Hi guys, I just wanted some advice on how to handle this type of interview. It is a phone interview with an independent investment Advisor/asset management firm, does anyone know what type of questions I can expect. I haven’t had an interview in about 3 months and I’m very rusty and just have that feeling like I can’t screw this up, because another interview may not come along for another 3 months. The reason I haven’t been able to land interviews is probably a combination of weak job market, too focused with studying for Dec CFA, and lack of finance experience. Can anyone advise me on how to handle the lack of experience part. Obviously the firm that contacted me knows this, because they have my resume, but how can I convince them that I am more driven and perhaps even more knowledgeable than someone who has a summer internship under their belt. On a side not, I do have internships, they are just in the accounting field, which is another thing I always have to explain/defend in these sort of interviews. I apologize for the rant, but I am extremely frustrated/anxious for the reasons given and would appreciate any advice. Also, not to sound like a douche, but should I mention the Dec CFA. I would Imagine the CFA is somewhat relevant to this type of role.
Alright dude, you’re sounding like a weak candidate, not because of your background, but how you’re applying/perceiving your background. You’re a smart guy/gal, and if anything you might be too good for this job - this isn’t that big of a deal (it might be, but if you think it is it’s going to throw you off your game). Get focused and confident. From there: 1) Accounting internships: Look at this as a strength, you understand financial statements and reporting better than someone on the outside, and combined with your CFA exam give you a strong understanding of the financial statements themselves. Forget about the summer internships of others - don’t acknowledge or mention them. Talk about what you took from the accounting intenships, you have t 2) This is probably kind of a service job, so pitch your people skills (assuming you’ve got them). Also, probably some client reporting, pitch the accounting internships and work you did with various other departments to drive results. Have some examples of working with others or how you were innovative/hard-working/etc… 3) The CFA is relevant, it demonstrates a lot of desirable characteristics. In your case, you’re waiting for LI results - you’re early in the game and haven’t proven a lot, but bring it up and just say you’re cautiously optimistic but feel like you prepared well and took away some good knowledge, and that you’re looking forward to hopefully preparing for LII in June assuming good news in the next couple of weeks. 5) Do some practice questions, however you can. This will probably be more personality type based (tell me a time when you did this, what type of management style do you prefer, strengths/weaknesses, etc…). Do a search for interview on this site, you’ll get more information than you know what to do with. 6) Have a story about why this job is what you want to do - as an RIA they want somebody long-term, even if that’s not your plan your story needs to be tailored like it is. Good luck and relax. It’ll turn around.
Thanks for the wake up call Jcole21, I just reread my own post, and I did come off sounding like a b***c. Its just crazy when you send out dozens of resumes and only one company even acknowledges you after 2 or 3 months, and I know the problem isn’t my resume or CV. Anyway I definitely appreciate the advice.
bkballa Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Thanks for the wake up call Jcole21, I just reread > my own post, and I did come off sounding like a > b***c. Its just crazy when you send out dozens of > resumes and only one company even acknowledges you > after 2 or 3 months, and I know the problem isn’t > my resume or CV. Anyway I definitely appreciate > the advice. How do you know that the problem is not your resume or CV? Where did you go to school? any good internship? great GPA? To be honest with you, for client analyst role, you don’t even need CFA or undergrad degree. As long as you can type emails and can speak over the phone, you should be fine. Most of client services associate or analyst at a small IRA just answer the phone from clients requesting distributions and/or filling out new IRA account forms. Post your resume or tell us where you’re located. We can probably help.
Isn’t a Client Services “Analyst” essentially someone who fields calls and handles things like statements, letters to clients, etc? I realize that with this job market inexperienced candidates are scrounging around for anything and if you have no job, then for sure prep well and take it if given an offer. I think a lot of times showing you’re too ambitious in an interview for this kind of position is a bad thing. I would feel it out when I got there. You have to show that you would perform well, but that you don’t have aspirations to one day leave for the front office. Talking about CFA might be harmful. I’ve been on many interviews where explaining I eventually wanted a front office role hurt me. That’s just my 2 cents.
@dhyun3 I agree that the position isn’t rocket science, but I think you’re dumbing it down a bit by saying that one doesn’t even need a degree and simply has to type emails to clients. The job description says that the person will be responsible for producing client reports that incorporate performance analysis and performance analysis. Then of course there’s the "managing client transactions like stock sales, wire transfers, etc and other administrative work that comes with this type of role. Obviously nothing remotely complicated, but the CFA does address performance. @topher surprisingly the posting doesn’t say anything about communicating with clients, maybe its implied. On a side note, I’ve also been to an interview where I probably should have kept my mouth shut about the CFA, because they were expecting a 3 year commitment in the BACK OFFICE. Another question I’d like to ask you guys is: how do you let an interviewer know that you’re really interested in the position. And yes I’m serious! I mean I could understand saying I’ve always wanted to work in Equity Research, Investing Banking, VC, astronaut, whatever. But I can’t just say jee I’ve always wanted to work in client services, doing performance analysis. So, in other words, whats the best way to let a potential employer know you want the job, without making it sound like its just a springboard for you to get into the front office?