Resources

Start with a comprehensive question bank that covers accounting, valuation, deal mechanics, and behavioral questions. Supplement with financial modeling courses if needed, and practice with mock interviews. Focused, repetitive drilling beats reading textbooks cover to cover.

Aim to work through at least 200-400 unique technical questions across all major categories. Quality matters more than quantity: make sure you truly understand each answer rather than memorizing responses. Review missed questions multiple times.

For most analyst interviews, conceptual understanding is more important than Excel proficiency. However, knowing how a three-statement model and DCF work in practice strengthens your technical answers. Modeling skills become essential once you start the job.

Begin with accounting and financial statement fundamentals, then build to valuation and deal mechanics. Layer in behavioral preparation throughout. Start technical preparation at least eight to twelve weeks before your first interview.

The 400 questions represent the core technical and behavioral topics that cover the vast majority of what banks ask in interviews. Mastering this question set means you will have a prepared, confident answer for nearly any question thrown your way.