Mid-Level Job Search
Hi everyone,
I hope you're all having a great start to the holiday season. Over the past several months, I've been actively recruiting and have gained momentum, but I'm still finding the right opportunity.
In the meantime, I've been staying productive—sending networking emails, improving my skill set, and keeping up with the markets. That said, the journey has had its ups and downs, and these past couple of months have been incredibly challenging. I hope recruitment activity picks up as we enter the new year.
I'd greatly appreciate any advice on how to stay level-headed and motivated during this process.
Quick background: Mid-level associate in credit applying to public credit funds and direct lending roles.
I am wishing everyone a successful close to the year!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key pieces of advice to stay level-headed and motivated during your job search process:
Networking:
Job Search Platforms:
Skill Improvement:
Daily Routine:
Mental Health and Hobbies:
Positive Outlook:
Consider Alternative Paths:
Motivational Quotes:
For more detailed advice, you can refer to the WSO networking guides and other resources available on Wall Street Oasis.
Wishing you a successful close to the year and a fruitful job search!
For further reading, you can check out the following threads: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/navigating-the-unemplo…</a">Navigating the Unemployment Terrain - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/laid-off-depressed-and…</a">Laid off, Depressed and Giving up...
Good luck!
Sources: Laid off, Depressed and Giving up..., Navigating the Unemployment Terrain, Looking for Perspectives on Unemployment, Midlevel Burnout, Navigating the Unemployment Terrain
Sr. Assoc/VP level Direct Lending and got laid off 8 months ago (not performance related). Still searching. Got 2 interviews but was ghosted later. No luck seeing anything from HH and being told market is tough.
Working through a similar process. Want to trade notes over PM?
On the public side, the majority of the inbounds came right before and right after the summer... but it's dried up since then. Still, I've seen some over the last couple of months (only a handful that were interesting though), but most HHs are telling me that they expect the market to pick back up in 1Q25.
I spoke to some headhunters, and they said the same thing, especially now that election season is over. I had some momentum with public-side roles, but some wanted someone with fewer years of experience (less pay) or the exact industry coverage that they were filling in versus a generalist like myself. I have been a bit less reliant on headhunters when it comes to finding roles—I have noticed many will reach out but never follow through, or you reach out and get no response.
It's a tough market, but we will find the right fit—it's just a matter of patience and time.
I agree on the specialist need, but that's held mostly for MMs in my case -- they said they were open to generalists prior to interviews, but feedback was always they need someone with a sector specialization. SMs have still been very receptive to the generalist backgrounds though so far.
Only had good experiences a few of the HHs (give great feedback no matter what, pick up the phone for any questions, etc.).. the rest are generally crappy.
Similar boat. Have been interviewing for ~10 months, 4 of which have been since leaving my previous firm.. Saw PC opportunities in the spring / summer, but opportunities have dried up significantly. Nothing coming in through the head hunters, or the same handful of firms are still floating around Linkedin. Hoping activity picks up around the new year.
Feels like the market is still hyper competitive right now with so many folks looking for opportunities. Have even tried switching into adjacent roles, but seems my previous 2+2 experience hasn't "kept doors open" as well as I thought it would...
I don't foresee much progress in recruitment with bonus season coming up. However, I'm feeling more optimistic about next year as market activity picks up. Your experience is valuable, but many firms are fixated on finding the "perfect fit," which limits opportunities for candidates to demonstrate their talents.
This industry is broken and no one wants to admit the impending doom. If it's this bad now when things are looking rosy (strong markets, economy, rate cuts, etc) what's going to happen when there is an actual downturn? Serious question not meant to be rhetorical.
I wish I had an answer. I have been asking the same question over the last two years, and I have also started to distrust many of the economic data reports.
The best we can do is stay focused and continue to build our skill set and network. Stressing over the impeding doom is not going to improve any situation.
The industry isn’t broken, but free lunch is definitely over. Much like PE, it will be a winner takes all asset hoarding game.
If anyone wants to share notes on their recruitment processes - please feel free to PM me :)
If anyone wants a pep talk/rant, please feel free to PM me :)
I know it's been a challenging year for many of us, but good opportunities will come. I have faith in everyone!
the market is tough. early 2024 (albeit slow) seemed MUCH better than now
HHs keep calling on all the same 2-3 openings (where they’re fishing for the “perfect” senior hire, or cheap junior talent). HH’s seem to only be hiring to replace analysts who quit after 1-2yrs (not a great sign) with those people ending up at the big MMs (which seems to only hire T1 candidates who usually are recent ex-BB SS talent)
otherwise only seeing hiring via networking at the mid-senior level. getting hired due to luck/knowing the right people — than going through a recruiting grind. could pick up if cap mkts activity gets overwhelming in Q1’25 if you’re lucky. but everyone is kind of ready for it so i imagine still will be tough
Overall, 2024 was a weak recruitment year compared to 2021 and 2022. I am feeling positive in 2025, but to your point, it will be competitive as people will make moves throughout the industry.
just keep in mind. those years were highly abnormal
record year in cap activity in 2021 and most volatile price action in 2022 - so makes sense. can even say there was over-hiring (lower standards) in recruiting overall in those earlier years across the industry
generally if you interview well, your story is straight, and you know your stuff - 2025 def should be better than 2024-2023. i just think hiring managers are going to remain picky with people brushing up their resumes in 2025 given the “banner year” everyone is already anticipating
I’d recommend focusing on networking as much as possible. Can’t rely on headhunters alone as you will miss out on openings where funds are looking but relying on network.
What's the best practice for networking as a mid level professional?
I’d focus on getting lunch/drinks/coffee/dinner with people you know in the industry to catch up. You can also just ask people who you don’t directly know but have some connection to (college, prior firm, mutual connection, etc). Most people will offer intros for roles they’ve heard of if they think highly of you. You can ask at appropriate time for intros to other people you should speak with, etc. Just rinse repeat and that will be a non-linear way to open more doors.
Ooff this thread is so depressing. While I'm fortunate to have my role, I'm very aware of how brutal it is to get a new one if you ever need to. So competitive + tons of ageism one you start getting more experience and are older.
Buyside is a weird career (even sellside) in that it can be very high paying - but one should never take for granted and assume they will have such high pay for their entire career. You might...but you might not...Its also not really transferable skillset to other sectors such as corporate roles.
Good luck with everything takes a lot of mental fortitude!
100% agree on ageism and PC being a tough sell to Corporate Strategy/Strategic Finance head hunters.
Haven’t came across anything new in Q4 except for an origination-only opportunity. Brutal
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