Corporate Finance Team

Research Firm Roles you’re applying to Eligibility Requirements Why? Plenty of time Commercial Awareness “Keep an eye out for X firm in the news”

Research Blanket applications “It really shows,” says Barclays. “We’ll spend time looking at your CV and considering your application, so you should really try and do the same. Give each firm the respect and the time they deserve by delivering a tailored and well thought-out application.”

Research Lyle Andrews, Head of EMEA Graduate Recruitment at UBS, says: “The best thing you can do is to know what you’re getting into by researching the company, knowing what the work is like, and knowing what the pluses and minuses are.” 

Be honest and accurate Backed up with information in the CV Suggested word count/ maximum word limit Fill the space! Relevant Waffle-free!

Be a STAR! “Describe a team when you demonstrated effective leadership….” Situation Task Action Result

Achievements Antonia Choi, Head of IBD Graduate Recruitment at Nomura: “I think the important thing to remember is that no experience is worth disregarding just because it isn’t directly linked to finance.” “For example, working in restaurants or bars whilst at university could reflect client service and communication skills.”

Achievements “People like to see a record of achievement and they like to see a goal-oriented nature. If you’ve got a laundry list of loads of different things you’re involved in, but you don’t seem to excel or achieve anything in any of them... It looks a bit unfocused”

Achievements “Showing that you can make a decision about something that interests you, set a course of action, and achieve it – that’s what sets your application apart,” he says.

Achievements Vary your examples Quirky activities and interests Stand out from the crowd!

Thoughts “Don’t just reiterate the information on our website in your application,” “All recruiters at all the different banks know their website – in fact, they’ve probably been involved in writing it”

Thoughts Investment banks want people who are not only intelligent, hard-working and commercially aware, but also interesting to have around, well-rounded and enthusiastic about life. Why?

Thoughts Because these individuals make great colleagues They also tend to be best able to win clients and keep them happy Work effectively with everyone they encounter during their career.

Summary Research Variation Demonstration Result!