As a former financial journalist, City lawyer, management consultant and top trainer, Christopher Stoakes knows the business and financial worlds inside out. His engaging style and ability to explain complex concepts with surprising simplicity meant that his books played a significant role in helping this author to prepare for interviews. As such, it is strongly recommended that candidates supplement their study of this handbook by reading some (or all) of the books detailed below.

Understanding The Financial Markets (Christopher Stoakes)

Anyone who works in business these days needs to understand the financial world. Know The City is the best-selling guide that students and young professionals use to get up-to-speed quickly and painlessly. It explains the roles of banks and institutional investors, the different types of financial instrument and transaction and the impact that interest rates have on the markets and why. It also covers topical subjects such as Islamic banking, peer-to-peer lending and microfinance. Whilst this handbook focuses on commercial law, Know The City covers a broader range of topics relating to the inner workings of the City and its major financial placers, providing an excellent opportunity to supplement your knowledge. Purchase Here

Enhance Your Commercial Awareness (Christopher Stoakes)

If you want a job in the business world you need to be commercially aware. What is it and how do you get it? Commercial Awareness tells you. It explains what matters to businesses, how companies are funded, the purpose of strategy and the quest for customers. It explains how companies are organised and what they are looking for when you apply for a job. This book contextualises much of the information within this handbook, providing an excellent supplementary read. Purchase Here

Write Well at Work (Christopher Stoakes)

A majority of firms require candidates to submit written assignments as part of the interview and/or internship assessment process. Candidates are expected to write concisely and accurately and frame their words within a clear and coherent structure. However, employers complain that young people can"t write. What are they looking for and how can you deliver it? Get To The Point explains how. Writing well in the workplace is critical to your career. Words are still the principal form of communication between people in business. Write well and you will shine. Write badly and you could torpedo your career. A majority of firms require candidates to submit written assignments as part of the interview and/or internship assessment process. Candidates are expected to write concisely and accurately and frame their words within a clear and coherent structure. However, employers complain that young people can"t write. What are they looking for and how can you deliver it? Get To The Point explains how. Writing well in the workplace is critical to your career. Words are still the principal form of communication between people in business. Write well and you will shine. Write badly and you could torpedo your career. Purchase Here

Christopher Stoakes, has also recommended the following for students interested in a career in investment banking.

Too Big To Fail: Inside The Battle To Save Wall Street (Andrew Ross Sorkin)

• Anyone new to an industry needs to know what it has just been through. This reads like a thriller yet is based on first-hand accounts given by key participants.

Liar's Poker (Michael Lewis)

• This might seem a dated and satirical take, but it is key to understanding the culture that dominates the trading mentality even to this day - not one that any banker would openly subscribe to, but helpful in showing what colleagues are really thinking. It"s also good to see how another investment banking apprentice got on - different time, same challenges.

The Investor"s Guide To Economic Fundamentals (John Calverley)

• This book is also, on the face of it dated, but some financial insight is essential for non-economics graduates trying to get a toehold in banking - and economic fundamentals don"t change. The author was the chief economic adviser to the board of American Express and this book sets out how he views the interconnections in the markets - seen from the buy-side perspective, crucial when you"re on the sell side.

How To Get An Internship Or Work Placement (Maria McCabe)

• Since work experience is an increasingly essential stepping stone to getting a full-time job, this gives you all you need to know. But its advice is also relevant to getting a full-time job itself.

The Soul Of A New Machine (Tracy Kidder)

• This is about what working in a high-stress environment is like. If you"re new to the world of work and wonder why people work hard without being told to, this explains it – even though the book"s over thirty years old and is about building a computer now considered obsolete. A timeless classic.