Simple words of advice

Key Takeaways: An elegant and conservative style is imperative. Be professional in the banking “way”. If in doubt, observe the style of the bankers coming on campus or ask your classmates who have worked in the sector. Remember, it’s easy to make the wrong impression.

4.12.1

Male Dress code

Let’s start saying that we have seen students showing up at closed list events with very dirty shoes, and that’s doesn’t really work with bankers. Therefore, be careful to shine your shoes and iron your shirts before interviews and networking events.

• Suit: black business or medium-dark grey; go for a classic and elegant style. Avoid extravagant colours such as maroon, green or light coloured suits. • Conservative silk tie: We suggest silk because it makes a nicer knot. I would

not go for the cheap solution given the importance of the situation. Moreover, you want to dress as bankers do.

• Shirt: a conservative long-sleeve solid white or light blue should work well. • Belt: a simple and elegant belt matching the colour of your suit and shoes. • Socks: match the colour of your shoes and belt.

• Shoes: low-heeled and conservative (cap-toe or wingtip), black is safest. • Aftershave: be moderate, you are not going on a date. The interview room is

often small and you do not want to fill it with your new scent. That would be awkward…

• About the beard. It’s usually uncommon for bankers. Clean-shaven is the best way to go.

• Haircut: needless to say that the bankers tend to have short and well- groomed hair. Long hair is a rarity among bankers, most of whom are not particularly open minded.

4.12.2

Female Dress code (tricky since we are men but...)

• Skirtsuit or pantsuit is a very good choice. The Skirtsuit is probably considered the most prudent choice. Also a navy-blue, black-medium grey business suit with white or light blue blouse with high neckline.

• Perfume: be moderate. The interview room is often small and you do not want to fill it with your perfume.

• Belt: as usual must be coordinated with your outfit. It’s imperative to wear one if your dress has belt loops.

• Shoes: low-heeled, conservative dress shoes colour coordinated with your dress. They should also be closed.

• Hairstyle: I guess you don’t need advise on that. Elegant and tasteful. Don’t let it cover your face so, if long, wear it up or back so as to avoid constantly flipping it out of the way. Too much movement is not ideal for an interview. • Earrings: moderate, elegant and discrete. One per ear in the traditional

earlobe position.

• Handbags: usually perceived more professional to carry a briefcase or a portfolio.

4.12.3

Professionalism and timing

Professionalism means adhering to the principles of courtesy, honesty, and responsibility in one's dealings with clients and associates, indicating a level of excellence that goes over and above the commercial considerations.

Honesty it’s a necessary characteristic of recruiting. The banking world in London is a relatively small one and if a student is caught lying, it will quickly get back to other recruiters. This doesn’t mean you can’t be commercially savvy in selling yourself (that’s what bankers do all the time).

Being late is inexcusable. If you are afraid you might be late, then let them know in advance. Take note of the exact location and the travel time before scheduling networking events/interviews. Allow yourself some extra time.

Professional manners: use courtesy and thank your interviewer for his time. If invited out for a dinner events/drinks be aware of your alcohol tolerance. It wouldn’t be the first time that someone oversteps the line and doesn’t get to the interview’s list (or worse, doesn’t get a full time offer in the summer).

4.12.4

The interview schedule (23 Jan – 17 Feb)

Key Takeaways: So much preparation will unfold in three-four weeks. Be confident and be prepared.

The recruiting process is long and intense but will unfold in three weeks only. Be confident and enthusiastic. First rounds commence two weeks after Corporate Partner presentations and last just two weeks. Banks will call you within 1-2 days with their decision if you are through to the next round. Second/Final rounds are usually at the recruiters’ offices.

Here are some words of wisdom:

• Sleep 8 hours per night. The interview period is intense and draining, and the mind works best after sufficient rest.

• Be prepared for adverse weather conditions. If necessary, wear appropriate shoes and change prior to the interview.

• Arrive early and ask HR the name of your interviewer(s). Take some time to memorise them, it is good to address your interviewer(s) by name.

• Avoid bringing large bags into the interview room. Take a simple black folder/portfolio with notepaper, a pen, spare copies of your resume and business cards. Hand your business card to the interviewer at the beginning of the interview(s).

• Do not exceed your usual caffeine intake and always bring breath mints and energy bars.

• Do not take your cell phone in the interview room. Leave it in your coat outside the interview room. A ringing phone is a bad mistake.

• Eat regularly and healthy, keep your energy at the right level throughout the interview period. Remember that, because you may experience high levels of adrenaline, you may not feel the need to eat. While this is understandable, don’t fall into that trap.

At the end of the interview, thank your interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to interview with the company, make again the point of how important was for you to have this opportunity. If you feel the interview was a good one, it is advisable to send a thank you note on the same day.

5 INTERVIEW PREPARATION