Investment Banking Fairness Opinions: Profitable and Prestigious, or Glamorless Gruntwork?

“Morgan Stanley is acting as financial advisor to the buyer and Credit Suisse is acting as financial advisor to the seller, with the fairness opinion provided by Houlihan Lokey.”

So we’ve been over this “financial advisor to the buyer and seller” stuff before, but what about that fairness opinion bit?

You always see sentences like the one above at the bottom of deal announcement press releases – so what is this mysterious “fairness opinion,” why does it matter, and what should you do when your VP calls you at 2 AM and asks you to help out with one?

How to Answer the “Greatest Weakness” Question in Interviews Without Getting Dinged

“Katie Couric: What one personal flaw do you think might hinder your ability to be president?

Barack Obama: I don’t think there’s… a flaw that would hinder my ability to function as president. I think that all of us have things we need to improve. You know, I said during the primary that my management of paper can sometimes be a problem.”

-Pre-Election Interview Between Barack Obama and Katie Couric

Ah, the “greatest weakness” interview question.

If even Barack Obama – one of the world’s greatest masters of spin – can’t even come up with a good answer to this one, what hope do you have?

It’s one of the most difficult and controversial questions in interviews, but if you follow the guidelines here you’ll at least be able to give a better response than Obama – and you’ll land an offer or 2 in the process.

The Review Process: Scratch My Back, I’ll Scratch Yours

“She is an excellent Associate who always takes time out of her busy schedule, not only to show me the in’s and out’s of accounting and finance, but also to impart valuable leadership skills. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and she adds so much value and attends to clients’ needs so well that it seems they never have any needs. I give her my highest recommendation and cannot imagine a banker with whom I would rather work.”

-Your Future Review of an Associate You’ve Thought About Killing

Ah, the review process.

Nothing inspires quite as much lying, bribery, and deal making behind-closed-doors – especially when you’re at an investment bank.

So here’s how you can survive the politics and make it through the process alive – without getting voted off the island.