Janus Interview #3- In Person

I arrived exactly on time to the Janus offices here in Denver. I walked in and received a security badge. After waiting about 10 minutes, the HR woman with whom I have had phone conversations came down to greet me. We spent approximately 20 minutes together in a conference room. During this time, she explained to me her experiences at Janus in the last three months and highlighted what she really liked about Janus and what set it apart from other firms of its kind and in Denver. I asked several general questions about the firm, and then it was time to meet the Portfolio Managers with whom I will be working, should I be offered and take the job.

Initially, I was told that there would be a strict time limit of 30 minutes with the Portfolio Managers (two of them). However the interview went almost an hour. These are younger guys, late twenties to early thirties. Their dress was casual, sport shirts with open collars and khaki pants. The following is how the interview went and what information I gained from it. I am leaving out some specific details I learned about the interviewers and Janus.

After introductions, they began asking me about whether or not I was more of a qualitative or quantitative person. I answered that I was a good combination of both. They then drilled me on my cold calling experience. They wanted to know what cold calling I had done, what it was for, what the outcome was, etc. I emphasized that I had experience in cold calling and that my main asset in regards to this skill was that I don't get discouraged by negative responses.

Next, they asked me about financial modeling. Specifically, they asked me how I would construct a financial model for a specific company. My response was rather in depth, and they constructed their additional questions from my answers.

They then took a moment to look at my resume and asked me my opinion on various real estate topics.

I then had the opportunity to ask them several questions such as clarification as to what exactly the position entailed and what they were looking for in an applicant.

I was asked a few of the expected questions, such as what I saw myself doing in this position and what I could bring to Janus. They also asked me a few questions about school and my classes.

I asked a few firm specific questions to help me gain a greater understanding of the position, requirements, and culture.

The rest of the interview was small talk. Where did you go to school? Where are you from? What do you do with your free time? etc.

All in all, I felt really good about the interview. I was not nervous at all. The only thing that bothered me was I had difficulty finding the right word several times. No shakiness, no sweating; I felt great. I was able to talk about many technical aspects of security analysis and investing as well as relate with these guys. One of the managers saw me to the security check in, and on the elevator ride down, he was very positive and said that I would definitely be hearing from them soon.

I know it will be awhile before I find out if I got the job. We'll see what happens, I don't want to burn any bridges, but I want to hold out for an IB position in NYC. I learned a lot from this interview, and could have done a lot of things much better, but it's a good starting point, and I will be that much more polished next time.

Well I have to pack for my flight home, but I have got to get to writing thank you letters soon. Should I write an email or a old fashioned thank you note? Opinions?