If you’re looking to build a stellar investment banking team, you want only the experts working for you. An investment team will help clients both buy and sell and uses their knowledge of markets and business valuation to killer advantage, in order to meet their clients’ needs. From fantastic interpersonal skills to marketing expertise, the right candidate can be hard to find. So, what type of person do you really need on your team to succeed in investment banking? If I’ve learned anything while placing these professionals, It’s definitely more than just a toothy grin and a working knowledge of the stock market. Check out my list of must-have characteristics for a successful investment banking team:
Stellar Interpersonal Skills
This one should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. People come to us all the time who lack the skills necessary to excel in their careers, and we let them know they aren’t a good fit for us, because they aren’t a good fit for you. Your best bankers will need to negotiate with buyers and sellers, in addition to mediating deals, and build their market effectively. A deal advisor will need to be persuasive, dedicated to customer satisfaction, and a skilled negotiator. Not to mention educated, well-spoken, outgoing, and a skilled multitasker. This combination is never easy to find (unless you know where to look).
Investment Banking Skills
Investment banking work requires a lot of financial modeling and valuation, and the ideal candidate will be a pro at the basics and always staying on top of upcoming trends. Whether for underwriting or M&A activities, investment banking professionals will spend a lot of time using Excel to build financial models and use various valuation methods to advise their clients and complete deals. Knowledge makes all the difference when it comes to a successful ongoing relationship, and the ideal candidate will have a remarkable practical skill set to complement their outstanding interpersonal skills.
Sales and Business Development
A top financial professional must be able to market themselves and their services effectively. You can’t be out there with them before they start the job, so how can you know if this is something that a candidate has down pat? If they can’t market themselves to us, then we know they can’t market for you. From lead funnels and sales goals to signing on the dotted line, an outstanding investment banking professional will be able to sell their services to potential clients with great success. It’s not all about numbers, and any financial advisor still needs to know how to create an experience for their client that will give them the feeling that this is where they are meant to be.
Attention to Detail
One of the most often overlooked qualifications in any candidate is attention to detail. Bankers must provide specific information about investments that fit the client’s requirements, advise on capital raising, and handle the details of each transaction. All of these duties and more require precise care and attention to be executed well, and not a single decimal point can slip through the cracks. These involved processes bring together a plethora of data and financial information, and the advisor must be able to keep close tabs on all of while keeping it all organized.
If you’re looking for your next top investment banking professional, we have elite candidates waiting in the wings. These top-tier candidates are in high demand and get snatched up quickly, so contact us today to find your next top talent.