I am an SA at a BB. My MD and one of the VPs love to ask really direct questions. I want to try accelerated recruiting for FT. If the MD or VP asks during my SA (before my return offer decision has been made) whether I am talking to other banks, what should I rationally say?
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You can say you are exploring your opportunities but they are your first choice.
This is the correct answer, +SB.
Look them in the eye and say you have enjoyed working with the group and want to work FT with them. NOTHING more.
Why else would they be asking this question? They want to gauge whether it's worth using their political capital to pick you during end-of-summer round tables. There is no advantage to wavering. You have to look out for yourself. This is a transaction-based business. If you're honest, they will not reciprocate for this truthfulness.
Think about it like in fraternity rushing and getting asked, "if we gave you a bid, would you sign now?". It's a loaded question and one that speaks more to the dubious character of the questioner. In this case, do or say what you need to do or say in order to stay in the game.
I dunno, I got asked that question during fraternity rushing, said I'm not sure, and still got a bid.
Say something along the lines of: Whilst a return offer from (group name) would be my first choice, I am exploring other options in (group name).
This states that you would clearly prefer a return offer, whilst showing a commitment to/enjoyment of the group in which you are currently based.
please, don't say "whilst"
He should also compare any offers he gets to see how the "maths" work out
Good point. Hence the earlier caveat of 'along the lines of'
Dear Emily, although I really enjoy dating you and you really are my first choice when it comes to marriage, I am currently exploring other options with Jennifer and Sophia. I know you have a lot to offer, but I really think it's important for me to see what else is out there. But as I mentioned I really hope it works out between us.
If it doesn't seem right to say to a girl, it most likely won't be the right thing to say to your employer.
Emily, l admire our tight fit and your allowance in letting me enjoy more hands-on experience in the art of kama sutra. I know I wouldn't get this hands-on experience or approval to explore new positions with Jennifer or Sophie.
However, Jennifer and Sophie offer more prestige. Have you seen how many guys want to get with them? As well, by the looks of their mothers, they have an established track record of fine exit ops.
Wish I could MS This twice and SB brosef twice.
Don't say anything other than you really want a return offer.
This.
this x100. Never ever tell your group you're recruiting elsewhere when you're trying to get a FT offer
Something along the lines of: "Thanks for asking. I am aiming for an accelerated FT offer from [current firm], but have also submitted applications in [ibd group] to other firms. How can I stay competitive for FT in [current group]?"
Hope this helps.
This is weak shit
If you don't know how to be competitive for FT..
..what the fuck are you doing there?
It's OK to ask your boss what you can improve on, but not what you can do to be competitive for FT, if you can't figure that out you have no business staying there.
This is not some sort of job interview environment where you can throw around some competitors' names to make you seem more valuable and BS the interviewer by asking how you can stand out bla bla. You are there on the desk, working with the people who will decide if you stay or if you go. You perform well and are well liked by your colleagues, you get an offer.
The answer should go something like this: "I'm hoping to stay here." End of discussion, the VP or MD probably has other things on his mind than FT offers for SA, and they probably just asking as the thought just crossed their mind.
What would Rex Tillerson do?
[Rex Tillerson - I do not recall](
)
"Sir, no, Sir!"
Do not tell them you are exploring other options. By all means, explore other options, but just tell them that you are hoping for a full time offer.
Also, I wouldn't overthink this. The senior people in your group are not likely focused on if you are talking to other banks. They have other things to worry about.
put the vp on an email chain with vp's from other firms giving you offers and have them bid on you
How about OP works on his auctioneer voice and holds a live auction on wallstreet?
Mention that you have been looking elsewhere, but due to the fact that you still have yet to receive a full time offer.
If they give you what you are looking for, great! If they mention "we are planning on drawing one up," good. Just keep looking and see what you can get elsewhere. Hopefully, by the time you have one offer you can bring another to the table and make them up the offer a bit.
C'mon guys, use some common sense will you. If they ask you about returning you say you'd like to. Someone telling me about exploring other options is out in my book. I'm not putting my name on the line for anyone not sure about joining. If you get a better offer somewhere else go ahead and take it, it's not like I'll be less pissed by you telling me about your explorations.
May get MS for this but... Honest question - not being smart ass - do we really expect people (and this is at all levels) not to be looking for multiple options elsewhere before they have an offer where they are at? For example, it's absurd to me that an employer can sh*tcan you without a moments notice when there's a bad quarter, but interviewing elsewhere as an individual is so utterly taboo. I'm not disagreeing with you, as it's like this everywhere, but why does everyone pretend like it's not happening? It'll never happen, but to me this is much more idealistic, "I'd like to work here but in the event I don't get an offer I have been pursuing alternatives."
Of course it is presumed that SA are looking elsewhere for FT as well, but that doesn't mean your boss wants to hear about it. Your employer will take a dump on you your entire life, not giving two shits about forcing you to visit a client even if you actually have a vacation planned, and if you want to keep your job you just do it without flinching. If it's not for you or if you find a better place to go, don't make a big deal about it and just leave. Same thing for the SA, what's the upside of telling them you are also looking elsewhere? If you find some other FT position that pays 30k more and is a better learning experience, great, take it. Some take it personal when you say you're looking for something "better" or "more interesting" than their job / employer has to offer.
There are hundreds if not thousands of other kids looking to get into a high finance role right out of school, many of them very talented. Why screw up for this reason? Your employer is not your friend (not saying colleagues cannot be).
How to respond? Directly. What to rationally say? You are really hoping to receive a return offer.
You should ask your MD if he's available to mock interview you for your other roles. Maybe preemptively send him an outlook invite. Always remember that these people are constantly striving for YOUR success.
I love when someone gets butthurt and does MS to everyone in the thread
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