Final round HF process - is it weird to send another idea?
I'm in the final round for a L/S analyst role at a pod. I've completed two case studies (two longs, no short) and have had positive feedback from the PM. Final decision will be taken in two weeks. Also, it's a new team and I know he's looking for ideas since he told me he put my first pitch into his new book.
I'm considering emailing him an additional stock pitch (a great short) that wasn't requested. My thinking is that it could demonstrate that I can also source shorts and more importantly, motivation.
On the other hand, I'm worried it could come across as trying too hard, disrupting the process, or putting the PM in an awkward position while he's evaluating the remaining candidates.
If you were the PM, would this help or hurt? Curious to hear from people who've hired analysts or been through similar final-round processes.
I’m not a PM, but I feel like there’s just asymmetric downside risk here? If your pitch has holes, it’ll ding you. If it’s average or even just moderately good, it’ll do nothing. Probably a very high bar for it to actually move the needle positively. But again I’m not a PM
Send it, can't hurt
Shows drive, energy, and motivation. Absolutely go for it.
If it’s airtight send it, if not don’t.
An additional idea shows drive, motivation & creativity. Everything a PM wants to see.
However, if the idea isn’t perfect it will cause the exact opposite of what you want. I’d get a few tenured pod friends to opine on the idea itself & especially the writeup before you send anything over. If you don’t have anyone to review it, I wouldn’t send.
Best of luck!
I'm going to against the grain here and say don't send it. Usually, they have they their mind made up by now and are just considering final candidates or are waiting on some formality around the process. If they like you and want you, you will get the job. If they don't, you likely won't be able to change their mind. Motivation, coming with up ideas, those are basic requirements on the job and if they were looking for a reason to ding you and find a hole or a small mistake, perhaps someone could zero in on that and use that a reason to ding you. I would advise just waiting it out and see. Also some value in not coming off as too needy. If they already put on a position you pitched, that's great and already differentiates you.
Honestly, if you've already had a pitch put into their book, you’ve clearly proven you can do the work. Sending an unsolicited short might feel a bit like you’re overcompensating or, worse, stepping on toes while they're wrapping up the process. At this stage, it’s usually better to just sit tight—they know you're interested and capable. If you really want to stay on their radar without being "that guy," maybe send a quick, high-level note checking in on the timeline or mentioning a quick update on your original pitch, but keep the extra idea in your back pocket for now unless they specifically ask for more.
Ya I mean unless you wouldn’t be starting for several months or it’s a near-term catalyst, I’d hold onto the idea and then come in day one with it if you get the job. Given you’ve already had 2 good pitches I don’t think a third, even one that shows range, will break any potential ties. At this point it’s about usually about fit and preference not ability.
Don’t be that guy. Already got told an idea is in the book…you can’t top that at this stage. Keep this short in your back pocket for if the process drags on longer or as others said, when you’re on the job
Thank you guys for all those insights, super useful. I think I will just wait and hope. I would feel so bad to screw it up myself.
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