Stage 1: Application
Organization
CV
Cover Letter
Create a spreadsheet of the 25-30 firms you will apply
Note open dates and apply as fast as you can for rolling applications
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the divisions you are applying for.
Take some time to brainstorm your unique selling point compared to other students that will be applying for the same positons.
Make that CV a one pager
Use a generic style: Font Size 12, Black, Arial or Calibri
Have a clear structure; separate the content into paragraph and subheadings, use bullet points, keep sentences short.
Tailor your CV to the employer: research the company’s culture and look at the job description to know exactly what skills to point in your CV.
Explain: back up work experience with numbers and details over what you learnt.
Avoid errors: spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes
Do not lie: employers do background checks.
Structure:
- Contact information
- Introduction: 2-3 sentences long stating status (university and degree) and expressing interest in the vacancy.
- First paragraph: Why this firm (research firm’s values, recent events and products)
- Middle paragraph: Why this division (research the role and its responsibilities)
- Final paragraph: Why you (work experience, interests, extra-curricular activities)
Tip: Keep it concise and generic (12 Arial)
Stage 2: Online Test
Most banks eliminate 90% of applicants without looking at their CV based on their online test results.
Subscribe to online tests providers for numerical, verbal and situational judgement tests for each firm and practice regularly. Our preferred test providers are jobtestprep.uk and graduatesfirst.com
These tests will put you under heavy time pressure so it is necessary to have previous experience doing them.
If you are not interested paying for a website to accustom yourself to taking these tests, we recommend applying for companies that you are less interested in first.
Stage 3: Interview
Prepare a solid introduce yourself answer
Be aware of recent deals and news (use FT, Bloomberg..)
Understand technicals (Excel, valuation methods, basic accounting)
Practice brain teasers