0 1R Invites… Should I Be Concerned?
I wanted to get some thoughts on my current situation. I’m recruiting for SA 2026 from a semi(ish)-target school, and so far, I haven’t received any 1r interviews. I’ve completed hirevues for WF, JP, GS, MS, SMBC, KKR, and Eastdil Secured, though I’m not sure how selective these are.
In terms of networking, I started relatively late (totally on me) but have had around 20 solid conversations with professionals. A few (3-4) mentioned that my resume looked strong and that I have a solid background. I also have a 3.9 GPA, so I don’t think that’s a major issue.
I’m still reaching out and trying to expand my network, but recruiting is taking up a significant amount of time. I'm thinking that I may have to cut my losses in terms of continuing to cold email, chat, and prep for interviews that may not even be coming. I know it’s still early in the process, but seeing friends and classmates post their offers on LinkedIn makes me wonder if my chances are already narrowing.
Would appreciate any insights on what else I should be doing or if anyone has been or is in a similar position.
bump
I assume you’re non-diversity. Don’t worry about others getting offers—it’s only realistic at this point for hard targets. Whether you’re at a semi-target or non-target doesn’t matter much since it’s a separate process for most banks that starts after target school recruiting. Focus on nailing your story and getting the bankers you’re in contact with to connect you with others at their firm.
havent gotten any 1r either and done the same amount of hirevues as you. I'm also semi/non-target, good gpa and solid background, just trust the process, most banks haven't sent first rounds yet. Keep prepping for interviews
Yes
Keep your head up. I struck out sophomore recruiting and didn’t land something till January of junior year (yes I was cold emailing & coffee chatting for 1 year+). I made some great relationships there and they helped me recruit full time for a BB. You never know who is going to take a liking to you in this process and go to bat for you.
Would you mind sharing whether KKR HireVue was automatic or selective? At HYPSM, I got nothing from KKR. I applied on January 2 after receiving an email from KKR Campus Recruiting inviting me to apply. Should I contact HR, or am I just cooked unluckily?
I’m in the same exact position
Slightly different circumstances for me. At a target in non target major (non-div). Struck out SA recruiting. Worked in a related industry to the coverage I was interested in in corp fin role. Landed a FT offer my senior year at a solid MM IB in my desired coverage group. TLDR: you’ll be fine even if you strike out, grind networking and techs. You will land somewhere
I'm at a hard target and haven't gotten anything either. We gonna be alright
At semi target too, and in a very similar position. 3.9+, about 20 chats, non diversity. Checking in to ask whether there’s been any progress - seems like things have still been pretty slow. I’m def considering allocating more time to preparing for interviews (that might not even happen) as networking has been taking up lots of time.
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