How to get a Spring Week...
Tuesday December 1st 2009
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are...
Edward Joudrey
President
Finalist Natural Sciences
Gap Year: Rothschild Gap Year Programme
Spring Weeks: J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, UBS, Watson
Wyatt
Summer Internship: J.P. Morgan Cazenove UK IBD
Graduate Offer 2010: J.P. Morgan
Patrick Colville
Vice-President
Finalist Natural Sciences
Gap Year: Price Waterhouse Coopers
Spring Weeks: J.P. Morgan, UBS,
Summer Internship: J.P. Morgan Financial Sponsors
Group
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Who we are...
Mikhel Ruia
Sponsorship Rep
Economics
Gap Year: Merrill Lynch
Spring Weeks: J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley
Summer Internship offer: J.P. Morgan
Daniel Lou
PR Rep
Economics
Spring Weeks: RBS, SEO
Summer Internship: RBS - Operations
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Who we are...Your First Year Rep
Jakob Lindqvist
First Year Rep
PPE
Gap Year: Avanza Retail Broking & Private Banking
Market Report Analyst
Communicate your voice to the Exec
Promote all First Year Events
Increase your involvement
Promote the Gateway on Campus
Answer any First Year programme questions and queries
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Introduction
Spring Weeks
Outline of Session
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Drinks
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
What is a Spring Week?
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Comprehensive introduction to financial Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
services within the Easter break
Questions
Open to all degree disciplines
Demystify any preconceptions and
stereotypes surrounding the industry
Early recruitment source to spot potential
talent
Learn, participate & Succeed
Programmes...
Who we are
Introduction
Bank
Area Specific Deadline
URL:
CV
Cover Letter
Yes
7-Feb
[Link]
Competencies
No
31-Jan
[Link]
No
31-Dec
[Link]
No
5-Jan
[Link]
Yes
31-Jan
[Link]
No
17-Jan
[Link]
Yes
31-Jan
[Link]
Yes
17-Jan
[Link]
Yes
N/A
[Link]
No
16-Jan
[Link]
Yes
14-Jan
[Link]
No
N/A
[Link]
Learn, participate & Succeed
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
CV Structure
Profile
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Education
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Work Experience
Positions of Responsibilities
Skills and Interests
ONE PAGE. DO NOT LIE. BE RELEVANT
Learn, participate & Succeed
Questions
Profile
Short Profile summarising your skills and how these apply
to the role that you are seeking
No DOB
Learn, participate & Succeed
Durham Email
Education
Include
Finance Modules, Quantitative or Language modules if
applicable
College
Learn, participate & Succeed
Work Experience
Anything is relevant if competencies expressed
Sex it up
Learn, participate & Succeed
Positions of Responsibilities
Anything is relevant shows personality
Learn, participate & Succeed
Skills and Interests
Express your personality
Way to provide talking points at interview
No need to include reaferences
Learn, participate & Succeed
Cover Letter
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Purpose
Core Structure
Intro
Why Program
Why Bank
Why Area
Why You
The 4 Core: Skills, Competencies & Examples
Learn, participate & Succeed
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Who we are
Introduction
Purpose
Supplement CV as an explanatory tool
Opportunity to express
Personality
Motivation
Written Clarity
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Stand out CVs are quite generic
More important when competency questions
not required
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are
Introduction
Core Structure
CV
Cover Letter
Introduction
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Clearly State what you are applying for:
Questions
Your address,
Your address.
Postcode
Research Correct Address of firm
Punctuation Consistency
10, Aldermanbury,
125, London Wall,
London.
EC27 5AJ
Clarifies context
Correct dictation of Name
Program Branding
1st December 2009
Dear Sir,
RE: J.P. Morgan Spring Week: Inside the Industry Application
I am writing to express my interest for a place on the J.P. Morgan Spring Week: Inside the
Industry programme 2010.
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are
Introduction
Core Structure
CV
Cover Letter
Why Program
Competencies
Why do you want a place
Want do you think you will gain from it
What made you apply
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Demonstrate: :Research, Motivation
...Having been informed about the programme through the Durham University & Investment and
Finance Group (DUIFG), listening to the experiences of past participants, such as (insert name), I felt
immediately compelled to apply. I see this opportunity within J.P. Morgan as an excellent foundation to
expose myself to the intricacies of such a prestigious company, develop my understanding of the
industry as a whole and pursue my current goal of obtaining a position on your penultimate year
summer internship programme 2011
Expression point Big Picture:
Learn, participate & Succeed
Core Structure
Who we are
Introduction
Why bank
Knowledge, Research, Understanding
PUNCHY not generic.
Do not regurgitate website
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
... Given the adversity surrounding the industry and current macroeconomic turmoil, which is hopefully
easing, [Link] has stood out and further cemented its position as the market leader; especially
within the universal banking model, a model which has crumbled at the likes of Citi and RBS
catastrophically. Jamie Dimons inspirational leadership and pursuit of a fortress balance sheet, which
at times was once foreseen as a conservative approach in the bull market of post-2002, has enabled
[Link] to not only remain stable in the current downturn but make strategic acquisitions of Bear
Stearns and Washington Mutual. This has allowed [Link] to grow its brokerage and retail
franchises respectively. For an aspiring graduate this has truly set [Link] apart from its rivals as the
place to be, in such a well led institution. Further, this ability for a firm to organically innovate provides
an environment in which a dedicated graduate can excel. The recent change in management structure
which combined the role of the two co-heads of the investment bank appointing Jess Staley is further
testament to a company continually searching for the competitive edge...
Market Understanding, Context of J.P. Morgan,
Analysis . Research
Learn, participate & Succeed
Core Structure
Why Area
Some programs area specific
You may already have some preference
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Check division name
...An area of interest which particularly attracts to me to investment banking is risk management. I see
this area as such an exciting field which is entering a new paradigm given the economic climate. Past
models are being completely re-evaluated in the way markets approach risk and entering the industry
in such important period within the history of capitalism I see as compelling especially as I can use my
passion for mathematics within the area...
Continued Market Understanding
Learn, participate & Succeed
Questions
Core Structure
Who we are
Introduction
Why You
CV
Cover Letter
Highlight key skills which you can offer
Demonstrate them through 3 to 4 examples
Skill Base:
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Numerical, Analytical, Communicational, Evaluative
Leadership, Enthusiasm for Finance (DUIFG!),
Team Work, Stamina, Drive, Project Based Work,
Linguistic ability, Organisational, Intrigue, Ability to
Synthesize Information, Handle pressure,
Ambition, Determination, Attention to detail, Pure
Academics etc
Stand Out: Do not be generic... Think of interesting
examples.
Learn, participate & Succeed
Core Structure
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
....I consider myself to be a well-rounded team player within any context and situation, which I
hope is shown through my extracurricular interests. My organisational and leadership
skills exhibited last year has led to my appointment as the Hatfield College Table Tennis
Captain 08/09, normally a role assigned for a final year student. Taekwondo has installed
in me an inner drive and stamina I feel is very transferable to the modern work
environment. This I hope is demonstrated through my ability to achieve a black belt in less
than three years. My degree (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) requires much
evaluative work in order to synthesise an array of literature. During my Gap Year
internship with KPMG, I developed my numerical skills greatly conducting audits
continuously leaving me with an in-depth knowledge of accounting practice within the
professional domain.
Finally, I pursue my intrigue in financial markets through my membership of the DUIFG where I
have been elected as an Analyst on our Fund Team covering the TMT sector where I report
to the Fund Manager my investments ideas within the sector...
How many competencies can you name ?
Learn, participate & Succeed
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Competencies
A competency interview is a style of interviewing often used to evaluate a candidate's
competence, particularly when it is hard to select on the basis of an applicant's past or
previous industry experience, but this is an ineffective tool for graduate level candidates.
Competency based interviews give valuable insights into an individual's preferred style of
working and help predict behaviors in future situations.
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Example competency questions:
What makes you suited for the role to which you applied?
Give an example of when you've overcome a complex problem with a simple solution?
Give an example of when you've led a team, how would you have managed a challenge
to your authority?
Give an example of when you've failed in the past?
Have you ever had to work in a team with someone who you do not like and did not
work well with, how did you overcome this?
Describe an instance where you have delivered more than was expected of you. (150
words)
Learn, participate & Succeed
Competencies (cont)
Use the Star method for questions where youre asked to describe a scenario. Outlining the:
Situation,
Task,
Action and
Result
Key competencies YOU NEED TO DEMONSTRATE in your application and in interviews:
Excellent academic background, at least for the larger banks
Strong numerical and IT skills=
Stamina and drive to succeed
A keen interest in and knowledge of the financial sector and the role you are applying for
as well as current affairs and business in general
The ability to work long hours, under pressure and to tight deadlines
An ability to grasp complex issues quickly
Strong communication and team-working skills
Fluency in a European language is an advantage, depending on the role chosen
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Competencies (cont)
Highlight your achievements, using facts and figures to give a tangible impression of your successes:
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Vary your examples and attempt to write about things that arent the norm:
Try not to use an example more than once , and for this example think about for which
competency it could best be used
Most people will have led a university project or participated in an extra-curricular activity
team; the more interesting things youve done, the more likely your application is to be
noticed.
Also try to think of example that are recent, what you did when you were 15 at school really
doesnt matter
However, do not make things up! You may be asked further details about the scenarios at
interview and any embellishments will come out. No-one wants to hire a liar.
Go off topic or write irrelevant things this gives the impression that you have either not done
something suitable or that you have misread the question.
Similarly, don't go into too much background detail when answering competency questions.
Your interviewer only wants to know about your past behaviors. Further detail is redundant.
Prepare TWO example for each competency, this way you will be ready if they do not like your first
example of if they are trying to catch you off guard
Learn, participate & Succeed
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Competencies
Now how do you think you would be able to handle to following competency questions?
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Describe an instance where you have delivered more than was expected of you. (150 words)
Last term I was elected to be my student halls bicycle security officer. This was typically
somewhat of a joke position and the previous two position holders had done very little.
However, having had my bike stolen three times whilst at university, I was determined
to break the norm and do more than typically expected of the bicycle security officer. So
far I have managed to negotiate for the local bike shop to give extra 10% discounts to
students for bicycle locks and raised awareness of the issue by liaising with Bristol police
to ensure that free bicycle identification kits are distributed within halls and faculty
common rooms. With only two bicycles stolen from students in my halls in the first half
of this term (compared with 10 last term) the measures seem to have had some success,
which I am hopeful will continue throughout the year.
Learn, participate & Succeed
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Competencies
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
What do you perceive as your weaknesses? (150 words)
Whilst I am very interested in joining the [Link] Spring Week programme, I am
inexperienced having not previously worked in a business related position or an officebased role. Nonetheless I am hopeful that my passion for the technology sector will help
me to understand the day-to-day elements of the job quickly; I have also come to learn
about the business behind the technology sector through the research I have done in
contributing stories about mobile broadband to the [Link] blog /website. Also,
having studied History, I am aware that I lack the theoretical knowledge and
mathematical expertise which would help me in the finance part of the rotation scheme.
However, I have been trying to develop my skills in this area through taking a business
module alongside my normal course and by reading some introductory text finance
books.
GOOD LUCK
Learn, participate & Succeed
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Aptitude Tests
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Verbal Reasoning Test
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Numerical Test
Questions
Becoming a standard part of the first stage
screening process along with the CV, Cover
Letter and Competency Based questions
already discussed
Learn, participate & Succeed
Verbal Reasoning Example 1
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Learn, participate & Succeed
Verbal Reasoning Example 2
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Learn, participate & Succeed
Numerical Example 1
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Learn, participate & Succeed
Answer to Example 1
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Learn, participate & Succeed
Numerical Example 2
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Learn, participate & Succeed
Answer to Example 2
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Learn, participate & Succeed
Tips & Hints Reasoning Tests
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Make sure you will not be interrupted during Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
the test
Tips & Hints
Questions
Dont ponder too long on any question, make
an educated guess and move on
True/False given information/Cannot say without
more info, dont try to infer information
Read broad sheet newspapers, reports and business
journals
Learn, participate & Succeed
Tips & Hints Numerical Tests
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Be careful with units
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Calculator, rough paper
Questions
Dont spend too long on a question you are stuck on
Aim for roughly a minute per question
Read financial reports in newspapers, studying tables
of data and practicing your mental arithmetic
Practise at:
[Link]
[Link]
Learn, participate & Succeed
General Tips & Hints
Spelling and Grammar
The company name e.g. J.P. Morgan not
Jpmorgan
JPM
J P Morgan
Be careful when copying and pasting
Make every word count
Dont rush: a spring week can lead to: 10,000 internship
45,000 graduate offer
Be concise
Learn, participate & Succeed
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Who we are
Introduction
CV
Cover Letter
Competencies
Aptitude
Tests
Tips & Hints
Questions
Learn, participate & Succeed
