Into City Prep

If you're job hunting and want to STAND OUT from the crowd, here's something you can do that’s virtually free... Not everyone receives their emails (they may have assistants screening them), and not everyone checks messages, but most people read their own mail. Handwritten letters also carry a completely different energy. They require time, thought, and intent, making them stand out. Sending handwritten letters can be a key part of your job search strategy. If someone helps you with career advice, they get a letter. If you meet a potential employer or a valuable connection at a networking event, they get a letter. People don’t forget when they receive something that has a personal touch.

One of our favorite quotes from Warren Buffett is: “You don’t get rich fast…you get rich slow.” Let me tell you a story. Imagine two runners in a marathon. One is eager to win quickly and takes shortcuts, running off the marked path to gain an advantage. The other runner sticks to the course, pacing themselves steadily and following the rules. As the marathon progresses, the runner who took shortcuts gets lost and exhausted, while the steady runner gains momentum, passing them effortlessly. Success takes time in every aspect of life: business, friendships, personal development, achieving your dream role, and more. Just like the steady runner, you should aim to reach your goals as quickly as you can, but without cutting corners. Be patient and consistent. If you do things the right way, you’ll eventually surpass those who tried to cheat the process. Remember, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

UNDER RATED BUSINESS ADVICE: Follow up with everyone. Have a meeting? Send a thank you Get someone a card. Send a note. Someone sends you a gift…thank them. And if you have a meeting and get a "no"...you get another bite at the apple on your follow up. So many of our clients have learned to turn a “no” into a yes and you could too. Take your time and craft a perfect response. Here’s a list of guidelines to help you formulate your message. Do… ✔️Use a clear, descriptive email subject (e.g. “Checking in on my application for [role]”) ✔️ Express your continued interest in the position ✔️ Tailor your message to the role you’re applying for ✔️ Keep it fairly brief and to-the-point ✔️ Touch on why you’d be a great fit and are excited about the opportunity ✔️ Offer to provide additional materials or references upon request ✔️ Finish on a note of gratitude (e.g. “Thank you for your time and consideration”) Don’t… ❌ Send a vague or generic message (e.g. a ‘cookie-cutter’ email) ❌ Use pushy/demanding language at any point ❌ Be overly casual/informal (e.g. “Hey [Name]!”) Here's en example email template. 📧 Subject: Grateful for Our Discussion Today, [Name] Hi [Name], I appreciate you making time to talk today. It was great to connect and hear more about [Name of Company]! I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion, particularly [Specific topic of conversation you and the interviewer will remember well]. As promised, here is the article I referenced about [Something related to the topic of conversation]. I'm really enthusiastic about this opportunity and look forward to learning more about the next steps. Please feel free to let me know if there's anything I can assist with from my side! Best regards, [Your Name] ————— ➡️ Follow us for more proven tips to accelerate your success. #followup #intocityprep #career #job #lifehacks

Master tricky interview questions with confidence by following these steps. Tricky interview questions can be daunting, but don't worry—we’re here to help you navigate them with ease. Let's tackle a common one: "Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge at work." Instead of freezing up, use the STARI method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Implications). This little twist on the classic STAR method provides a clearer picture of your impact by highlighting the potential consequences if you hadn't taken action. In the Magnet Interview Guide, we provide detailed examples, but here’s a quick one: Situation: You worked at a retail store, and one day, all your coworkers called in sick. Task: You needed to ensure the store ran smoothly despite being short-staffed. Action: You rearranged the schedule, handled store operations, and closed a big sale. Result: By the end of the day, the business ran as usual, and sales targets were met. Implications: If you hadn’t stepped up, the store would have faced operational chaos, leading to lost sales and dissatisfied customers. This is a perfect STARI story! Now, let's address the classic "What's your biggest weakness?" question. Instead of claiming to be a perfectionist, share a real weakness and how you're working to improve it. For example, you might say you struggle with public speaking but have been taking online courses to get better. Authenticity and proactive efforts to improve always make a positive impression. In our next post, we’ll share more underrated tips that will help you standout. It will be eye-opening! #intocityprep #interviews #success #recruitment

All my Private Equity posts in one giant list (bookmark this post🔖): Private Equity is hard to break into, but the underlying concepts are not as complicated as people think. To that end, here's nearly everything I've learned on the job (mostly the hard way) consolidated into one giant list for your reference. 1. All the steps of going through a deal: https://bit.ly/3tub2Wd 2. How I learned FP&A in Private Equity: https://bit.ly/3vlxTUx 3. How the grocery store teaches you Sources & Uses https://bit.ly/3RGEUqs 4. Due Diligence roadmap: https://bit.ly/3RGS7zp 5. Adjusted EBITDA cheat sheet: https://bit.ly/3TKTzDv 6. Modeling pro forma EBITDA Adjustments: https://bit.ly/3tIM31e 7. Visualizing a private equity waterfall: https://bit.ly/3TFedoB 8. Waterfall video: https://bit.ly/3RLRyUW 9. Modeling the pro forma Balance Sheet: https://bit.ly/3S2173v 10. The 4 Phases of a Private Equity fund: https://bit.ly/3RK24Mt 11. A sample Quality of Earnings (QofE) Report: https://bit.ly/48xslFb 12. Visualizing a LBO: https://bit.ly/3TMw8Kc 13. Presenting a consolidation: https://bit.ly/3S1Pqtv 14. Gantt chart of due diligence: https://bit.ly/3REZ8Rn 15. A detailed waterfall: https://bit.ly/3S3fDYI 16. Best qualities of a PE Associate: https://bit.ly/3TMw9he 17. Sample interview question: https://bit.ly/3TMw9Og 18. How does someone in PE make money? https://bit.ly/3S0LBF6 19. Reading a banking teaser: https://bit.ly/3TL53XQ 20. The dark side of Private Equity: https://bit.ly/3RMfmb8 💥𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀: CFO checklist if you might be acquired: https://bit.ly/3TM4a18 ~~~ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟯 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀: Hey, I'm Chris Reilly, and I teach Private Equity and FP&A Financial Modeling tailored for the middle-market. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 ⤵️ I've got a bunch of free Excel templates you can mess around with. Grab them here: https://bit.ly/3R6IvxK

The wealth secret no one talks about. In 2009, Stanford business professor Tina Seelig split her class into groups and issued a challenge: Each group had $5 and 2 hours to make the highest return on the initial money. At the end, they'd give a short presentation on their strategy. The results were fascinating... Most of the groups followed a basic approach: ✅ Use the $5 to buy a few items. ✅ Barter or resell those items. ✅ Repeat ✅ Sell final items for (hopefully) more than $5. These groups made a modest return on their initial $5. A few groups ignored the $5. They thought up ways to make the most money in the 2 hours of allotted time: ✅ Made and sold reservations at hot restaurants. ✅ Refilled bike tires on campus for $1 each. These groups made a better return on their initial $5. The winning group took an entirely different approach. They had three core realizations: 1. The $5 was nothing more than a distraction. 2. The 2 hours of time was not enough to make an attractive, outsized return with a mini-business (like selling restaurant reservations or filling bike tires). 3. The most valuable "asset" was actually the presentation time in front of a class of Stanford students. 🤯 Realizing the value of this hidden asset, they offered the presentation time to companies looking to recruit Stanford students. They struck a deal to sell the time slot for $650, netting a monstrous return on the $5 of initial capital. The losing groups thought in linear, logical terms and achieved a linear, logical outcome. The winning group thought differently. So, what can we learn from this story? There are two types of problems: 1. Low-Stakes: Lower potential, linear rewards. Decisions are easily reversible. 2. High-Stakes: Higher potential, asymmetric rewards. Decisions are not easily reversible. With low-stakes problems, given the reward potential is low and the decisions are easily reversible, we can use shortcuts and heuristics to choose our path. We can take a logical, linear approach. With high-stakes problems, the high, asymmetric reward potential means we need to think differently. We want to take a creative, non-linear approach. Enjoy this? Share this with someone to spread the learning! #intocityprep #creativity #asymmetricthinking

🌟 Unlock the secret to acing your next interview! 🌟 Asking the right questions can significantly increase your chances of landing that offer. Here are the top 4 questions to ask at the end of an interview and why they're important: 1. "What is the biggest challenge your team is facing now?" • This question shows your interest in understanding the current dynamics of the team and how you can contribute to solving real problems. It also gives you insight into the company's priorities and areas for potential growth. 2. "What would a new hire have to do in the first 6 months at least to meet and even exceed your expectations?" • Asking this question demonstrates your commitment to excel in the role and your willingness to proactively seek ways to meet the employer's expectations. It also provides clarity on what success looks like in the position. 3. “What is the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned whilst working here?" • This question allows you to gain valuable insights into the company culture, challenges, and opportunities for growth. It also fosters a more personal connection with the interviewer, showcasing your genuine interest in their experiences. 4. “Just so we’re on the same page, based on my application and this interview, are there any doubts or reservations you still have about me?" • Asking for feedback demonstrates your openness to constructive criticism and your desire to address any concerns the interviewer may have. It gives you the opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings and leave a positive impression of your proactive communication skills 🌟 Did you like this and want to learn more? If you’re an aspiring intern looking for an internship, help with networking, career advice, plus interview support, then look no further. This is particularly for you if you’re a student, recent graduate or looking for a flexible internship in Investment Banking, Asset Management, Private Equity, Trading, and Venture Capital. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable insights in these competitive industries. Apply now by sending your CV to: info@intocityprep.com Seize the chance to propel your career forward and make a lasting impact! Act fast! Limited spots available for summer internships. #InternshipOpportunity #LimitedSpots #CareerBoost 🚀

Knowing this will change your life! It’s called Pareto Principle, known as the 80/20 rule. Within the context of career development, it says that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. By identifying and prioritizing the most effective actions, you can achieve success much faster. Below we’ve identified the critical 20% of activities that drive the majority of your career progress but many people get wrong: 1️⃣ Generic Resumes/CVs: Using a one-size-fits-all resume that doesn't cater to the specific job requirements or highlight relevant experiences and skills. 2️⃣Lack of Personalized Cover Letters: Sending out generic cover letters that don't address the specific company or job role, failing to demonstrate genuine interest and fit for the position. 3️⃣Failing to Network Effectively: Overlooking the power of networking and failing to cultivate professional relationships that could lead to job opportunities or valuable insights. 4️⃣ Limited Job Search Strategies: Relying solely on online job boards and not exploring alternative avenues such as networking events, industry conferences, or informational interviews. 5️⃣ Neglecting Online Presence: Having a weak or unprofessional online presence, including outdated LinkedIn profiles or inappropriate social media posts, which can deter potential employers. 6️⃣ Poor Interview Preparation: Failing to adequately prepare for interviews by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and preparing thoughtful responses that highlight relevant experiences and skills. - - Learn how Into City Prep has helped dozens of people address each of these areas so you can get more done in less time. It's about working smarter, not harder! #TimeManagement #CareerSuccess #IntoCityPrep ⏳🚀

Check out these easy tips to avoid failure in an interview. (🅱️ 2 RARE bonuses in the comment section.) 1️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵: Dive deep into the company's background, culture, values, and recent wins. Tailor your responses to showcase your alignment with their mission. 2️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁: Fine-tune your answers by practicing with a friend or in front of a mirror. This helps you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. 3️⃣ 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀: Identify your key strengths and unique selling points. Showcase how they bring value to the role and the organization. 4️⃣ 𝗕𝗲 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥-𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆: Structure your answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Provide concise yet comprehensive responses showcasing your problem-solving skills. 5️⃣ 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗧𝘄𝗼-𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁: Prepare thoughtful questions about the company, team dynamics, and the role. Demonstrate your genuine interest and assess if it's the right fit for you. 6️⃣ 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁: Align your attire with the company's culture. When you look confident, you'll feel confident and make a positive first impression. 7️⃣ 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Convey confidence and enthusiasm through positive body language – eye contact, a firm handshake, and sitting up straight. 8️⃣ 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Use specific examples to showcase your accomplishments and how you can contribute to the company's success. 9️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲: Take deep breaths, stay composed, and let your true personality shine through. 🔟 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸-𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: After the interview, express gratitude and reiterate your interest in the role through a personalized thank-you note. Follow #intocityprep for more.

All UK international students looking for visa-sponsored jobs MUST learn about the "New Entrant" rule 👇 With all the talk about the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa going up £26,200 to £38,700 this Spring, many employers are suspending new sponsorships until they have more clarity about the rule changes. HOWEVER 👉 if you're an international student who is currently on a student visa or graduate visa, you need to know that you're classified as a "New Entrant" Being a New Entrant means that for 4 years (including time spent on the Graduate visa), you DON'T need to adhere to the baseline minimum salary threshold (just google "new entrant skilled worker") Your salary can actually be as low as £20,960 (or 70% of the going rate for the role). And there have been no indications that this will change with the new upcoming rules (I will update this post immediately if it does) So if you're currently seeking sponsorship for a role that pays less than £38,700, you must inform your potential employer that you are classified as a new entrant and as such you will likely NOT need to adhere to the new salary threshold (for up to 4 years)