Book Description
The tenth edition contains 165 quantitative questions collected from actual job interviews in investment banking, investment management, and options trading. The interviewers use the same questions year-after-year and here they are---with solutions! These questions come from all types of interviews (corporate finance, sales and trading, quant research, etc), but they are especially likely in quantitative capital markets job interviews. The questions come from all levels of interviews (undergrad, MBA, PhD), but they are especially likely if you have, or almost have, an MS or MBA. The latest edition includes over 120 non-quantitative actual interview questions, and a new section on interview technique---based partly on Dr. Crack's experiences interviewing candidates for the world's largest institutional asset manager. Dr. Crack has a PhD from MIT. He has won many teaching awards and has publications in the top academic, practitioner, and teaching journals in finance. He has degrees in Mathematics/Statistics, Finance, and Financial Economics and a diploma in Accounting/Finance. Dr. Crack taught at the university level for 20 years including four years as a front line teaching assistant for MBA students at MIT. He recently headed a quantitative active equity research team at the world's largest institutional money manager.
Download Description
Over 140 quantitative questions collected from actual job interviews in investment banking, investment management, and options trading. The interviewers use the same questions year-after-year and here they are---with solutions! These questions come from all types of interviews (corporate finance, sales and trading, quant research, etc), but they are especially likely in quantitative capital markets job interviews. The questions come from all levels of interviews (undergrad, MBA, PhD), but they are especially likely if you have, or almost have, an MS or MBA. The latest edition includes over 120 non-quantitative actual interview questions, and a new section on interview technique---based partly on Dr. Crack's experiences interviewing candidates for the world's largest institutional asset manager.
Customer Reviews:
very helpful.......2007-10-02
I think this book is very useful even just from the perspective of finding something interesting to do when you get bored. Not mention it indeed provides a lot of relevant information about how to answer the interview quesionts.
Decent.......2007-07-08
This is a decent book. I only looked at a couple of chapters on analytical and statistics problems. Some of the problems marked "hard" were quite interesting and challenging. Quite a few of the problems were trivial and repetitive though. The solutions are generally well written, though sometimes a bit too verbose (for my taste).
Overall, not a bad investment if you are preparing for job interviews which may expect you to crack a few puzzles.
Great interview prep. book.......2007-04-23
This is a great book preparing for an interview, with lots of logic puzzles, stat. and derivatives questions, solid interview advice and some funny stories. The logic questions range from fairly straightforward and simple to more advanced, and I think most people will at least find a couple of them challenging.
Great fun!
Nice book.......2007-02-27
I used this book to prepare for some Wall Street interviews, and I found the questions on Black-Scholes pretty useful to orient my study of Mathematical Finance (my background is in Theoretical Physics, so I used this book to get an idea of the kind of things I would have to learn to work as a Quant). The puzzles and brain teasers in the book were quite straightforward, but I guess one cannot ask too difficult a question in an interview, so they may be in keeping with the kind of questions one typically gets asked.
Interesting book.......2007-01-18
Some of the problems I solved in high school in Russia, some are new and interesting. Some are deep finance oriented and require significant background.
Would be 5 if had a hard cover
Book Description
This unique guide is loaded with sample questions, charts, formulas, and frameworks covering everything from accounting concepts to bond pricing, interest and exchange rate. Job seekers can prep for their tough finance interviews with investment banks and investment management firms.
Customer Reviews:
Everything you need to know, but not enough!.......2007-01-25
The Vault Guide to Finance Interviews is an essential read for any college student trying to start off his or her career with a high powered job in the world of banking or investing. This is particularly useful for those seeking a job in the investment banking field, trading, equities research, or anything closely related to Wall Street.
The guide helps by telling what sort of unpleasant surprises to expect from the interview process. If you haven't had any interviews or hadn't attended an interviewing class or workshop, you will be surprised after reading this book how intense some of these interviews can get. The Vault Guide tries be a good coach with some good behavioral tips to navigate those stressful moments.
The bulk of this book is a review of general finance skills - everything from DCF's, CAPM, financial statements, to derivatives, PE ratios, and bond pricing. The material is extremely comprehensive and should only be a review of what to know. Don't read this expecting to learn finance because there is too much information in too little space. The final part of the Guide has a few common brainteaser questions and suggested solutions to properly answer them.
The Vault Guide is not an answer to getting a Wall Street job, but it's a good starting point and a necessary tool in your arsenal of interview preparation. I suggest using this as a guide to find your weaknesses and obtain other books such as "How Would You Move Mount Fuji?"
A very good start.......2006-10-23
I'll be working for Morgan next year and I really credit this book. I had only taken a couple finance classes two years ago so this was a nice refresher. It provides a great summary of all the equations and relationships that you need to memorize for i-banking interviews. Read it carefully but also stay up on your WSJ. You'll need to talk current events and not just formulas.
Don't waste your time and money on this one.......2006-04-10
If you absolutely have no idea what "finance" is, you might want to check out this book at your local friendly public library. Otherwise, check out other finance career guides. This book is a waste of time and much of the stuff is either inaccurate or not useful at all. I know because I sit on the other side of the table at finance interviews: I'm a seasoned interviewer. (In fact I'm better at recruiting at doing my real job... Sigh.) Let me tell you this: yes, I (and my fellow Wall Street interviewers) will ask some of the basic questions you'll see in this book, but we are lookign for honest, personal answers, not canned ones. Also, we look for *common sense*. Trust me, all successful candidates demonstrate common sense, and also each person's uniqueness ("what makes you sparkle"). Then, for the difficult questions you'll likely encounter, you won't find in this poorly written, poorly edited book. It'll likely confuse you. Instead, read the Wall Street Journal, read up on finance topics that interest you, and beef up your basic math skills if they are lacking at the moment. Again, we want smart people who can think, not someone who just fits into a formula. Of course, many people who do get finance jobs are formula kind of people, but do they get paid a lot? I bet not.
Disappointing, Insufficient.......2002-08-13
While many of the examples presented often arise in interviews, a majority of those given are among the most basic and simplistic questions you might be asked. You need to be prepared to be hit with far more in-depth and probing questions during the interview process. If you have no idea what to expect, this book will get you started. But for most people considering a career in finance, it will provide little benefit.
And a skimpy 150-page paperback, list-priced at $, (or for that matter, ANY book) really shouldn't have full page ads interspersed throughout; What is going on with that?
This book feels like the author churned it out in a weekend. It is more akin to a supplement that a magazine or newspaper might issue, than an actual book.
An investment with a fast pay off.......2002-01-22
I am studying an MBA at IESE's Business School in Barcelona, and this book has been key to help me succeding in getting a Summer Internship in Investment Banking. It is clear, concise, and covers most of the issues asked in Finance interviews. It is a must read for anyone with real interest in Investment Banking and without previous experience in this industry
Book Description
Finally, together in one place, a comprehensive step-by-step process for launching your career as a financial planner. Here is everything you need to know from getting the right credentials to getting the right clients. Over the next few decades, billions of dollars will be changing hands as millions of Baby Boomers retire. Learn how you can play an important role in ensuring the financial health of future generations.
Download Description
Finally, together in one place, a comprehensive step-by-step process for launching your career as a financial planner. Here is everything you need to know - from getting the right credentials to getting the right clients. Over the next few decades, billions of dollars will be changing hands as millions of Baby Boomers retire. Learn how you can play an important role in ensuring the financial health of future generations.
Customer Reviews:
Very Good primer.......2007-08-25
This was my first book on the topic, and I found it to be very solid. The book covers a brief history and evolution of the profession, professional expectations and certifications, educational options necessary to achieve certification or professional competence, options on how to get started actually practicing (working for insurance companies, securities brokers/dealers, self-practice, etc.), the regulatory requirements involving licensing (investment adviser) and record keeping practices, and marketing (focused primarily on promotion). The material is typically delivered through a brief explanation of the topic, accompanied by personal insight and numerous stories from colleagues. In one of the final chapters the author presents numerous stories on how various practioners migrated through their first 5 years of getting started in their practice. The insight and stories are very helpful; during certain passages it would have been more helpful to provide additional detailed explanation rather than "life experiences", but there is certainly enough there to lead you to appropriate web sites where more information could be gathered. Regarding the hefty price of the book, if you are serious about being a financial planner, then you'd better get accustomed to the concept of value, and value based pricing. I feel that I got my money's worth.
First Step to Become a Financial Planner.......2007-05-19
This book probably covers all aspects of financial planner profession. It includes education and where to get it; experience and how to gain it; support network and how to use existing one or start a new one; and most important, at least to me, what to expect in a daily routine.
Interviews with professionals helped me to decide if being a financial planner is for me. This is a excellent book of knowledge for anyone considering financial planner profession.
Read This Book Before Entering The Field!.......2006-12-04
There are a lot of different paths that one can choose to enter the Financial Planning field. This book takes an unbiased look at several of these paths and, in many cases, uses testimonials of people who have chosen each respective path. The author emphasizes the importance of attaining the CFP certification throughout the book. She also provides a plethora (yes plethora) of resources for those interested in the field. The key is to find the right syestem for the individual. Before I read this book I had a vision of how my practice would be. After reading the book, I made some adjustments to my plan and was able to fill it out with elements I had not considered before. This book is filled with useful information and interesting nuggets! I strongly recommend anyone who is considering entre into the field to read this book first!
Please note - 3rd Edition is available!.......2006-06-06
*** DISCLAIMER - This review is posted by the publisher! ***
Please note that an updated 3rd edition is now available, in both digital and paperback formats. The 3rd edition has more content plus, of course, updated references.
The 2nd edition has been EOL'd - Amazon has promised to delete this 2nd edition from their listing, but in the meantime we would like to direct you to the 3rd edition.
BTW - Note that Amazon requires us to rate the book in order to post this notice. While we of course feel that this is an excellent book for career advice, we have chosen to use the average of the ratings submitted by users.
NOTE - 3rd Edition Available!.......2006-06-06
*** DISCLAIMER - This review is posted by the publisher! ***
Please note that an updated 3rd edition is now available, in both digital and paperback formats. The 3rd edition has more content plus, of course, updated references.
The 2nd edition has been EOL'd - Amazon has promised to delete this 2nd edition from their listing, but in the meantime we would like to direct you to the 3rd edition.
BTW - Note that Amazon requires us to rate the book in order to post this notice. While we of course feel that this is an excellent book for career advice, we have chosen to use the average of the ratings submitted by users.
Book Description
Recent years have witnessed the rapid expansion of the personal financial-planning market, with tens of thousands of new planners entering the field. In addition, numerous advisers in the banking, accounting, and insurance fields are beginning to offer planning services. And according to a report from the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of personal financial advisers is "expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012.... As the number and complexity of investments rises, more individuals will look to financial advisers to help manage their money." Updated throughout to reflect the latest industry trends and regulations, Getting Started as a Financial Planner is a hands-on guide to making the move to becoming a fee-based financial planner. Noted practitioner Jeffrey Rattiner covers everything a beginning financial planner will need to know, from setting up a practice and communicating with clients to managing investments and marketing services. In addition, he has added a new chapter covering the latest planning models.
Customer Reviews:
Marginal Value If You Don't Know Anything.......2007-03-30
Bottom line up front - you will not gain a top down view of the industry, the understanding of the types of businesses within it, or the nitty gritty of the components needed to do financial planning or run the business. From the other reviews, most that liked this book didn't have much perspective in this category.
I've bought a number of books to familiarize myself with the financial planning industry before setting off on an educational track. This book has been my only complete disappointment. I'm sure Mr. Rattiner knows his business, but this book does not serve any particular purpose. The scope is too broad and the depth of analysis to shallow to be helpful. No one will "Get Started" in one book. Many parts of the book are more like bulleted/paragraphed lists which can't possibly reveal the extent of the author's knowledge on any of the topics. Other parts skim through the technical parts of financial planning (e.g. types of life insurance policies) which have to be learned later in official certification courses. The aspects of running a small business he mentions don't reveal anything significant or truly specific to this type of business - you could get as much from a good article on the subject.
If you have not yet read anything on the industry, try In Search Of The Perfect Model which gives an excellent overview of very successful and inspiring corporate visions of real financial planning businesses from sole practitioners to regional firms. An alternate bottom-up book which does not sugar coat anything and will specifically point you toward further research in a variety of areas is So You Want To Be A Financial Planner. If you are looking for how the business should be structured for financial success under any model, Practice Makes Perfect written by industry consultants (no "this worked for me" bias) is phenomenal. For office operations, Virtual Office Tools for a High Margin Practice will get your mind spinning with what technology can do for you as a planner. For marketing, I recommend The Brand Called You which gets down to what weight of card stock you should have for mailings.
Sure it's better than nothing but...
Good Introduction for newbie, comprehensive scope.......2007-02-27
Jeff Rattiner is a well-known planner who operates a handful of planning companies and has served as President of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). He's a trustworthy source of information on how to become a financial planner and the important things to consider before embarking on this journey. I work in a related field and found his book helpful to illuminate me on all the issues you'll face. I would encourage you to view this book in terms of a basic introduction to the field and career of financial planning - don't expect advanced tactics or strategies. Established financial planners may find much of the material redundant. Overall, I recommend this book for people considering becoming a financial planner or those who work as an employee in financial services and are considering opening an independent practice.
This book is scam.......2006-02-05
This book is a scam. He's trying to get people to sign up for his training program.
The actual information in the book is minimally helpful.
He charges $40 for you to read marketing tool for his business.
I have no doubt he also wrote these other glowing reviews of this book.
An emerging Ethical, Caring and Holistic Profession.......2004-07-26
Initially, there is a typical cheap-sell impulse about this book (even labeled on the back of it) that breaking into the lucrative financial planning field has never been so easy! Such misleading comments will only damage a highly respectable profession.
Before reading this book, I was intimidated with a perception that financial planners were just another concoction of pesky stockbrokers reborn. When I began reading Chapter 2, I realized that becoming a Certified Financial Planner requires many years of acquired wisdom with scores of training to best understand the needs of their clients. Mastery is comparable to the same level of other respectable professions!
Rather than push product-centered transactions, services offered must be sophisticated, personal and accommodating to ensure long-term success. Now, subjective and objective targets must be met, along with technical prowess and imagination.
As a novice for this review, it seems that financial planning is still in the nascent stages. Therefore, anyone can be a Certified Financial Planner, an exhilarating but also frightening thought. I agree that this is the ultimate mid-career switch for the burned out CPA, attorney, stockbroker, or college-grad housewife.
This leading expert must publish a new edition to reflect the many changes occurring in a burgeoning, potentially volatile, financial service sector. The book was written right before the dot-com bubble bust, so financial planning does not seem to be taken seriously enough.
Jeffrey H. Rattiner portrays the profession in a warm-hearted position, similar to the motion picture Jerry Maguire, where the celebrity athlete is the only loyal client on a hard road to redemption and personal growth for both individuals and their families.
Outstanding book !!.......2004-07-10
I read many business books and when I find one worthwhile I type a summary a page or two long and file it categorically. Not only was this book worthy of a writeup for my personal files but I couldn't get my "summary" under 7 pages. I am a CPA and MBA who was considering starting a personal financial planning practice at some point in the future. That point in the future will probably be much sooner than anticipated after reading this book. It is very insightful and has been instrumental in the business plan I have been working on for a PFP practice.
Book Description
Aimed primarily at college graduates, this guidebook explores high-paying career opportunities in real estate development, financing and investing, corporate real estate, international opportunities, and starting a real estate business. A who's who of industry gurus such as Trump, Zell, Bucksbaum, and Karatz provide the inside scoop on successful careers in the real estate business and interviews with recent graduates reveal key strategies for obtaining a job in the industry. Background information on the real estate industry, education, and employer expectations is also provided.
Customer Reviews:
Great Choice.......2007-05-17
BS'D
If you are interested in real estate development this is the best starting point for you. Mr. Ross writes concise and retains the ability to keep the reader excited to turn to the next page. The Inside Track to Careers in Real Estate gives a realistic snapshot of the real estate market. Whether you are a student in high school, collage, or looking for a career move, this book will give you the information you will need to start off and excel in real estate development. Enjoy!
Book Description
Because in todays competitive job market, you need every edge you can find… The founder of the Just Resumes
® writing service and author of several popular resume books, Kim Marino now offers practicing and prospective accountants and financial professionals a practical, highly targeted guide to writing winning resumes. Whether youre an executive making a lateral move or returning to the work force, or a college graduate just entering the accounting industry, this surefire handbook provides you with step-by-step guidance and savvy advice on how to create a professionally designed resume that puts your education, experience, and accomplishments in the best possible light and helps you reach your job objective. Best Resumes for Accountants and Financial Professionals first offers quick tips on the basics of resume writing, proper resume appearance, and the dos and donts of resume preparation. Youll learn what type of resume best suits your needs and how to create each—whether chronological, functional, or combination resumes. It then gets down to specifics, with tailor-made advice and 80 detailed sample resumes and cover letters for:
- Accountants and financial pros who are making a lateral move or career change—such as financial planners, securities analysts, portfolio managers, brokers, account execs, and human resource directors
- Accountants moving up—including public, private, financial, and government accountants
- Accounting students and recent graduates—from first-year students with no paid experience, to college graduates looking to set forth in the real world
Complete with the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the corporate headquarters of the Big 6 accounting firms and Fortune 500 companies, and an alphabetical listing of key accountant associations and publications, Best Resumes for Accountants and Financial Professionals demonstrates how you can make a lasting first impression, and then reinforce it through the job selection process.
Customer Reviews:
Slightly disappointed.......2001-10-20
This book was useful and somewhat helpful in providing additional information on reformatting my resume. However I probably would have chosen another book had I been able to compare. This book is 199 pages of which well less than half is actually narrated tips on creating a resume. The remainder of the book consists of resume and cover letter examples. In actuality this book should be considered a book of examples rather then instructional. In, addition, the examples are repetitive and often provide the same information over and over. Really in the approximately 75 pages of examples there are only about a dozen unique items to learn from. There are also pages dedicated to listing institutional references which seem to serve almost as a page filler.
The book does do a good job of diversifying its audience to a wide level of financial professionals however; in general, it seems somehow inadequate.
Accountants: Do You Have The Best Resume?.......2000-03-26
When looking through books of resumes, I often find that I have a hard time adapting them to myself. This is usually because the resumes don't apply to accounting/finance. For that reason alone I would recommend this book. There are resume examples for the entry-level employee as well as the veteran. There are even some examples of resumes for people interested in changing careers (for example, going from private accounting to a hospital administrator).
Also helpful, are tips on interviewing and the cover and thank you letters. The book also lists names and phone numbers of various corporations and professional associations.
All in all, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a job in accounting/finance-no matter what your experience level.
Book Description
The most comprehensive career book series available, Opportunities In...explores a vast range of professions to help job seekers find the job that's best for them. Each book offers:
- The latest information on a field of interest
- Training and education requirements for each career
- Up-to-date professional and internet resources
- Salary statistics for different positions within each field
- And much more
Download Description
The most comprehensive career book series available, Opportunities In...explores a vast range of professions to help job seekers find the job that's best for them. Each book offers: The latest information on a field of interest Training and education requirements for each career Up-to-date professional and internet resources Salary statistics for different positions within each field And much more
Customer Reviews:
Very simplistic Information you probably already know.......2005-03-05
I bought this book since it was the most up-to-date book discussing financial careers. I have found it to be too simplistic to be useful in my search for a banking job. Odds are that you too are looking for a book that gives helpful info on job hunting - so if this is your purpose I advise against the purchase of this book. Spend the extra few bucks and get the HBS Careers in Finance book instead.
Financial Careers.......2000-10-20
Opportunities in Financial Careers touches upon the vast array of banks, security firms, insurance companies and other financial institutes around the world. With recent deregulation and computerization and the fall of goverments opening new markets it is a stimulating, ever changing profession. Education is a must, computer competency is essential, a second language is valuable, and good communication skills necessary. While requiring continual learning and hard work it is an exciting profession with countless opportunities.
Customer Reviews:
Investment Banking.......2007-07-05
I bought this book for my girlfriend because she was recently outplaced by a company buyout. I wanted to know more about what she does so that I could help her find a job with my network. It speaks in terms that we can all identify with and gave me a better understanding of what to look for.
Book Description
The Harvard Business School Guide to Careers in Finance 2001 is an indispensable resource for anyone considering a job search in finance or investment banking. This all-in-one guide details the trends in finance, describes the industry's vast and varying career opportunities, and provides guidance on the recruiting process. Included in this new edition are profiles of leading investment banks, commercial banks, and Fortune 500 companies that hire MBAs; a selected bibliography; and a useful glossary of finance terms.
The Harvard Business School Guide to Careers in Finance Includes: *Is a Career in Finance Right for You? *Company Profiles *Recruiting Contacts *Career Resources *Career Paths in Finance * Investment and Commercial Banking *Financial Services *Corporate Finance *Glossary of Financial Terms
Customer Reviews:
superficial book.......2001-11-07
This book is extremely superficial and unimaginative, giving only scant information and profiles from a number of companies of a few finance careers.
good, but the Vault guides are better.......2001-09-21
In my opinion there is more and better objective information on Finance and investment banking careers in the Vault Career Guide to Investment Banking and in the Vault Guide to Finance Interviews, which have the added benefit of being able to be purchased on vault.com and downloaded immediately. Good luck.
better information in the Vault guides.......2001-09-21
In my opinion there is more and better objective information on Finance and investment banking careers in the Vault Career Guide to Investment Banking and in the Vault Guide to Finance Interviews, which have the added benefit of being able to be purchased on vault.com and downloaded immediately. Good luck.
fair.......2001-09-19
This book was fair, but in my opinion the Vault Guide to the Top Finance Firms is a superior guide to careers in finance. Also try the Vault.com Guide to Finance Interviews. Good luck.
Good Book for Finance Review.......2000-05-05
This was just as good as their 1999 edition.
Book Description
Want to land a job or career in the private wealth management industry but don't know where to start? The Vault Career Guide to Private Wealth Management takes you inside the industry to make sure you can land the job you want. It covers the basics of equity and fixed income products to market and regulatory trends, and dissects career paths and job responsibilities at the both large and small firms.
Books:
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- How to Buy, Sell, and Profit on eBay: Kick-Start Your Home-Based Business in Just Thirty Days
- How to Get the Financing for Your New Small Business: Innovative Solutions from the Experts Who Do It Every Day
- How to Make Money in Commercial Real Estate: For The Small Investor
- Inside the House of Money: Top Hedge Fund Traders on Profiting in the Global Markets
- Interest Rate Models - Theory and Practice: With Smile, Inflation and Credit (Springer Finance)
- Interest Rate Models - Theory and Practice: With Smile, Inflation and Credit (Springer Finance)
Books Index
Books Home
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Job Hunting
| Job Hunting & Careers
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Options, Futures and Other Derivatives (6th Edition)
Vault Guide to Advanced Finance & Quantitative Interviews
Stochastic Calculus for Finance II: Continuous-Time Models (Springer Finance)
My Life as a Quant: Reflections on Physics and Finance
Basic Black-Scholes: Option Pricing and Trading
