Do Online Applications Work For Laterals?

I know this topic has been discussed before and most people would say do some networking. Meanwhile, lateral postings are everywhere and since people are swamped with work, they might not have that much to build connections.

I actually got my first job through an absent-minded online application. It's non-IB but was front-office as well.

Anyone got jobs through online apps before? 

8 Comments
 

I went from IB FO to PE without networking, if that is what you mean. While networking is absolutely useful if the contact pushes your resume, it is no guarantee for any interviews. If your profile is a good fit for an advertised role it might just work out with an online application.

 
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Yessir, got to three final rounds by applying online initially, and the current role I’m in was through the same method (this is in addition to other interviews of which I got to various stages). Past position was also done online (a NYC to Chicago move and knew no one at the firm). Only my first role out of undergrad was sourced using a connection (MBA student I met on campus).
 

Networking can definitely help get your resume noticed, and having an internal advocate is always a plus. Once you’re through the initial screening however (which is mainly about background and whether or not its something they’re looking for) it’s all about crafting your story and being prepared for the types of questions you’ll be asked at various stages of the process. 

 

I'm currently going through this - i'd always written off corporate careers pages but online applications have been yielding dozens of screens at the very least. kind of wish i'd tried this route years ago

networking hasnt really produced much yet but im hopeful that may be due to every firm still WFH

 

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