Turning an informational interview into a possible job opp.
I joined the recruiting season relatively late. I've been cold calling and emailing a bunch of i-banks. One of them asked for my resume and said they are not actively hiring, but would like to me with me. I am meeting with the MD/head of the group that I want to be in.
My question is, how do I convert this informational meeting into an interview? Also, if they are fully staffed or at budget capacity, is it appropriate to offer to work at a discount if I think they like me enough, but it's just admin issue standing in the way of hiring me? Any other words of wisdom would be helpful.
Offering to work at a discount is selling yourself short. Just be yourself and have a good conversation. This is, in fact, an interview. If he likes you, he made find you a position. Don't bring up a job, he knows why you're there.
A lot of hires start out this way.
I went in for an informational interview with an MD and to my surprise he ended up having me interview with his analyst and associate. I think they know what you want so I wouldn't try pushing it hard on them.
For Info. Interviews, don't people recognize that you are trying to get a job?... (Originally Posted: 07/24/2011)
Title says it all..I love talking to people and their experiences, and i would take the person who forwards my resume that results in a SA to lunch, but don't they feel used? If some kid emailed me, I would recognize it and be kinda annoyed? Thoughts? Remedy?
Some people enjoy helping others. Looks like you do not...
This is especially the case with people who were helped out by others. People who have been helped through info interviews should be 100% willing to pay it forward. If you don't you are quite a prick IMO
If you are smart and ambitious and genuinely want to get people's advice, they'd be happy to help you and if they like you they will try to help you get a job as well. But it's important to remain humble and just try to learn from them as opposed to actually "using" them to get a job.
I actually came of like an ass, I look forward to helping kids out like I need. I just don't want them to feel like I'm using them if I want them to eventually forward my resume.
I think leveRAGE had it right. Many bankers, especially those from non-targets, couldn't have done it alone. It's appropriate to return the favor when given a chance later.
This is how I got my (ER) SA. I knew the portfolio manager on a limited basis since I had to deal with him on a few occasions during trade settlement issues. I just emailed him and asked for an informational chat. He did and was really upfront about not having an internship.
Well, after the phone call, I wrote 4 emails over a 6 month span and I ended up with a real interview. I found out a few weeks after I had been hired that both PMs on my $15B fund started in trade settlement and neither went to a target (both went to MBA programs ranked 20-30). Turns out they liked the chance to bring in someone from a non-target for a change.
jobs and info interviews (Originally Posted: 01/02/2011)
two questions: 1) Any of you folks have subscribed to WSO job listings? Is it worth it? I generally have an aversion to paying for these listings. I mean isn't it ironic to be unemployed AND pay to apply to jobs... this isn't college.
2) informational interviews: I assume that most folks requesting info interviews really just want a leg up in applying to a company/getting a job etc. Assuming this is the motivation behind it.. isn't it a farce to setup the whole thing? and doesn't everyone know this? I have gone through a couple, and find it really difficult.. since most of what the employee at the firm tells me is info I could have read online... it's a waste of time for them.. and hence I feel like a jackass for wasting their time. for all you misogynists out there: the info interview is analogous to buying a drunk girl at a bar another drink when they announce last call. everyone knows what you are after so why play along with the farce?
1) Return on Investment.
2) Yes if you already know for sure that you want to work in the field, but bankers are lazy so by going through the motions, you can help make their decision-making easier (assuming they like you).
Check out (in Wall Street Mentor's forum) the interview with Scott Morris at the top of the list of 200 banks.
It's not JUST about learning about the company (although this can be helpful). You want to talk to these people about their experience. People LOVE talking about themselves, By showing interest in what they're doing and where they've come from your developing a rapport with them in the hopes that they begin to see you as a person and like you. That will help you, at the very least, pull a first round interview (not guarantee, help).
olafennizer: 1) ROI - have you used it?
DenverMonkey: Will look at the post (soctt morris) In general, when initiating contact with an Alum do you ask their opinion on XYZ career move or literally ask them to tell you about themselves?
I should tell you I've never even tried to meet up for an informational interview. That being said, from what I've seen on here and from common sense, you're trying to build a rapport with someone to give you a leg up on the competition. You do that by subtly appealing to their ego. That doesn't mean asking someone directly, "so why don't you tell me about yourself?" That's a little broad. Ask questions like:
What made you choose to do XXX? Follow up: That's very interesting, and why did YYY Company appeal to you over all the other companies out there? When you were in school, what did you do to better prepare yourself for a career in finance? Follow up: Wow, that sounds like it was really exciting, did you find that that helped a lot or is there something you wish you had done while you were in school?
Basically the point is to make the interview interesting and educating for you, while letting him/her talk about what a badass they are.
Just like sex, if you're unsatisfied after an informational interview it means you are not doing it right.
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