Need Help Framing Story - Let Go

Frequent poster but being intentionally vague. I am in a tough spot and would appreciate the feedback.

I am being let go from my L/S job in a few weeks for reasons unrelated to performance. I have positive references from the sector heads and other senior investment professionals at my ~$1bn to ~$5bn fund.

Questions:

1) How can I frame this story to recruiters to show that it was not performance-related?
2) Does it become more difficult to navigate the story to other funds? If so, how should I navigate?

My tenure on the buyside is not long.

Thank you and happy holidays.

8 Comments
 

just show your performance track records, explaining the thesis. 

actually i'm in a similar situation as you now but i'm still in the job. not sure how long would i last. 

what is your experience with your boss? differences in investment style? 

 

How can there be sector heads with only 1bn aum? Just twist Story like want to do adjacent strategy or similar. Don’t make up things entirely, small industry and your PMs word counts in the industry, yours doesn’t at this stage.

 
Most Helpful

No matter how you spin it, nobody will believe your side of the story. So just be honest. Just say: "My boss and I had very different personalities, so we oftentimes did not see eye-to-eye on non-work matters. I believe that, understandably, this led to friction in our relationship. Looking back, I should have recognized my place and this is something that I will be keenly aware of going forward." The key is to admit fault (even if you don't agree), don't be defensive about it, and use it as a learning opportunity. I think if you say that, then you will come off as mature, humble, and self-reflective -- all good things. 

 

The fact that your boss is tying your exit to the clause. Not sure you need to admit fault or even expand on the situation. An attorney should be the one advising about what to say. Sign the clause, move on and focus on performance. As part of signing the clause your former boss will keep quiet too so everyone will be talking about performance.

Just move on, truly would not even post more details on here delving into anything non-performance related waste of time unless you plan to join a more corporate environment going forward.

 

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