unquestionable
2.Demonstrate your attitude as being positive
3. No joke or pulling legs- I saw your example of football team. But if the environment is informal so you also be informal . Otherwise will look tense

4.Analyse and hone up your skills in Excel, Visual Basic and just not finance and security analysis. some of the financial ratios are expected to be by heart.

5 Think - why should they be interested on you :

because you are a fast learner, has the hunger to learn new things, apply university knowledge on application, can slog like a donkey with a head like horse, do not work looking at clock, analytical mind, has the attitude to get adopted to a new system

An eye for detail will be welcomed in finance

Your tendency to undertake good research and learning will be welcomed

Of course wilson will keep your rate being lower than others and do mention that this is your good investment to have the opportunity to get mentoring and environment of world class company.

If you check, will find even in GFC Wilson did well. Because their risk managent tool and prudent analysis
Have eye contact and always ask if you do not understand the question.

No third year student expects to know all . Even a CA does not know all.

Be brave and nothing to loose - you are starting from ground floor and there is no fear to fall

Formal dress


Good luck again and share in this forum how did you go

 

[TabJockey]

Fantastic advice thanks Miner. I just have to learn how to talk myself up without feeling like an ****. "I work like a donkey but have a head of a horse!"

 

[Julia]

So pleased to hear that, tab jockey. Presumably you are actually engaged there for the work experience position?

 

[TabJockey]

Yes but they have to work out an exact scheduel around the time off they are taking in January, so im not sure exactly when I start, but sometime near the end of January all going well.

 

[awg]

Fantastic advice thanks Miner. . "I work like a donkey but have a head of a horse!"

So did you get to use that line?

 

[TabJockey]

So did you get to use that line?

Im saving it for my first day, gotta put in a good first impression in the office.

 

[Sean K]

So how many pints can you drink at lunch time?

 

[Julia]

Yes but they have to work out an exact scheduel around the time off they are taking in January, so im not sure exactly when I start, but sometime near the end of January all going well.

Well done. That's a great start to your career. Hope you enjoy it and learn a lot. You should emerge with much knowledge about the machiavellian ways of full service brokers.

 

[Miner]

Im saving it for my first day, gotta put in a good first impression in the office.

So did you get to use that line?

Good luck for a better New Year for you when the new job starts.

Please let us know how do you go and remember to send a six pack beer (with postage to be paid by the addressee label to our Joe Blow the creator of ASF

 

[Logique]

Do research on HTM Wilson, from their website etc
I once obtained a job because they were blown away by how much I knew about their company and products (different industry)
( They made a mistake, and passed up more appropriate candidates, cause I dazzled 'em)

What awg said. Take awg's advice on board here. You're applying to be a research analyst.
Cheers