Hey guys! I’m getting ready for some interviews in the finance world and I keep seeing tons of prep materials everywhere. There are study guides, question banks, and all sorts of resources floating around. I’m honestly feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. What’s the best way to organize my study time? Should I focus more on technical questions or behavioral stuff? I want to feel really prepared when I walk into these interviews. Also, has anyone found certain prep materials that were actually worth the money? I’d love to hear what worked for you all. Any tips on timing would be great too - like how far in advance should I start preparing? Thanks in advance for any advice!
Honestly, the biggest game-changer for me was doing case studies out loud. I spent weeks reading prep books and felt confident, but then completely bombed my first interview because I couldn’t articulate my thoughts under pressure. After that wake-up call, I started practicing financial modeling problems while literally talking through each step - felt ridiculous at first but it really helped. Also don’t skip networking events if you can make it… I learned way more about what specific firms actually want from casual conversations than any study guide taught me. Timeline depends on your background, but I’d give yourself at least a month if you’re switching industries.
Match your prep to the specific role and company culture. I’ve been on both sides of finance interviews, and success really comes down to tailoring your strategy to the position and firm type. Front-office banking roles? Focus heavily on valuation methods and market knowledge. Corporate finance? Show you can think strategically and work through analytical frameworks. I’d suggest spending about 70% of your time on technical stuff and 30% on behavioral questions, but adjust this based on how senior the role is. Start prepping hard about six weeks out - you need time to actually understand the concepts, not just memorize answers. Here’s something most people don’t do: practice with real financial statements from companies in your target sector. It reinforces your technical skills and shows you’re genuinely interested in the industry when you’re discussing it. Mock interviews with experienced people are still the best way to catch gaps in your thinking and get better at communicating under pressure.
using a timer seriously helped me. most ppl dont realize how fast interviews go - you’ve got to make your points quickly. i used to ramble way too much until i started timing myself on common questions. also, do mock phone/video calls if that’s ur first round format. it’s a completely different vibe than in-person, and tech issues will throw you off.
Company research was a game changer for me! Don’t waste time on generic prep - dig into their recent deals, quarterly reports, and what’s happening in the industry. Interviewers eat it up when you mention their actual work!