Are European hedge fund and AM jobs more guarded by recruiters?

Ah, the age-old question of navigating the job market in the hedge fund and asset management (AM) sectors across the pond! Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that the recruitment landscape does indeed vary between Europe and the United States, especially when it comes to hedge fund and asset management roles.

In Europe, the recruitment process tends to be more guarded and often facilitated by recruiters or headhunters. This is not entirely surprising, as networking and relationships play a significant role in the European job market. Recruiters often act as gatekeepers to many of the opportunities within hedge funds and asset management firms. This approach can sometimes make it seem like all HF/AM jobs are "masked" by recruiters, as you've noticed in your LinkedIn search. It's a common practice for these roles to be less publicly advertised and more often filled through recruitment firms that specialize in these sectors.

On the flip side, in the United States, firms are more likely to post job openings directly on platforms like LinkedIn or their own websites. The U.S. market tends to be a bit more transparent in this regard, with companies actively showcasing their openings to attract talent directly. This doesn't mean recruiters aren't involved in the U.S.; they certainly are, especially for senior or specialized roles. However, there's a higher chance of seeing these opportunities advertised directly by the firms themselves.

Remember, regardless of the geography, networking remains a crucial element in landing a role in these highly competitive fields. Whether through direct applications, leveraging LinkedIn, or working with recruiters, making connections and showcasing your skills and interest in the sector can significantly boost your chances. Keep swinging through those networking vines, and you might just land on the perfect opportunity!

Sources: Q&A: I'm a hedge fund recruiter., Q&A: I'm a hedge fund recruiter., PE recruitment process in London, Global macro recruiting - a primer, Q&A: I am a Hedge Fund recruiter