What if I fail my first-round interview?

If you don't perform well in your first-round interview, it's definitely not the end of the road, and it doesn't necessarily mean you've ruined your chances for the recruiting cycle. While it's natural to feel discouraged if you think you messed up, most recruiters are aware that first-round interviews can be a bit nerve-wracking and aren't always a perfect reflection of your abilities or potential.

It's important to view this as a learning experience. Take the time to reflect on what went wrong—whether it was specific questions that threw you off, lack of preparation, or nerves getting in the way—and use it as an opportunity to improve for next time. Many candidates don’t nail their first interview but go on to perform well in subsequent rounds after reflecting and adjusting.

Keep in mind that many investment banks have multiple rounds of interviews, and a single slip-up in one round doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. Additionally, some firms will allow for feedback or have a second round of interviews that can give you a chance to redeem yourself. Also, many banks recruit year-round, so if this cycle doesn't work out, you can always apply again in the future.

So, while it’s important to take every interview seriously, don't let one mistake discourage you. Focus on learning from it, practicing more, and staying confident in your abilities. There's still plenty of time to recover and make a strong impression in the next steps. All the best!

Best,

Harrshit

Hi,

Great question, because i get this one a lot. Failing a first-round interview is definitely not ideal, but if it happens, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. Investment banking recruiting is competitive, and plenty of people don’t make it through on their first try. That doesn’t mean you’ve ruined your chances for the entire cycle.

If things don’t go as planned, the key is to learn from the experience and improve. Maybe the technicals were tougher than expected, or your behavioral answers didn’t land as well as they could have—either way, it’s something you can work on. Networking can also help, as connections sometimes lead to second chances or off-cycle opportunities.

BUT you haven’t even had the interview yet, so no need to stress too much about failure. Go in prepared, do your best, and if it doesn’t work out, know that there are still other ways to break in.

Hope this helps,

Simon

Failing a first-round investment banking interview doesn’t necessarily ruin your chances for the entire recruiting cycle, but it depends on the bank and the context. Many firms, especially large investment banks like Goldman Sachs or JPMorgan, have structured processes where a first-round rejection typically means you’re out for that specific firm’s cycle, as they rarely reconsider candidates within the same season. However, you can still apply to other banks or pursue off-cycle opportunities, as each firm’s process is independent. To mitigate the impact, reflect on what went wrong—whether it was technical skills, behavioral fit, or nerves—and seek feedback if possible to improve for future interviews.

Preparation and resilience are key to bouncing back. Use the experience to refine your approach, such as practicing technical questions on valuation or LBO modeling, or sharpening your story for behavioral questions. Networking with professionals at other firms or leveraging your school’s career center can open doors to additional interviews. Smaller boutiques or regional banks may also have less competitive cycles, giving you more chances to land a role. Stay proactive, keep applying, and treat each interview as a learning opportunity to strengthen your candidacy.