"During recruiting, two questions are alwaysasked...that a student never gets to hear. Thefirst is the Pittsburgh Airport Test. [Theinterviewer asks himself] how [it] would feelbeing snowed in at the Pittsburgh airport for ninehours with this person," Cosentino says.

"The second question is how [the interviewer]would feel bringing this person in front of aclient," Cosentino says. "The interviewer askshimself does [the candidate] have the poise,articulation and sophistication to persuade aclient."

"If the answer to these two questions is yes,the chance of moving on in the process is verystrong," Cosentino adds.

Beating the System

Interviewing for a job at an investment bankusually takes place in three rounds. The structureof the first round depends on whether theprocedure is "closed" or "open."

In a "closed" interview process, students say,a firm may sift through as many as 300 resumes andpick 70 people to interview for the first round.

In an "open" interview process, all interestedstudents are allowed to sign up for first-roundinterviews.

Firms then use the first two interview rounds,which usually take place on campus, to narrowtheir choices down to a group of top candidates.

These final candidates are interviewed in thelast round, usually at the site of the company.

"If you're going to the site, you usually havea 50-50 chance [of getting a job offer]," Weisbergsays.

Interviews aside, investment banks may alsohave other things in mind when examiningcandidates.

"There are a couple things investment bankslook for. They look at how well you've done[academically]...at campus activities and whetheryou've reached leadership positions...atanalytical skills...at past work experience,"Cosentino says.

"They're looking for bright people they cantrain," he adds.

Bank recruiters also look at "how hard you'veworked on a team," according to Cosentino.

According to graduating seniors, recruiters mayregard students who balance numerousextracurriculars as capable of coping with aninvestment banker's hectic schedule.