Category: Career

  • How To Prepare For Investment Banking Interviews?

    How To Prepare For Investment Banking Interviews?

    Job interviews are usually more stressful than we expect them to be. Even when people have the best resume, when their experience is great for the position, they can still do not so well because they were not prepared, or they were nervous. Just like in college, it is sometimes more important to know what kind of questions you can expect, rather than trying to know everything. Of course, you need to know how to do your job, but knowing what answers to give to certain questions can be crucial for hiring.

    When it comes to investment banking interviews, there is a set of questions that is almost always asked. These can range from your education, previous experience, future goals, and so on. Things like researching about the company and having a high-quality resume are important as well. To help you prepare for the interview for your dream job, we have made a list of tips that will help you stand out among your fellow colleagues. 

    Know their company well

    To be able to show why you are the right person for the position you are applying for, you must know what the interviewer would like to hear. When you know what the investment banking company’s vision is, it is easier to show them why you are the right person for the job. Learn what all they have achieved, and what their general strategies are. 

    When you talk about your previous experiences, your education, your future goals, try to fit them into their vision. Talk about all the things that have made you suitable for their company. Of course, talk about other things as well, but, make sure you don’t go too far from what they would like to hear. Everyone likes when their new colleague fits in well. It is good for them to see that you have done your research, but make sure you are not overdoing it. 

    Make a good resume

    Most people think that making a resume is easy. You just have to write your information down, right? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Writing a good CV can take a lot of time and effort before you have the perfect representation of yourself. The biggest mistake people make when it comes to resume writing is having one for everything. Since your resume is the first thing your interviewers will see, you must stand out. 

    What is even more important is putting relevant information for the position you are applying for at the moment. As the Tier 1 Wall Street guide says, if you don’t present your information well, and if you don’t present the right information, you might not even get the interview. When you apply for an investment banking job, make your resume as analytical and banking-based as possible. 

    Prepare a good self-pitch

    When your interviewers ask you to tell them about yourself, it is important to have a short and effective story. This story shouldn’t be more than 200-300 words long, which is around one and a half to two minutes. In the beginning, tell them where you are from, what university or business school you went to. For this part, say only one or two sentences. 

    In the next part tell them why you became interested in investment banking in the first place. You can talk about a specific person, event, or experience that has made you choose it as your career path. Then, mention what experiences have helped you gain the skills for the job you want. In the end, say why their company and group fit into your plans for the future. 

    A good-self pitch can be crucial for your interview. Since this is usually the first thing they ask you, you can catch their attention and make them more interested in hiring you right from the start of the interview. 

    Technical questions

    For these types of questions, there are no shortcuts. You have to put the energy and the time into studying relevant topics. If you can’t answer the technical questions well, the interviews can assume that you are not interested in the field. If you fail at this part of the interview, they will think that you are not analytically capable.

    Make sure you cover topics such as valuation metrics and multiples, accounting concepts, equity value, and enterprise value, accounting concepts, and discounted cash flow analysis. Study M&A and merger models, as well as leveraged buyouts and LBO models. Depending on the company, you might want to go through some other things too. That is why it is so important to research the firm that you want to work at.  

    “Fit” questions

    All questions that are not related to company, market, or deal discussions, fall into the category of “fit” questions. These include “what is your biggest strength?”, “What is your biggest weakness?”, “what was your biggest failure?” and so on. You get the gist. The main point of these questions is for the interviewers to see how you see yourself. They want to know how you handle stressful and unwanted situations. 

    For example, if they ask you what your greatest strengths are, some acceptable answers would be the ability to work long hours, leadership skills, attention to detail, financial/analytical skills, and so on. For the biggest weaknesses, you can say: second-guessing yourself and not always speaking up when somebody makes a mistake. 

    Whatever negative thing you say, make sure you tell them how you have improved compared to the past. Nobody is perfect, we are all humans after all. But, the interviewers will want to hear that you like working on fixing your flaws. 

    Preparing for any kind of interview will demand work. Make sure you do everything you can to prepare for it, instead of improvising. If you show up to the interview packed with motivation, knowledge, and confidence, you will increase your chances of getting the job majorly.  Research what the company does, how they do it, and what their goals are to prepare for a specific interview. Make sure you have studied the technical topics, know how to present yourself, and you will be good to go!

  • What You Need To Know If You Want To Start Trading Options Right Away?

    What You Need To Know If You Want To Start Trading Options Right Away?

    Options are great because they are highly flexible and can help you manage risk. When you’re trading stocks, it can be a little worrisome as the price may fluctuate. Luckily, options let you bet on whether you think the stock price will rise or drop, and instead of buying the stock immediately, options are contracts that allow you to trade stocks at the strike price or a price that is agreed upon Sell the contract to a different investor, and the option contract can be abandoned and left to expire with no further financial commitment. 

    Here is what you need to know if you want to trade options right away.

    Options Provide Multiple Options

    Unlike what many people believe, trading options are not only for people who don’t want to commit or jump right into stock trading. If you are looking to profit from price movements during the short-term and trade among contracts, options trading is great.

     However, they can also be quite advantageous if you are a long-term stock investor. Buying a stock requires more initial investment than buying an option; options also give investors the time and ability to observe the flow of things. Since the price is locked, investors can lower their risk potential and are free from the obligation to purchase. “Call” options allow you to purchase shares at a set price later on. This is especially beneficial if you are interested in a company and have reason to believe that its stock price will be rising. If the price does rise, you will be buying the stock at a lower price than what it’s selling for, and if it doesn’t, the losses will be reduced to the contract’s price. 

    Options also let you control the risks on your current stock positions. If you are worried about how the volatility of a company’s stock in the short-term can impede your investment returns, you can buy a “put” option for protection from losses. This option allows you to sell a certain number of shares at a set price. If the stock prices do drop, then this option would limit your losses and the returns from selling would counterbalance some of the losses. 

    Choosing a Broker

    Selecting the right broker is one of the most important things to keep in mind when starting your options trading quest. According to this list in this Trusted Broker Review, you have plenty of options to choose from: you should choose a broker that will provide you with educational resources, such as access to webinars, online courses on options trading, and individual guidance. Throughout your options trading journey, you should always try to get as much advice and knowledge as you can. Ask your broker if they offer paper trading accounts before getting started with the real deal. A broker’s customer service should also be considered. Choose a broker that has reliable customer service, whether it’s through a live chat, phone support, or email. 

    You should also find out if they’re only available during the weekdays, have certain working hours, or offer 24/7 support. Take a look at their trading platform and find out if it’s functional and easy to use. Assess the tools that the platform and broker offer, their costs, and their breadth. Opt for quotes feed that are updated often, basic charting, as it will help you choose your entry and exit points, the possibility of assessing risks and rewards, and screening tools. 

    Know the Requirements

    Opening an options trading account may require more money than setting up a regular brokerage account. Before being granted permission to start trading options, brokers generally opt to know more about potential investors. This is because the process of predicting multiple factors can be complex. If you want to start trading options, you might want to brush up on the requirements. Investment objectives, including growth, capital, income, trading experience, personal financial income, like total net worth, liquid net worth, annual income, and employment information, and the types of options that you opt to trade should be provided to the potential broker. Then, the broker will assign you an initial trading level that allows you to trade specific options. Likewise, as explained above, you should put effort into evaluating the prospective broker. 

    When you are trading options, you are provided with a great level of flexibility and risk management. Options trading is typically characterized by the ability to trade at a strike price with minimal to no obligations. They offer a wide array of benefits to short-term traders and long-term investors alike.

  • 10 Effective Tips On How To Find A New Job in 2021

    10 Effective Tips On How To Find A New Job in 2021

    The global pandemic has left tons of people unemployed and continues to affect businesses from various industries. As we start to gather the remaining pieces and build a new life in this new year, job searches have wholly changed. As the glimmer of light begins to shine in this dark tunnel, plenty of variances still affect the economy.

    If you are affected by this global crisis and now on the hunt for a new career or starting your job search, we’ve compiled several practical tips and techniques to land the perfect job for you in 2021. We’ve also included the top industries expected to boom this year, opening new opportunities for everyone. 

    Industries That Will Grow In 2021

    The hiring trend varies with the company size and industry demographic. It’s recommended to start the new year with a clear plan and a positive attitude, mentally, and incorporate it with an effective action plan. If you’re searching for a job, then you should consider checking the following industry as they are expected to grow in cash flow this year.

    The following industry increases your chance of getting hired due to volume demand.

    • Healthcare Industry

    For instance, the health tech and healthcare industry continue to expand as the global crisis makes everyone health-conscious and technology-reliant. Checking the best travel nursing companies will help decide from there when job hunting. Whether you want a career shift, be a virtual medical care provider, frontline, or be part of the care jobs lost last year. 

    • E-Commerce Industry

    As the global pandemic affects significant businesses and establishments, the eCommerce industry has a higher demand to sustain everyone’s shopping needs. People start to resonate shopping online and switch for total convenience and comfort. 

    For most businesses and companies that are already part of the digital trend, they’ll expect a growing headcount to sustain this year’s demands.

    • Technology Industry

    The technology industry has continued to see a massive increase in demand during the global crisis. They don’t depend on brick-and-mortar shops or require physical storefronts to operate. As everything is running online, most of their workforce is working from home. This industry will be the industry leader moving forward.

    • Customer Service

    The customer support and service industry will also expect a massive demand. It means an increase in representatives across various industries but most significantly on software services and retail. 

    • Renewable Energy

    As climate change continues to worsen, people from all walks of life are now spreading awareness about using renewable energy to battle the climate crisis. This industry will continue to make noise moving forward. Being part of this industry opens doors to various opportunities too.

    How To Effectively Find And Land A New Job 

    Whether you’re here for career growth, change, or planning to start a new career, searching for the right job is always the first step. These tips below will help you find and land the ideal job to meet your criteria and skills: 

    Select the right application

    You will be bombarded with tons of job posts from various sectors. As companies select the best potential employees, you’ll also need to be selective with whom you send your applications. Check if the job matches your aspirations and skills. From there, you can quickly identify whether this job is right for you.

    Update your CV

    Check your CV and update it with your skills set or employment history. This gives you a heads up to the potential job you are eyeing for.

    Learn from your previous interviews

    At some point, you’ll not be successful in your first interview. Take everything that will help you improve, and this is one of the skills you’ll ace moving forward. Once you are confident enough, with the perfect wit and skill set, anything you put your mind to, you’ll surely achieve it. 

    Work experience

    Jumping from one career to another requires experience to secure the position. If not, you can apply for a temporary position and, from there, gain the right expertise needed to be familiar with this job/career as this will gauge your suitability for the job. This will also allow you to check whether this career works for you or not. 

    Learn new skills, enroll in a new course

    Nothing comes in handy, and every success is sweeter if you put extra effort into it. If you want to learn a new skill, cut off some nights out and learn new skills. There are plenty of digital programs you can enroll in to gain new knowledge to leverage your skill set and career choice.

    Expand your network

    Expanding your current network enables you to meet exciting people, shift your mindset, and connect to your new potential employers. 

    Think outside the box

    It can be scary moving out of your comfort zone, but it indeed is worth it. You’ll never want to become fixated on a specific role when you can choose more opportunities to meet your requirements and skill set. 

    Stay optimistic 

    Taking care of your physical and mental health is vital during this time. Take the necessary supplements, exercise your mind and body and start taking care of yourself. This will help you remain optimistic despite the negativity enveloping the world.

    Focus

    Never give up, as most people take time to find and land a new job. It requires persistence, lots of it, and learning to adapt to various changes and overcome them. 

    Seek help

    Seek help. There are plenty of people and organizations willing to help you point your job hunt in the right direction. Several recruitment consultants help you set the right path towards your dream job. 

    Conclusion

    Limiting beliefs hinder you from succeeding. it’s all about gaining confidence and trusting your ability to find and land that perfect job you’ve been eyeing for. The aforementioned tips are as practical to anyone looking for a career shift or searching for a job this year.

  • Four Reasons You Need A Mentor For Your Business

    Four Reasons You Need A Mentor For Your Business

    No matter what kind of business you’re running, you need to have people to turn to to guide you. You know as a grown up where you forget how to boil an egg or you forget how to wash delicates, you turn to your parents to help? Well, it’s the same thing, but in a professional capacity. A good mentor can help your business to have an edge, and if you don’t have one and then you fall into a crisis, you need to consider where you can turn for advice.

    A business mentor is going to be the person you speak to when you are finding it difficult to see the road forward. Whether you choose to turn to a virtual life coach like Peter Sandhill, or you actually bring someone in to work permanently in your office building, you need someone to lean on. Are you still on the fence as to whether your business needs a mentor or not? We’ve got a few key reasons below that will tell you how you can give your business that edge.

    Photo of Men Having Conversation
    • The Right Resource. You need to utilize as many resources as you can in your business and a mentor can be indispensable to you. A life coach has often traveled the road that you are about to go down, so they can guide you to the right path and ensure that you are going to get where you want to be. Their whole role is to ensure that you get exactly what you want, and they have the key contacts and the industry knowledge to do that. A mentor will work closely with you to ensure that the things that you want are no longer out of your reach and you get what you need – when you need it. You don’t have to worry about climbing that steep learning curve: they’ll pull you up and make sure that you are at the top before you know what’s happening.
    • The Support You Need. When you are starting a new business, you invest a lot of your time and money into it for it to be successful. A mentor is going to be the support system that you need to get you through it all with as few dents as possible! It’s a motivational boost to know that you have support beside you to get your business where you want it to be. A mentor who will listen to what you need in your business is going to be someone that you are able to turn to as you need them, and they are the experienced guidance that you need to ensure that you are working to the best of your ability.
    • Bounce Off. Every business owner needs a sounding board for their ideas, adn your mentor is going to be that person. Every idea in ten is going to be worth something, and the other nine won’t be it’s just the way that it goes. A mentor will tell you which ones are great and which ones aren’t.
    • Access To A Network. A mentor in your business is going to have contacts and information for those who can support you that you won’t ordinarily have access to. They will be able to give you a leg up in your market for this reason alone. Trusting a mentor to guide you is going to help you to network better and access better opportunities as a result.
  • All You Need To Understand About Criminal Lawyers

    All You Need To Understand About Criminal Lawyers

    If you are ever involved in any criminal violation, then having a criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between spending years in prison or a getaway pass. It doesn’t take much to know how a criminal defense attorney can help you with your various criminal violations. All you need is to research the best attorneys in your location and you are good to go. This will help to save you valuable time, resources, and the energy that goes into defending yourself. Here’s all that you need to understand about criminal defense lawyers.

    They’ll Defend You With Your Immigration Case

    There are immigration consequences that can cost you time and valuable resources. Over the past few years, the climate for immigration law has become turbulent and those seeking refuge in countries where they don’t belong legally can mean a long-term jail lesson. There are criminal defense attorneys who have long experience in helping immigrants with their non-citizenship cases. They will help in assisting families who have immigration cases as well as in helping provide them with solutions for a better life. It doesn’t take much, all you need is to find an attorney who can be resourceful in providing legal solutions that will go a long way to helping secure your freedom. Below are factors that you need to consider when it comes to finding the best criminal attorney: 

    • Ensure that they have years of experience in their field of work
    • They need to be strategically located to defend you
    • They must possess great communication traits
    • They must have a great reputation in their line of work
    • They need to provide you with the right cost estimates when it comes to your case

    Confidentially

    One thing to note is that a criminal defence attorney will still defend you even after knowing that you are guilty. Yes, this has always been a great misconception as most people convicted of any criminal doings wonder if it’s possible. Provided that you have submitted your case to your attorney, they’ll work tooth and nail to secure your freedom. But the thing is, you have to provide them with all the information, and withholding could mean serious repercussions. Consider hiring a criminal defense attorney who values confidentiality and one who’d be willing to vouch for you even with your criminal record.

    Licensing

    Criminal defense attorneys are licensed for their specific areas of work. This means that they need a work permit, certifications, and yes, an official document that specifies their speciality. This may be the only way to tell a crook from a professional. You don’t want your criminal case handled by someone who’s unqualified as it could land you into years of incarceration. Most importantly, consider hiring experienced criminal defense attorneys who have a good reputation as well as a track record that supports their winning streak.

    The Role Of A Criminal Defense Attorney

    Criminal defense attorneys wear many hats. This means that they have a lot of roles to play when it comes to defending their clients. You’ll be better of in the hands of a qualified criminal defense attorney as they will be instrumental in providing you with legal counsel, defense, and unsolicited legal friendship that will go a long way into helping you throughout your life. Below are the critical roles of a criminal defense attorney:

    • Investigating your case
    • Selecting key witnesses in your trial
    • Consulting with the judge if need be
    • Providing compelling evidence in your favor
    • Your attorney can help dismiss your case even before your case goes to trial
    • Advising you on the best steps to follow

    Does It Matter If You Hire A Good Criminal Attorney?

    Of course, it does! You don’t want to spend the rest of your natural years in jail or have to contemplate with the plaintiff all year long. The best thing is to have the case ended even before it starts. A good criminal defence attorney can help you solve the case out of court and this has its perks. You’ll not have your name embedded in the criminal records. Also, you have a free walk-away pass to help you get on with your life as usual.

    As you can see, there are so many roles that a criminal defence attorney plays. You’ll not go wrong with hiring the best as it will help you get back to your normal life. But then again, it depends on your choosing criteria as not all criminal defence attorneys are suited for the job.

  • 9 Trading Secrets That Will Make You a Successful Forex Trader

    9 Trading Secrets That Will Make You a Successful Forex Trader

    The global marketplace for international currency trading grows every passing second. Traders in the industry possess a particular skill set that determines their success rates regarding money returns and withdrawals. Their discipline and analytical capacity allow them to maneuver through the system smoothly.

    Successful forex traders hone their skills through experience and discipline in performing trades. In order to stay affluent in the industry, one must remain objective by keeping negative emotions out of business. Do not give in to greed nor fear, and carefully analyze every decision before executing them. 

    1. Set Your Profit Goals

    Obviously, you can not work towards your goal without a particular objective in mind. Setting your goals is essential before working on a concrete plan of action. When trading, you must have a realistic target that you would want to achieve after a specific time frame. Determine whether it is possible or impossible for you to complete.

    Remember that setting target profits above your trading capacity might do you more harm than good if you are just starting out. Examine your options, possible outcomes, and potential issues that you might encounter. Make the necessary adjustments to arrive at your desired profit amount. 

    2. Choose A Trading Style

    Trading styles should be in line with your schedule, target goals, funds, and personal preferences. Choosing a type that is suitable for all four factors is crucial to your success as a trader. For example, you can not select day trading if you have insufficient funds. Nor can you choose position trading if you expect results in a short amount of time.  There are four primary trading styles: scalping, day trading, position trading, and swing trading. Remember that you have to find one that suits your personality. It is okay to try all methods but stick to one once you have found the right style. Remaining faithful to a style that suits you will help maintain consistency and benefit you in the future. 

    3. Identify Brokers And Platforms

    Of course, every trader needs a broker to help with the transactions. There are thousands of brokers to choose from online. However, the experts from https://www.trusted-broker-reviews.com/ recommend selecting a reputable broker with excellent client reviews. You need to review broker profiles carefully to ensure that they have the best intentions at hand. 

    Considering your broker’s trading platform is also crucial as it needs to fit your preferred analytics. In some cases, if you prefer to trade-off with Fibonacci numbers, your chosen broker’s platform should be able to draw Fibonacci lines. Consider looking for good brokers with the right platform to get the best results. 

    When choosing efficient forex brokers, be ready to do some lengthy readings about client reviews. Take the necessary safety precautions. Remember that you are entrusting this broker with your money. It is only right that you are guaranteed proper handling, and timely, transparent withdrawals. 

    4. Be Consistent With Your Methods

    You have your goals set, your style picked out, and a broker to help you with your trading needs. Once you have determined a technique that suits your personal nature, it is essential to maintain consistency. After you have decided what works best for you, jumping from one method to another is not an ideal practice.

    Although it is important to explore your options, profitable traders need to know when to be content with their techniques. But whatever methodology you choose, make sure it is also adaptive. It is also essential to keep up with the latest trends in the evolving market industry. Be consistent, but do not steer away from improvements.

    5. Know Your Entry and Exit Points

    Entry and exit strategies in forex trading is an essential scheme that requires a carefully thought out plan of action. Conflict and confusion in processing information occur among traders who do not know how to interpret chart data throughout different timeframes. So, this trading secret requires you to be able to determine the proper entry and exit points.

    Some buying opportunities that show up on a weekly chart could be a sell signal on an intraday chart. That said, beginners should know to use daily charts to determine their entry and exit points while utilizing weekly charts to determine your trade’s direction. Data interpretation is vital to perfect timing in this industry. 

    6. Work Out Your Expectancy

    Determine the reliability of your system by calculating the expectancies. Consider your past 10 trades and examine your wins and losses. This will help you determine how profitable your techniques are. You can use the formula:

    E=[1+(LW​)]×P−1

    Where:

    E=Expectancy

    W=Average Winning Trade

    L=Average Losing Trade

    P=Percentage Win Ratio​

    Review your systems and check the entry and exit points it dictates for making trades. Use this information if you have not yet done actual trading. Compute for a probable win or loss using the information you have acquired and the formula given above. Get the total winnings and divide them by your successful trades.

    7. Do Not Lose Focus Over Small Losses

    In an industry where taking risks is inevitable, you have to accept that you win some on some days, and on others, you lose some. Once your funds go into your account, remember that you are at risk of losing your hard-earned cash. But if you know how to play your cards right, maintain focus and objectivity, you will not regret the choices you make. 

    Losses are okay so long as you keep to a minimum. Do not let these small losses drive you into a corner. Keep your goals and objectives in mind. Understand that you will not get what you want without making a few sacrifices. Learn to accept things and move on to other alternatives to reach your objectives.

    8. Have Weekend Analysis and Observe Positive Feedback Loops

    The market closes on weekends, giving traders ample time to study their charts. Look for patterns that may help you predict future trends. Paying attention to these types of details will affect your trade and investment. If you are a client at a loss, be patient and study the patterns. Look for what you might be doing wrong and carefully adjust your methods.

    On the other hand, triumphant trades produce positive feedback loops based on proper execution. These loops are a good sign that you are implementing effective methods. Stay within your trading techniques to continue earning profits. Make more successful performances in order to generate positive feedback loops and gain confidence in your trade.

    9. Keep Printed Records

    Printed documents that contain charts, data, and trading information may help you become more analytical of the market trends. Forex trading is a complex system, so regularly studying the shifting numbers ensures that you can follow with the deals and continue gaining profits. 

    Tracking your trading information, entry, and exit points are crucial to maintaining your profits and avoiding sudden losses. Do not be afraid to personalize your personal records, such as writing comments and reminders on your printed charts. 

    When at a loss, take note of possible factors that may have caused this type of result. Perhaps you were a bit too confident or experiencing anxiety when you made this trade. It is essential to have all this information noted for future references. 

    Be careful to not make the same mistakes in the future. You are lucky if you encountered only a small loss. Think of the market as a brutal industry, and one step in the wrong direction could lead your funds to plummet. 

    There are many different techniques, unique strategies, and alternating gameplays that will lead you to a successful position in the currency trading industry. Forex trading requires detailed plans and excellent execution. It is not enough to foresee or predict your list and desired outcomes. 

    Carefully planned courses of action are essential to thrive in this business. Refined traders know when to learn from their mistakes and accept losses. Just be sure that you do not welcome this one loss after another with open arms. There is a difference between making small sacrifices to achieve a win and blindly relying on losing probabilities.  

    Profitable traders know to work smart and monitor their actions carefully. Every decision will cause you to either win or lose your funds. However, do not be overconfident, as arrogance will drag you down before you could even take a few steps up the ladder. If you are just starting out, start investing small, then gradually increase your funds.

    It is good to feel confident with your trades, especially if you are gaining the right amount according to your target goals. However, do not use this as an excuse to create a reckless decision. Take precise expectancy calculations, and always try to predict the probable outcomes.

    Think of trading as an art. The skills required to perfect this craft is through practice, discipline, and experience. Be patient and slowly work your way to the top.