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95% of candidates fail at the investment banking interview stage (1st rounds & super days)
Jason Lum
March 17, 2025
In partnership with
95% of candidates fail at the investment banking interview stage (1st rounds & super days)
That’s the reality.
Quite frankly, most candidates struggle to meet even the most basic expectations during interviews.
Why?
• Only going through the 400 IB questions which is not 100% comprehensive so you are unprepared for other concepts/advanced questions interviewers ask
• Sounding robotic - memorized questions & answers
• Not doing enough mocks
• Failing to research the company or role—surface-level answers don’t cut it.
• Giving vague or generic responses—specifics and structure matter.
• Not understanding the ‘why’ behind questions—employers want to know how you think, not just what you’ve done.
• Overlooking non-verbal communication—slouching, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting can undermine even the best answers.
• Lack of preparation for the “Tell me about yourself” question—this is your first impression; make it count.
• Struggling to demonstrate impact—talk about results, not just responsibilities.
• No thoughtful questions at the end—this is your chance to stand out as genuinely interested.
If you’re struggling to move past interviews, focus on nailing these points.
It’ll immediately set you apart from the majority of candidates.
PS. Want to set yourself apart from the competition to nail your investment banking interviews?
Apply for a free 1-1 mentorship interview (limited spots)
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