For investment banking applicants in the UK, few stages are as intense or career-defining as the Superday. It’s often the final step in the hiring process, following online assessments, phone screens, and first-round interviews. A Superday is where banks invite top candidates to their offices for a series of back-to-back interviews with analysts, associates, VPs, and sometimes even directors.
This article is your in-depth guide to Superday interview preparation. We’ll explain what to expect, how to structure your answers, and what firms are really looking for — plus tips to help you stand out.
What Is a Superday Interview?
In the UK, a Superday (sometimes called an Assessment Centre or Final Round Interview) is an intense, multi-interview session, typically held in person over a few hours. It’s used by top investment banks like Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, and Rothschild to assess a candidate’s technical skills, cultural fit, and stress resilience.
Expect multiple interviews (up to 5–7) back-to-back with little to no breaks. Each interview usually lasts between 30–45 minutes and may include a mix of technical, behavioural, market-based, and brainteaser questions.
Superday Structure: What to Expect
While every bank does it slightly differently, most Superdays follow a general format:
- 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 interviews with bankers at different levels
- Technical interviews focused on accounting, valuation, and deal structuring
- Behavioural interviews to test motivation and cultural alignment
- Situational judgement or group exercises (at some firms)
- Brainteasers or case questions under time pressure
- A final HR or Managing Director interview in some cases
How to Prepare for a Superday
1. Master the Technicals
You must be fluent in core finance concepts. Focus on:
- DCF valuation: steps, WACC, terminal value
- Enterprise value vs equity value
- M&A mechanics: accretion/dilution, synergies
- Three-statement financial model
- Valuation multiples: EV/EBITDA, P/E, EV/Sales
- Leveraged buyouts (basic structure and returns)
Tip: Use resources like Investopedia, Breaking Into Wall Street, or Corporate Finance Institute to polish your technical skills.
2. Perfect Your Story
Expect questions like:
- “Walk me through your CV.”
- “Why investment banking?”
- “Why our bank?”
Craft a 90-second narrative that includes:
- Academic and work history
- Transition to finance
- Why you’re applying to IB
- Why this specific bank fits your goals
Make it clear, confident, and personal. Avoid scripted clichés.
3. Prepare STAR-Based Behavioural Answers
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioural questions:
- “Tell me about a time you failed.”
- “Describe a time you took initiative.”
- “When did you handle a conflict?”
Choose examples that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, resilience, and accountability.
4. Build Market Awareness
You must show commercial awareness. Prepare for:
- “What deal have you been following?”
- “Where do you see the UK economy in 12 months?”
- “What do rising interest rates mean for M&A?”
How to prepare:
- Read FT, Bloomberg, and Reuters daily
- Pick 1–2 recent M&A deals you can break down
- Be ready to comment on current events like inflation, tech consolidation, or ESG trends
5. Practise Brainteasers and Mental Maths
Examples include:
- “How many tennis balls fit in Wembley Stadium?”
- “What happens to bond prices when interest rates rise?”
- “How would you estimate the market for electric cars in the UK?”
They test logic, composure, and clarity under pressure. Walk through your thought process — don’t rush to a number.
6. Understand Each Bank’s Culture
Tailor your answers based on the bank’s identity:
- Goldman Sachs: teamwork, collaboration, intellectual curiosity
- Lazard: independent thinking, boutique experience, attention to detail
- J.P. Morgan: global scale, client focus, execution excellence
- UBS: sustainability, long-term vision, people-first
Mention deals, initiatives, or alumni stories to demonstrate your fit.
7. Ask Smart Questions
You’ll be given the chance to ask questions at the end. Avoid generic ones like “What’s the culture like?” Instead, ask:
- “How did your role evolve over the first year?”
- “What are the biggest challenges facing your team right now?”
- “What’s the team’s approach to mentoring new analysts?”
This shows preparation, maturity, and genuine interest.
Day-Before Checklist
Make sure you:
- Re-read your CV, cover letter, and deal notes
- Print a few CV copies
- Prepare your outfit (business formal)
- Plan your travel route to avoid delays
- Sleep early – cognitive performance drops with fatigue
On the Day: How to Handle the Pressure
1. Arrive Early
- Target being 15 minutes early
- Bring ID and confirmation emails
- Be polite to reception — first impressions matter
2. Stay Calm Between Interviews
- Use breaks to reset and refocus
- Don’t dwell on how one interview went
- Keep your energy consistent throughout the day
3. Project Confidence and Curiosity
- Firm handshake, eye contact, and open body language
- Show enthusiasm for finance and learning
- Be honest if you don’t know something — guess logically, don’t bluff
4. Use Data-Driven Examples
- Quantify your achievements (e.g. “led a team of 6”, “cut costs by 20%”)
- Show outcome-driven thinking in every story
5. Follow Up
- Send a thank-you email to each interviewer (within 24 hours)
- Mention something specific you discussed to personalise it
Common Superday Questions to Practise
Technical:
- Walk me through a DCF.
- Explain how the income statement links to the balance sheet.
- What happens to equity value when a company issues debt?
Behavioural:
- Tell me about a time you had to lead under pressure.
- What would your previous manager say about you?
- Describe a mistake you made and what you learned.
Market-Based:
- What’s a deal you found interesting and why?
- What risks do you see in the current M&A environment?
- How would you value a tech startup with no revenue?
Brainteasers:
- Estimate the number of petrol stations in the UK.
- If you had £1 million to invest today, where would you put it?
- What’s 17% of 82 in your head?
Final Tips for Superday Success
- Treat each interview like the first. Don’t let fatigue or earlier nerves affect your tone or energy.
- Know your CV backwards. Anything you’ve written is fair game for questioning.
- Have 6–8 adaptable stories for different behavioural themes.
- Stay humble. Confidence matters, but so does self-awareness.
- Network ahead of time. A conversation with an insider could help you ask better questions — and show you’ve done your homework.
A Superday is designed to test not only your technical competence but also your stamina, integrity, and culture fit. It’s meant to mimic the pressure of working in high-stakes finance. But with the right preparation, mindset, and resilience, you can use it to shine.
Focus on clear communication, strong fundamentals, and genuine curiosity. Preparation may not guarantee success, but it gives you your best possible shot.
