Hey everyone,
I’m currently preparing for investment banking interviews and was wondering how others are approaching it. How do you balance technical prep with behavioral questions? Are there any resources or guides you’d really recommend? Also, how important are mock interviews in your opinion?
Appreciate any tips or insights.
Great question – from what I hear from many candidates, a lot of the prep happens through self-study and exchange with peers. It really helps to connect with others who are also preparing – sharing insights, testing each other, or just staying motivated together.
In terms of resources, Excel guides and modeling books are definitely useful. PrepLounge also has a few helpful guides – maybe you’ll find something there that fits your needs.
Behavioral questions are just as important as the technicals – and that’s where coaching can help: for example, refining your CV or cover letter, or getting feedback on how clearly and confidently you present your thinking.
Mock interviews can be helpful not just for practice, but also to reflect on how you think: Can you stay structured under time pressure? Are you losing yourself in details? Are you getting your points across?
In short, self-study is key, but a mix of feedback and real conversation often makes the difference. Good luck!
Rita
IB interview prep is all about balance. Here's an approach I usually recommend:
Aim for short daily sessions on both technical + behavioral, and ramp up with mocks as interviews get closer.
Hey!
A good approach is to treat technical and behavioral prep as equally important. For technicals, focus on the fundamentals first: accounting, valuation methods, DCF, and M&A basics. Once you’re solid on those, layer in practice with brainteasers or trickier questions you might see in higher pressure interviews. For behaviorals, don’t just memorize answers—build a bank of stories from your experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, resilience, and attention to detail. That way you can adapt to different variations of the same question.
Mock interviews are very useful because they train you to think and communicate under pressure. Even if you know the material, how you deliver it often makes the difference. Doing a few practice sessions with a friend, a mentor, or even recording yourself helps you refine your structure, pacing, and confidence.
The goal isn’t perfection but being polished, consistent, and able to connect your answers back to why you’d succeed in banking.
Hey!
The best way to prepare for investment banking interviews is to create a structured plan that balances technical and behavioral preparation. Start by reviewing accounting, valuation methods, and basic modeling, while also staying up to date on recent deals and market trends. For behavioral questions, prepare concise stories using the STAR method that highlight teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Mock interviews are extremely valuable because they help you practice articulating technical concepts under pressure and refine your communication for fit questions. Combining self-study with realistic practice, using guides, online resources, and feedback from mentors or peers, will give you the confidence to perform well across all aspects of the interview.
