Do I stop trying? Canceled meeting 3-4+ times and rescheduling
I know this is normal in the industry, but when do I stop trying to set up a networking call? Should I not? I have been trying to schedule a call for about 3-4 + months now with an MD at a BB and the secretary cancels on me each time and reschedules. One time I was even at the office and the secretary canceled on me.
I emphasize I can speak for 10-15min and happy to accommodate anytime. Do they not want to meet with me even though the MD said to set up a time?
Not sure what to do, but thoughts advice would be appreciated.
jake,
Don't have all the answers, but have you ever bothered asking the secretary, point blank - face-to-face, why you continually get called for a position, then get turned away? Often times, they go through so many candidates, they may just be missing you.
In like manner, if they keep calling, they may just be interested. Good luck
I wouldn't say this is 'common' but it is not surprising at all. I'm assuming this is for an analyst or even summer analyst role - speaking with very junior people is just not terribly high on their priority list (MDs are generally not even brought into the recruiting process until the candidate has been vetted by junior/mid level bankers o the team. They'll appear at the superday to do like the last interview). Plus you have to consider that MDs are constantly traveling. I know some of my MDs are in the office like 4 times a month. The chances of you fitting into their schedule on one of those few days is very slim, hence the amount of rescheduling.
This is why a lot of people on this forum don't suggest networking with MDs when you are very junior. You should try to connect with Associates/VPs who are actually driving the junior recruitment process, plus they are generally in the office frequently.
Keep trying to reschedule, just realize what you are up against. I wouldn't read into the reschedulings too much with regards to how they view you as a candidate.
Its not unusual but definitely start to prioritize meeting other people.
It happens, same thing happened to me even though I was referred by a former colleague. I kept trying until he just stopped replying. I don't know what you have to lose. Maybe just try to schedule phone calls so you don't waste your time actually heading into the office. Best of luck man, it sucks
I had to email a BB MD 9 times over many months before we got a meeting scheduled, eventually we had a great chat and he helped me get an offer at another firm.
If he didn't want to meet he would never have replied in the first place so just keep following up every week or two.
My favorite subject, "networking" with MD's!
First of all, it's completely normal to get rescheduled at the last second. It's hard to get in touch with MDs sometimes even working at a bank on something important.
Have you already spoken with the junior team members at the office? If this is a warm contact relationship, perhaps you can reach out to the MD and say that you appreciate that he/she is busy and if it fits their schedule better, you would love the chance to speak to a junior team member, etc... then if you have a great call with that person, you have a better chance of talking to the next level (Associate, VP) and then the MD will make time for you.
^ fake news
It largely depends on the firm but in my experience, in most cases junior team members are a waste of time. Alumni MD's, specifically those who stay involved in recruiting (go on campus visits, are on school's advisory council, etc.) are the fastest way to an interview. Assuming they like you obviously.
OP if he's not an alum I'm surprised he replied in the first place but that means he likes something else about you
Fair enough, it's a difference of opinion and YMMV. An MD can get you the interview, but in my opinion, going to the interview and answering the question, "Why bank?" is much stronger if you can point to real conversations you have had with junior people doing your future job, compared with a 10 minute high level conversation with an MD, or worse, some generic nonsense about league tables.
True I definitely wouldn't mention league tables when asked why bank. I guess if you're looking at it from perspective of actually learning about the firm it's obviously good to speak to as many people as possible.
"Junior team members are a waste of time"
^That is fake news.
-coming from someone who got his first position from junior people pushing my resume / referring me to higher ups, and knowing others who went the same route.
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