applying to an investment bank: demystifying the selection process
TRANSCRIPT
Applying to an Investment Bank:Demystifying the Selection Process
Programme for Today
• Dispelling the Myths
• The Selection Process
• The Application Form
• Online Tests
• The Interview
• The Assessment Centre
• What We Are Looking For
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The Selection Process
· There is no formal application form or interview for the schools programmes
· Your CV and Cover Letter are your only opportunity to sell yourself
· Think about who you are:- What do you do well?- What do you enjoy?- What have you done in the past that could be transferred into the
workplace?
· Spell check!
The Application Process
WHO ARE YOU?
WHAT ARE YOUR
STRENGTHS?
WHAT CAN YOU
OFFER US?
Match your strengths to the
skills required by the firm and
the position you are seeking
before you put pen to paper –
this is your first opportunity to
sell yourself – get your thoughts
in order
Think
Spell Check!
The Curriculum Vitae (CV)
· Clear and logical presentation
· Use clear differentiators for each part of your CV
· Use bold for section headers and contrasting text for the main body text
· Keep It short
· List most recent events first
LAYOUT CV
· Academic ability
· Extra curricular activities
· Follow a story – beginning, middle and end
· Think about what will make you stand out
· Can you quantify what you have said?
· Be honest!
· Proofread – spelling and grammar
CONTENT
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Example of a Bad CV
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Example of a Good CV
The Cover Letter
· Makes a statement about yourself
· It brings out key points from the CV
· Answers the question, “Why should we see you?”
· It tells us why you want the job and why you want to work for us
· Introduce yourself and what you are seeking
· Go through the competencies you think make you who you are, and speak to those
· Sum up why you should be employed
· Keep to one page – keep it concise
· If there are gaps in your CV, explain why
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? LAYOUT
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Example Cover Letter
The Interview
PURPOSE
STRUCTURE
PREPARATION
BODY LANGUAGE
DO’S & DON’TS
The Interview
PURPOSE
STRUCTURE
PREPARATION
BODY LANGUAGE
DO’S & DON’TS
• Identify and assess your skills
• Gain further insight into you
• To market the firm
• Opportunity to ask questions
The Interview
PURPOSE
STRUCTURE
PREPARATION
BODY LANGUAGE
DO’S & DON’TS
Types of Questions
• Competency-based
• Technical
• Opportunity for your questions
The Interview
PURPOSE
STRUCTURE
PREPARATION
BODY LANGUAGE
DO’S & DON’TS
• Research the firm
• Anticipate questions
• Think of answers to show your skills
• Appearance
• Practice, Practice, Practice
The Interview
PURPOSE
STRUCTURE
PREPARATION
BODY LANGUAGE
DO’S & DON’TS
• Try to relax and don’t slouch
• Maintain eye contact
• Use purposeful gestures
The Interview
PURPOSE
STRUCTURE
PREPARATION
BODY LANGUAGE
DO’S & DON’TS
• Be confident
• Listen to questions and think about your answer
• Demonstrate your talents by using examples, “I did ... .”
• Move past any mistakes and stay focused
Guidelines for Answering Interview Questions
• Give concrete examples based on your own experiences
• Don’t give hypothetical responses, i.e., “generally I would do this”
• Explain your role in the specific examples that you give
• Demonstrate self-development – through explaining what you learnt during the experience
• Don’t generalise your responses with the term “we”
• In summary, consider what you did, how you went about it and what you learnt
Sample Questions You Could Expect
• Why are you applying for a summer internship in XYZ Division?
• Why have you made an application to Morgan Stanley? Who else have you applied to and why?
• Tell me about an achievement you are proud of? What did you learn?
• Can you name two companies that you think should merge and why?
• Tell me about a story in the financial press, which has recently caught your attention
• Describe a project in which you went beyond what was expected of you
• Give me an example of where you presented a creative solution to a problem
• What role do you usually take in a team?
Summary: The Interview
• Create a positive first impression
• Show you are truly interested in the organisation
• Appear calm and confident
• Deal with the questions
• Make the most of your opportunity to ask questions about the firm
…What We Look for in You
Drive and Commitment
Interest in Financial Markets
Leadership Qualities
Entrepreneurship
Teamwork
Integrity
Passion and Intellectual Curiosity
Follow Us
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morganstanley.com/about/careers/earlyinsightsemea
@MorganStanley
Next Steps
www.linkedin.com/company/morgan-stanley
www.youtube.com/user/mgstnly