Post by The Analyst's Code

Most candidates answer this question wrong in IB interviews: "Tell me about a recent deal." This question tests three things at once: your market awareness, your ability to think like a banker, and your ability to explain complexity clearly. Most candidates describe the deal. What happened, who acquired who, the size. And stop there. Strong candidates go further:  • Why did the deal happen?  • What is the acquirer trying to achieve?  • Where is value created (cost vs revenue synergies)?  • How was the deal structured and valued?  • What does it mean for the industry? A well-structured answer signals that you don't just follow the market. You understand it. We spoke with 20+ investment bankers who actively interview candidates and compiled their insights into our ‘How To Answer: Tell Me About A Recent Deal’ playbook. Inside: what interviewers actually listen for, how to structure your answer, real examples, how to choose the right deal, and the mistakes 99% of candidates make. Comment your email to receive it for FREE If you want to stay sharp beyond interviews, subscribe to the Monthly IB Newsletter found on our website where we break down major M&A, IPOs, and market moves every month. Meanwhile, follow us on LinkedIn for weekly tips on how to prepare smarter and land your IB internship. #InvestmentBanking #IBRecruitment #FinanceCareers #MergersAndAcquisitions #CorporateFinance #Careers #SpringWeek #SummerInternship