THE Dream Job 2/3
They sent me a psychometric test.
Great.
6th of August, an emailed pinged. It was an invitation for a second interview for the next day. Excited, thrilled, yelping. I typed, proof-read within 90 seconds and sent the reply. A minute later, a confirmation came back, thanking me for my quick reply. I wanted this so bad, "what if I look desperate?", I DON'T CARE.
7th of August, the second interview.
Started with a brief overview of my resume, as this was with a Consultant (C) and the same HR. Internships, Degree, Experiences... And apparently the C had just had a face time with my previous boss in Greece. I thought great. I had connections. That's going to help.
C asked about my skills. Excel came about. I explained how I used it in my units and what functions. the whole deal. I seemed really competent. For a second, I realized that I actually know quite a lot, despite the doubts I have had about my numerical skills. Report writing skills was asked. I dreaded this, I am not great at sticking to a template. It's just so uncreative and boring. I said that I did them for my assignments and am trying to improve my writing skills through my blog post for saltandpepper500.blogspot.com.
HR asked how I maintained my relationships with people. I said that I am still in contact with the receptionist at my previous internship and that we are quite good friends. I felt like a therapist there as people would vent their issues and I would listen. It's common these days that everyone wants to put their point across, wanting to be heard, but no one is willing to listen. We should really shut up once in a while. ( I didn't say that)
C asked what I did outside of work, well, I train 6 days a week and a weekend swim. I lift and am really into powerlifting and bodybuilding. I am also into more "artsy" things. Fountain pens are a huge part of my spare time now.
Then it was my turn to ask questions.
1. What are your day-to-day challenges?
C said it was keeping up during peak period, meeting deadlines, maintaining relationships, knowing when to be patient and when to push.
2. How did you come to the company from being a student.
C tells his story. I imagined how I would move from being a "student" to "working at XXX". The feeling was surreal. THIS COULD BE FUCKING IT, FOR ME. I COULD BE WORKING HERE TOO.
3. I asked about my psychometric test. and if anything was alarming
(I should not have said "alarming", bad move, what I should have said was "areas of improvement")
She said that my numerical test came back above average, very high actually, and that it was no surprise as from the way I spoke to C about the mechanics of portfolio management. Managing relationships was something I needed to work on. Hence the questions on how I interact and maintain relationships with others.
This is where, upon reflection, I should have brought up the volunteer work I did, the people I met, the relationships I have built. I am so gutted.
4. I asked about the campaign they did, how it came about.
They laughed. 10/10 conversation.
C asked if I had other roles lined up. I said I had already accepted an offer, but had 2 weeks, I also have another pending. He asked if I had a preference. WELL OF COURSE I DO. I don't want to be biased, but its XXX company for sure. I looked down at the job description, paused and said that this role would provide a great exposure to the industry, pointed out a few things, its THE perfect role.
He asked how long would this role be for me.
Realistically, I begin, about 2 years. I want to get a solid foundation, knowing people, network. And from there move up to be an investment analyst in XXX company. Maybe get on Bloomberg and talk about the economy and give my opinion once in a while.
I would like to have been more composed with my answer. Along the lines of:
I would like to learn as much as I can, meet people in the industry and financial sector, continue to learn and take notes. Building a solid foundation, which I think will take about 2 years. Have my CFA level 2 by then and transition into an Investment Consultant/ Research Analyst role within XXX company. I see a future here and I believe this is the role for me.
C gave me a good outlook and the way he "envisioned" me being in the role gave me a boost of confidence.
Great.
6th of August, an emailed pinged. It was an invitation for a second interview for the next day. Excited, thrilled, yelping. I typed, proof-read within 90 seconds and sent the reply. A minute later, a confirmation came back, thanking me for my quick reply. I wanted this so bad, "what if I look desperate?", I DON'T CARE.
7th of August, the second interview.
Started with a brief overview of my resume, as this was with a Consultant (C) and the same HR. Internships, Degree, Experiences... And apparently the C had just had a face time with my previous boss in Greece. I thought great. I had connections. That's going to help.
C asked about my skills. Excel came about. I explained how I used it in my units and what functions. the whole deal. I seemed really competent. For a second, I realized that I actually know quite a lot, despite the doubts I have had about my numerical skills. Report writing skills was asked. I dreaded this, I am not great at sticking to a template. It's just so uncreative and boring. I said that I did them for my assignments and am trying to improve my writing skills through my blog post for saltandpepper500.blogspot.com.
HR asked how I maintained my relationships with people. I said that I am still in contact with the receptionist at my previous internship and that we are quite good friends. I felt like a therapist there as people would vent their issues and I would listen. It's common these days that everyone wants to put their point across, wanting to be heard, but no one is willing to listen. We should really shut up once in a while. ( I didn't say that)
C asked what I did outside of work, well, I train 6 days a week and a weekend swim. I lift and am really into powerlifting and bodybuilding. I am also into more "artsy" things. Fountain pens are a huge part of my spare time now.
Then it was my turn to ask questions.
1. What are your day-to-day challenges?
C said it was keeping up during peak period, meeting deadlines, maintaining relationships, knowing when to be patient and when to push.
2. How did you come to the company from being a student.
C tells his story. I imagined how I would move from being a "student" to "working at XXX". The feeling was surreal. THIS COULD BE FUCKING IT, FOR ME. I COULD BE WORKING HERE TOO.
3. I asked about my psychometric test. and if anything was alarming
(I should not have said "alarming", bad move, what I should have said was "areas of improvement")
She said that my numerical test came back above average, very high actually, and that it was no surprise as from the way I spoke to C about the mechanics of portfolio management. Managing relationships was something I needed to work on. Hence the questions on how I interact and maintain relationships with others.
This is where, upon reflection, I should have brought up the volunteer work I did, the people I met, the relationships I have built. I am so gutted.
4. I asked about the campaign they did, how it came about.
They laughed. 10/10 conversation.
C asked if I had other roles lined up. I said I had already accepted an offer, but had 2 weeks, I also have another pending. He asked if I had a preference. WELL OF COURSE I DO. I don't want to be biased, but its XXX company for sure. I looked down at the job description, paused and said that this role would provide a great exposure to the industry, pointed out a few things, its THE perfect role.
He asked how long would this role be for me.
Realistically, I begin, about 2 years. I want to get a solid foundation, knowing people, network. And from there move up to be an investment analyst in XXX company. Maybe get on Bloomberg and talk about the economy and give my opinion once in a while.
I would like to have been more composed with my answer. Along the lines of:
I would like to learn as much as I can, meet people in the industry and financial sector, continue to learn and take notes. Building a solid foundation, which I think will take about 2 years. Have my CFA level 2 by then and transition into an Investment Consultant/ Research Analyst role within XXX company. I see a future here and I believe this is the role for me.
C gave me a good outlook and the way he "envisioned" me being in the role gave me a boost of confidence.
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