10 minute phone call with Goldman Partner
Hey guys,
Over the past week I have been playing a tenacious game of catch-up, seeing what deadlines have passed and if any alumni can help me out during this time. While I was sure to specifically tailor these cold emails to each individual, the sheer volume prevented me from actually retaining who had what position, and at where. Apparently one of the alumni that responded is actually a partner at Goldman, and has agreed to speak over the phone. Realistically, what should I expect to get out of this phone call? If it's just a matter of me spitting my story and asking specific questions about firm culture, that's fine with me. I just wanted to make sure I had the proper etiquette and realistic expectations (I've never spoken with someone this high before) and also, if anyone here had any recommendations on how to approach this. Thanks!
I can almost guarantee it will be entirely fit based, casual and just to see what you know, why you want to do it, and how you'd fit in in general with the culture or both Goldman and his group. The best way to approach this is to treat this person as any other senior banker - VP or partner, he is just a senior banker - keep your cool, be yourself and relax. If you become consumed with the "partner" status, you are going to stumble around, be extra nervous and not give a good impression. As long as you are relaxed and confident, you should be in good shape. Let him steer the conversation, but if it gets down to some interests, or his background, don't be afraid to jump in, at the appropriate times, and ask some questions of your own - let it be more of a dialogue than interview - that is what he will be expecting, or at least hoping for. Feel free to check this out on networking to help you as well. Good luck
My point: You can let the Partner take the lead, but you've got to give him some guidance or be prepared to ask questions if he had different expectations.
On top of what BankonBanking said, towards the end of the phone call, see if you can manage to meet up with the guy for lunch (assuming you're in close proximity to the guy).
Manage your expectations. Whether this is for FT or SA, if you're past the deadlines at a BB, chances are slim that whomever you're reaching out to will be able to help you get an interview. It's not impossible, just not very likely. Regardless, use the opportunity to make a good impression and you can ask for some more contacts out of him at other banks.
There are a lot of other great places to get experience, so hopefully you're not of the "Goldman or bust" mindset.
Is he in banking?
In networking questions I always ask about them and let them talk about their background and how he got where he is. Look up his linked in and maybe ask about some of his past roles etc.
Also make sure to speak about why your interested and what you have done etc.
Thats a pretty standard 15 minutes at least
I talked to Gene Sykes* on the phone and i don't think it helped my GS application. Bankers joke and say that it's really "Goldman Sykes."
*Gene Sykes is co-chair of Goldman, Sachs & Co.’s global mergers and acquisitions business and chairman of global technology, media, and telecommunications investment banking.
Be yourself, be genuinely interested, don't suck up. Try to actually understand what he is doing instead of trying to get a resume passed. Don't ask him to pass a resume -- hint at it (e.g. any tips on recruiting, how to get my resume looked at ?) and he'll offer
Speaking with Partner (Originally Posted: 03/30/2012)
To make a long story short, I emailed a partner at a MM merchant bank in my area with a copy of my resume and cover letter. He emailed me back saying he would like to speak with me about my interests in their firm and scheduled a phone appointment. I know you usually don't initially speak with the partner, but he seems like a really nice guy. My question is, how to make this go well and end up with them giving me a real interview? I have done a ton of research on this firm and really like the way they work and their culture. I think I would be a great fit there.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Be a human being,
It will likely be a conversational tone as opposed to a semi-interview. Prove you have a personality and that you'd be an interesting person to have in the office. He interacts with stiffs all day, prove you're not one.
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