How to Talk About M&A Deals in an Investment Bank Interview

In this episode, Anthony is joined by M&A expert Silvia Magni to break down how to confidently talk about M&A and corporate finance deals in investment banking interviews — even if you haven’t worked on a deal yourself.We cover what interviewers are really looking for, how to structure your answer like a pro, how to use recent or live deals the right way, and the most common mistakes candidates make (and how to avoid them). Plus, why strategic rationale often matters more than just getting the technicals right.Whether you're preparing for analyst or associate-level roles, this is packed with practical advice to help you stand out.📌 ChaptersUse the timestamps to jump to key parts of the conversation.👇 Let us know in the comments:What’s one deal you’ve looked into that really caught your attention? And why?🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodesNew episodes every week diving into M&A, markets, and career advice in finance.(00:00) Intro: Talking About Deals in Interviews(00:58) Do You Need Deal Experience?(01:51) When Deal Questions Come Up(02:48) Structuring Your Answer(03:12) Tailoring to the Bank(04:29) Finding Deal Advisors(05:14) Deal Framework Essentials(06:56) Understanding Rationale & Risks(08:45) Key Deal Points to Cover(09:22) Strategic Thinking as a Differentiator(10:01) Moving Beyond the Technicals(11:05) What Senior Interviewers Want(12:50) Using Live vs Older Deals(13:57) Choosing the Right Deal(15:13) What Interviewers Are Really Testing(17:52) Common Interview Mistakes(19:50) Final Tips & Be Genuine