Biggest Mistakes During Recruiting
Looking back, what would you say were the biggest errors you made in recruiting? Just trying to plan out stuff to avoid doing myself as things start up in a few months.
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Not doing enough mocks. It's one thing to memorize and say to yourself and another to get grilled over and over again by someone different each time.
Pardon my ignorance as I’m new here. When you say mocks, what exactly do you mean? Mock interviews? Mock models?
Mock interviews
Meaning actually practicing with another human being. "Mocking" and actual interview experience.
Not starting everything early enough: networking, learning technicals, people say you can learn technicals in 2 weeks but it’s more like months for EB level interviews
This so much.
Only interviewing for firms I was interested in. I underestimated the importance of leveraging offers.
Really should have used Christmas break to nail in technicals so I could just review as I prepped for interviews instead of cramming when things picked up.
Work ahead and find a bunch of contacts before you start networking so you can shoot out a bunch of emails every day.
Shoot out more emails- I did maybe 5-7 per day, really should have reached out to more beyond my school's alumni base, probably more around 20/day.
If your school has prep programs like IU's IBW you should gun for that as much as possible. The one at my school basically guarantees NYC placement.
Mock like crazy, reach out to upperclassmen for advice and mocks.
Everyone saying they did not mock enough is something you need to do 100%. Also everyone saying you need to network more than u think is also very true. As long as you put ur absolute best effort and hardwork forward you will most likely get an offer
Great points on initial networking, but don't forget to continue to reach out to your network. Even if you just "check in" once every 9-12 months, they'll remember your name. You'll never know when it might come in handy (layoffs, laterals, etc.).
How should one go about this? Just a quick email? Request for a call?
Usually just an email is fine. Maybe a call if you really hit it off with them and/or want to talk about something specific that can't be done over email. Could also do coffee if its convenient
Network network network. I assumed high GPA + target + good internships would mean interviews everywhere. Ended up getting auto dinged at most EB / BB where I didn’t network.
When I was reviewing resumes once in IB, I totally understood. You get plenty of resumes that all are plenty good to get an interview, but the one that you’ve spoken to (or perhaps more importantly, someone more senior has spoken to) automatically rise to the top. Chances are you won’t get an interview just because you have a 3.9 at Harvard when you’re resume number 110 in the pile and we have 10 interview slots Im trying to fill.
Applying to and networking with too few firms
this. came in with a strong background and got too cocky, should have applied everywhere from MM to top EB and networked heavily everywhere from day one
Yes, many people don't understand that getting an offer opens door at other firms. Just because it's not a MF doesn't mean it can't help you get a MF. Getting an offer is getting optionality. You can always turn it down or renege. Many offers you can leverage for top firms.
Lol had an interview with Guggenheim as a lateral. Thought the first call would be more about my deal experience and I could refresh on the technicals after getting past the first round.
First question “Walk me to free cash flow?”
No shit just threw me off guard lmao. Was taken aback. Accidentally included adding back SBC in my FCF calc bc I’m stupid.
“How does $10 of depreciation flow through the three statements?” The audacity. The unmitigated gall. How dare they expect me to be good at my job.
I dressed too formal for a CFO position in Silicon Alley NYC. Got a major ding for it and it ruined the interview.
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