Hi,
I’m targeting multiple bulge brackets this cycle. How different are the interview styles across banks, and should I tailor my prep to each one? Or is it better to focus on a standard technical + behavioral prep that works everywhere?
Great question, and something a lot of people wonder about.
In my experience, the differences between BB interview styles do exist, but for most candidates, a strong core prep is more than enough. That means solid technical knowledge and a clear, personal story for your behavioral answers.
Some banks might lean a bit more into fit or throw in an unexpected question or two, but you can handle most of that if your fundamentals are strong. Once you get to second rounds or superdays, that’s when it’s worth tailoring a bit more to each firm.
So I’d focus on building a solid base that works everywhere, then fine-tune as you go. That approach usually works really well.
Best regards. 😊
Hey there! That's a great question, and it's a common dilemma when you're targeting multiple firms at once. My take is that it's a bit of both, but you should focus on a core, standard prep first.
Think of it like this: your technical and behavioral foundations are non-negotiable and apply everywhere. You absolutely need to master the core technicals—valuation, accounting, LBOs—and have your behavioral stories down cold. This is the bulk of your prep, and it's what gets you through 80% of the interviews.
However, where you differentiate yourself is in the last 20%. You should absolutely tailor a few key elements for each bank. This means knowing their recent deals, understanding their culture, and being able to articulate a specific, genuine reason why you want to work there and not just "in banking." This targeted preparation shows you've done your homework and aren't just sending out generic applications. So, nail the fundamentals, and then customize your story for each firm.
