How do you go from having coffee chats with analysts, associates, etc. to the next level where you have a relationship where they go to bat for you to secure that first round interview? It can be hard to tell where you are on this spectrum...
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I only asked if I thought the call went well and a solid connection was established. If the analyst had a similar background (same school/major/clubs) and seemed enthuasiastic, I felt alright to ask at the end of the call. Typically I would phrase it like: " Thank you so much for your time. I would love to have a chance to interview at your firm, if there is any way you can help my resume get noticed I would definitely appreciate it ". Most of the time the analyst would respond favorably, and I believe this went a long way towards giving me an edge to secure a first round interview.
Were there any times when they responded favorably but you still didn’t get an interview? If there were, did you follow up with them to find out why?
Yes, it happened once or twice. I never followed up to ask why, but that's because I was more preoccupied with the first round interviews I did receive. For the interviews I missed, I thought those first rounds would be guaranteed given that I had a strong resume, came from a target, and even networked. It just goes to show how competitive the IB recruiting process is - it's like the college app process on steroids. When most BBs/EBs/MMs are only accepting 3-5% of applicants, even with all your best efforts, landing an interview or offer is basically a crap shoot.
I often word it like this, they get the point and if they turn you down, it doesn't blow up the relationship and there is a chance that it may work if tried in the future
"Do you have any advice on how to best position my candidacy and navigate the recruiting process coming from XYZ school"
That's good. Let them suggest putting in a good word for you.
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