James Bortolus, Author at Finance Interview Coach

Published On - June 30, 2020

Let’s say you just created a model in Excel. How do you check it?

The best way to check your model is to print it out and check if there are any errors. It may be overwhelming to look over a model you worked on very long on a screen and printing it out, will make it easier to synthesize the information. As well, you can put in formulas […]...

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Investment Banking

Why do you think formatting is so emphasized?

Formatting is key to build your attention to detail. Consistent formatting is key to maintaining professionalism with clients and teaches analysts to build their eye to detail and to notice any minor matters that may be off....

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Market Knowledge

What makes a good investment thesis?

A good investment thesis should present several solid and unique explanations of why this company would be a good investment. Some examples of drivers include ●A M&A roll-up strategy that is looking to buy companies at cheap multiples to accelerate growth ●Efficiency initiatives that seek to...

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Market Knowledge

What do you look for in an investment?

This question is testing your investment philosophy. The typical investment philosophy that is often preferred by investment bankers and private equity investors is deep value plays on companies with a sustainable competitive advantage trading at relatively undervalued multiples,similar to Warren Bu...

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Investment Banking, Market Knowledge

Pitch me a stock.

Feel free to take 1-2 minutes with your answer. It’s important to avoid stocks that everybody knows, such as Apple, Netflix, Alphabet (Google), etc. This is because pitching these commonly known stocks might be interpreted as a lack of knowledge of the intricacies of the stock market. On the other...

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Investment Banking

What makes a good model?

A good model is one that is thought through with great detail and logic. Any model that deals with intrinsic valuation such a DCF is based off numerous assumptions and the modeler must be able to back up their assumptions and logic when asked. A good model is one that can be explained with sound [&h...

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Behaviorals and Fit, Investment Banking

What’s your favourite Excel shortcut?

A common answer to this would be any special paste functions, since they are commonly used in banking. For example, after copying a series of cells, you can use the special paste function to paste only the format, or the numbers as an absolute value, or column widths. Any other shortcut is fine as l...

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Behaviorals and Fit, Investment Banking, Private Equity

Why shouldn’t we hire you?

This is a trick question to test your confidence in being hired. Rather than making up reasons you shouldn’t be hired, you should say “there’s no reason you shouldn’t hire me.” Then you can list the reasons why they should hire you, similar to the answer above, and give examples for each o...

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Investment Banking

What do you look for in an investment?

This question is testing your investment philosophy. The typical investment philosophy that is often preferred by investment bankers and private equity investors is deep value plays on companies with a sustainable competitive advantage trading at relatively undervalued multiples,similar to Warren Bu...

Published On - June 30, 2020

James Bortolus Investment Banking

Explain the stock market to a 5 year old.

Let’s think of the stock market as a valley of apple trees. Each apple tree represents a company.Some of the trees you’re allowed to pick from and others you aren’t allowed to. Each apple you get from a tree will be considered as one stock. The ones that you are able to pick from would [&helli...