How to go about searching for a job while employed

How do you go about searching for a job while being employed? I recently graduated and I'm working in a role that turned out to be nothing like what I expected. In short, it is a dead end and I am trying to get out ASAP.

I have given thought into reaching out into my network and applying through online applications, but have been hesitant because I do not want to come off as a "job hopper," since I just graduated. I'd like to move to IBD and feel comfortable with standard interview questions and the work (I've had several internships in IB).

I would really appreciate the advice of those who have navigated the process on here. How do you contact/search and when do you know is the appropriate time.

 

I'm in exactly the same position. Would appreiciate guidance too.

One this I can add though is to keep your job search on the down low. My boss found out through the grapevine that is the market that I networked with a banker and from that questioned my commitment. Even though I want to find something else doesn't mean I'll be able to, and so need to keep my current bridges fully intact.

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 

I don't work on the street. I hear it's a small world once you get in. What I can say, is to practice discretion.

Make sure you are calling in sick at least once or twice a year so you don't look obvious being "sick" when you are at an interview for the day. Also, use linkedin to look at the people and the company you are sending your resume to. Do they have connections to your boss or firm? If they do, there's a solid chance (assuming you're at a smaller firm) that your director will get wind of you applying around.

At that point, all you can do is accept it. Your employers know you won't work for them for the next 30 years. They realize that if you're qualified and a hard, motivated worker, you're going to be moving around advancing your career. It may be a good thing if they find out. Use it to start a conversation (constructively) about things that may be causing you to look around in the first place.

To the OP, I came into my firm being sold a bill of goods that didn't end up 100% true. I worked my ass off, proved myself by doing the work and used my skills/motivation as leverage to get much more meaningful work. Though I'm starting a new gig at a much better place in November, at least I have interesting projects to do in the meantime.

 

Thought I'd revive this.

Is there a professional way of letting contacts, which you've made through your current job, know that you're looking for something different / new job without coming across as bad-mouthing your current firm, which is in turn one of their clients...?

To me it's unprofessional, thoughts?

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 
Best Response

I recently moved from a REIT to REPE, so I'll try to answer these questions with that recent experience in mind.

  1. Leveraging your network is the best way to find new opportunities. It is how I found the vast majority of the opportunities I explored. However, I would offer three pieces of advice. Ensure the individual with whom are you speaking ...

a. ... is reputable within their current firm. If an opportunity does arise, you want to ensure their opinion is valued internally. b. ... "likes" you. You need to be able to identify the connections in your network that will advocate on your behalf. While seemingly obvious, I have numerous examples of where old peers that were not well liked attempt to connect, looking for new opportunities. c. ... are trust worthy. More or less, everyone has a level of professionalism where they aren't going to go to your current employer and let them know you are looking for new opportunities. It is sort of an unspoken rule. However, this connects with b., as peers will talk one on one behind the scenes.

  1. I would look to leverage your network versus relying on head hunters, for a variety of reasons. Head hunters are in the position to sell you an opportunity based on the information you have given them. Whether or not what they sell aligns with what you want is another story. They are trying to get paid at the end of the day, which necessitates them placing you into a new role.

  2. I scheduled off hour (early AM) or lunch hour phone interviews. I was honest with my limited time availability. If you're working, they'll understand. Yes, it lengthened the interviewing process as it was significantly harder to find an available time for both parties, however it was the most easiest thing to do given my current work responsibilities. For the in person interviews, I used vacation days. Yes, I have limited vacation days, but that's why I screened heavily on the phone to determine what was really worth exploring in person and burning those days. At the end of the day, the vacation days are meaningless as they'll simply be paid out if you move to a new firm.

  3. I've found honesty is the best answer. However, be clear on what compensation you are looking for and why. The reality is there are an array of variables that drive compensation. For example, in an imaginary world where you moved from a REIT to BX, you should expect a material increase in compensation as you WILL earn it. The most important thing is to understand what the position generally pays and why it pays that much. I received a 40%+ increase in my recent move. Why? Well, primarily because ...

a. My prior firm was less competitive in the labor market with regards to compensation. b. The work / life balance at my prior firm was much better, i.e. less hours, than my current firm. c. Public v. Private d. I had less responsibility at my prior firm

  1. The reality is when you look for a new opportunity, there is always the possibility of someone finding out. From what I've seen, this generally occurs during the checking references stage of the interviewing process. I have seen a recruiter contact a current boss versus the listed references in error. Yes, the situation at your current firm will become VERY awkward. At that juncture, I expect your best bet is to remain as professional as possible and push forward, full steam ahead in the interviewing process for new opportunities.

Hope this helps.

 

When/If they ask for current all-in comp, pivot immediately to what you want to make at the new place. It's really none of their business and they are just trying to benchmark you, but you of course can't say "it's none of your business." Take a hint from politicians in debates and instead of answering the question you're asked, answer the question you want to be asked.

HR: "What's your current all in comp?"

YOU: "Competitive with the market. Total comp in the X to Y range is my target, though, because of blah and blah."

HR: "...But what do you make now?"

YOU: "I'm well compensated, but one of the factors that lead me to want this transition, along with the opportunity to have a greater impact on the company's projects and greater responsibility, is the opportunity to earn more than I am able to now. I know that W is standard for a position such as this, and I am looking for total comp in the X to Y range because of blah and blah."

HR: -_________- "Ok, moving on..."

In general, fuck HR and don't let them lowball you. Having some benchmarks (http://celassociates.com/prime/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/CELAssociates… + Glassdoor + friends in the industry if you're close enough) will help. They aren't going to hammer you over and over and over again, so just keep redirecting the question until they move on.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Guys,

Are there any cons of speaking with a large number of recruitment firms, other than the factor of it being time consuming? I've begun speaking with a number of recruiting firms and would just like to make sure before reaching out to additional ones.

Also, can anyone familiar with different firms please eye the list below and tell me which ones are worth/not worth reaching out to for JUNIOR roles (my two criteria is the firm is generally helpful in the RE investing space and covers junior level positions, rather than mid-level/exec):

  • BCGI American RE Executive Search
  • CL Kiley Associates
  • Claremont Search Advisors
  • DHR International
  • Equinox Search
  • Futurestep / Korn Ferry
  • Newbridge Search
  • Norgay Partners
  • VSR Advisors
 

Why not just hit them all? Worst case scenario is that they will "keep your resume on file"....best case scenario is they'll know of an opportunity. A job search is partly a numbers game at the end of the day.

Here are some of the ones I know focuses on analyst/associate level roles in RE:

-Crown Advisors -SG Partners -Grant Morgan Associates (DC only) -RETS -Rhodes Associates -Michael Page Associates -Carter Pierce -Maison Group (DC only) -Huntington Search Partners -Bachrach

Good luck with your search

 

A company interviewing you will know you're employed and should be pretty flexible with you as others have said. As others have said, early calls/interviews (when we're hiring people I'll do 7 am interviews and I do not like to be in the office at 7 am but I understand), lunch time, doctors and dentist appointments, etc. And if you're in a 2 year and out analyst program your superiors may just be cool if you tell them the truth.

 

This is the category that is best to fall in to. I told my manager that recruiting season is starting and I'll be going on interviews soon hopefully. I take phone interviews right at my desk and I can take time off for an interview with a day or two notice.

make it hard to spot the general by working like a soldier
 

Don't blindly send your resume out to people. Start by setting up individual conversations with some senior people that you think would be willing to talk to you...friends of friends, alums from your school, people you've met or seen at a reception/conference/party.

Go into these conversations with the goal of getting good advice about your current situation and your thoughts about whether you should try to move on or not. Think about them more as informational interviews. Have an open mind. If they agree that it's time to start looking and you're interested in their firm, ask how they would suggest you approach their company. If they like you, they'll probably offer to send your resume to the right person and/or put in a good word for you. You should also look to get their feedback on other firms you're thinking about. Take a look at this before you meet with anyone: How to Approach Informational Interviews – Key Do’s and Don’ts - http://bit.ly/VCr79

The best way for you to get into the recruiting process when you're off-cycle is through introductions from the right people. The "right people" are not only MDs. Read this to broaden the scope of people you might want to reach out to. The Email Introductions Most Likely to Open Doors - http://bit.ly/Uho6F

The HR folks understand the sensitivity of your situation and word will not get out. When you have individual conversations with line people, they too will fully appreciate your situation. With this approach, the risk of word getting back to your firm is miniscule.

Gotta Mentor www.GottaMentor.com Connect to the Advice & People You Need to Achieve Your Career Goals

Gotta Mentor Connect to the Advice & People You Need to Achieve Your Career Goals
 

Jason, responding to an ad is totally fine. Sending a resume to career@blackstone isn't likely to be productive. Better to approach Blackstone or any other company that isn't directly soliciting through someone. That way your resume is much more likely to be seen by the right people. Sending it to career@[fill in the blank] isn't going to get you outed at your firm, but it's not likely to get you an interview either.

Gotta Mentor www.GottaMentor.com Connect to the Advice & People You Need to Achieve Your Career Goals

Gotta Mentor Connect to the Advice & People You Need to Achieve Your Career Goals
 

Do not say anything!

This happened to me, I was talking to someone at a bank about opportunities, our firm screwed them about 2 weeks later, their big dog was having a rant about the screwing and finished it off with "and your guys are applying for fucking jobs here!!!". Very unprofessional of him, but it happened. I was called in, slapped on the wrist, denied everything, pledged allegiance to my current firm, bonus wasn’t as big as it could have been and am being much more careful from now on.

With head hunters, they are also not to be trusted. We've had people's CVs turn up on our desk of guys we know so you give them a ring and they have had no knowledge of the job and never heard of the head hunter who gave us their CV. head hunters are horrible people who trade your CV for info.

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 

I recently had a headhunter pay for my dinner and asked questions like:

  1. At the last company you worked at, can you tell me the structure of your department, how many employees were there?

  2. Past Compensation (didn't answer this)

  3. Name of Current Company (didn't answer this either)

Are they really able to sell people just by knowing information on the corporate structure? Wouldn't it be easier for them to call the main corporate line, and try to get redirected to a hiring manager?

 

I take it that since you're posting this question that you don't hold any senior position of importance at whatever firm you work at.

With that said, I wouldn't worry about searching for jobs as long as you're not telling co-workers (who may have a bone to pick with you, nevertheless) and as long as you're not using company email/phones to talk to recruiters.

Remember, most recruiters want you to find a job, so they want you to keep the job you have (employed people tend to get interviews easier than unemployed). It would not be in their interest to flaunt to others in the industry that you are interviewing for other jobs. Lastly, if you're a jr. or a 1st year analyst, I highly doubt you are being 'talked about' yet within finance circles anyways.

 

I see people asking this all the time on WSO. GREAT idea for an interview, now I have somewhere to point them. Well done, Chris (and Scott, of course)!

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

Most people at my firm in your situation first figure out a good point to roll off of the project they're on. Then they tell the firm that they're want to move on. The firm then puts you on "transition assistance," meaning they pay you for two months to go get a job. There is also a manager dedicated to helping you find a job if you're having trouble.

From what you wrote, I think I know where you work and am pretty sure your firm has a similar program.

 
pnb2002:

Most people at my firm in your situation first figure out a good point to roll off of the project they're on. Then they tell the firm that they're want to move on. The firm then puts you on "transition assistance," meaning they pay you for two months to go get a job. There is also a manager dedicated to helping you find a job if you're having trouble.

From what you wrote, I think I know where you work and am pretty sure your firm has a similar program.

I'm not sure if we have such a program, but I'll be sure to look into it. That would be just the sort of thing I'm looking for at the moment. Thanks for the heads up.

For clarification, I'm in the management ("strategy") consulting arm of an Accenture/Big 4, so may not be the same place you are thinking of.

 

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