Wall Street Recruiting Checklist — 20 Steps to Break into IB

📐 Foundation

01 ☐ Master the 3 financial statements (IS, BS, CF) and how they link

02 ☐ Learn DCF valuation from scratch (build one in Excel)

03 ☐ Understand LBO mechanics and why PE firms use leverage

04 ☐ Memorize key multiples: EV/EBITDA, P/E, EV/Revenue, Price/Book

05 ☐ Build a comparable company analysis (comps) model

🎯 Recruiting Prep

06 ☐ Target your target banks: bulge bracket, elite boutique, or middle market

07 ☐ Craft your "story" — why finance, why IB, why this bank

08 ☐ Network with 3+ alumni at each target firm before applying

09 ☐ Prepare 5 deal discussions (M&A, IPO, or LBO) with context

10 ☐ Practice 50+ technical questions until answers are automatic

📄 Resume & Applications

11 ☐ Format resume to 1 page, bullet points starting with action verbs

12 ☐ Quantify every achievement (%, $, timeframes)

13 ☐ List relevant finance coursework, clubs, and certifications (CFA Level 1, Bloomberg)

14 ☐ Apply early — most banks close applications in August/September

15 ☐ Tailor cover letter to each bank's culture and recent deals

💼 Interview Excellence

16 ☐ Nail the "Walk me through your resume" in under 2 minutes

17 ☐ Practice mental math: % changes, multiples, rough calculations

18 ☐ Prepare thoughtful questions for each interviewer

19 ☐ Send thank-you emails within 24 hours of each interview

20 ☐ Follow up with your network contact at the firm after each round