Congratulations! Your application has been successful and you have been invited for an interview.

Remember that every interview is a two-way process: it's an opportunity for us to get to know more about you and your achievements and is an excellent chance for you to find out more about the firm and our culture. Make the most of the experience by ensuring that you are fully prepared.

Before the interview

As an MBA candidate from one of the country's top schools, you're up against some stiff competition. So walk into the interview knowing as much about the firm as possible. Prepare by going to the on-campus presentations and talking to as many J.P. Morgan people as you can. It's a good idea to study our website, our brochure, our programs, and our culture as well. Read Latest News and catch up on other press about JPMorgan. If you know people who work in our Investment Bank or the Private Bank, particularly within the business area for which you are interviewing, contact them and ask questions.

During the interview

On the day of the interview, be ready to articulate why you want the job and more specifically, why this particular job at J.P. Morgan. What do you bring to the mix? If you've done your homework, you should have a pretty convincing answer.

Most of our interviews are competency-based, so be prepared to think on your feet. Also, be prepared to answer questions about previous jobs and your experience solving problems and leading teams. Take the time to think before you answer.

If you haven't had much interview experience, enroll in practice sessions at your university career services center, or videotape yourself to see how you come across to interviewers. J.P. Morgan also offers sessions on several campuses that will help you construct your candidacy. Check our campus schedule to view dates for your school. Remember - however prepared you are, you will still need to show that you can think on your feet.

Here are some additional tips from our Recruiters as well as Associates who just went through the process

• You have exactly five seconds to make a great first impression, so dress for the job you want. Usually, this means professional, formal business attire
• The way you interact with interviewers gives them an indication as to how you might behave with clients
• Stay friendly and professional, and if there are two interviewers, be sure and include both in your conversation with equal eye contact, even if one dominates the proceedings
• Be prepared to discuss topical business issues
• If you're asked for your opinions, be prepared to state them tactfully and support the thought process you put into them
• Phrase your answers using the Problem-Actions-Results (PAR) approach wherever possible to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. State a problem you encountered at work or school, the actions you took to solve it and the beneficial outcome - quantified, if possible
• Follow up after the interview. Ask for a business card and send a timely thank-you email
• It's easier said than done, but relax and be yourself; your interviewers are only human
• Demonstrate your interest by having some questions for us. "What distinguishes a great Associate from a good Associate?" is a terrific way to elicit information that can be invaluable in your next interview. Interviewers may interpret a lack of questions as a lack of genuine interest
• Make sure your cell phone, BlackBerry, etc. is switched off

Super Day

You may be called back for a second interview later on that day or week. If so, you've done very well indeed. Stay on your game, and, if you are interviewing for full-time positions, you may be invited back to New York for a final series of interviews called Super Day. That's when you'll meet our colleagues from the program you’re interested in. They will offer successful candidates direct placement into the group(s) of their choice.

Sample Interview Questions:

• Your client is a domestic US manufacturer who wants to open a plant in a country with low labor costs. He's considering Mexico, Brazil, and China. How would you advise him? What issues would you consider?
• Tell me about a time or a project when you faced a crisis late on a Friday night and there was no one you could contact for help or advice. What did you do?
• Your client is a large, privately owned company that needs to raise capital to expand. The CFO has asked you about an IPO. What other options are there, and what are the pros and cons of each?