I'm just curious how many people one would need to talk to at a certain bank/group for the diminishing returns effect to kick in. Who knows, the answer could be its never enough! I'm just curious. I'd like to hear people's experience and outcomes (hypothetical example: had 2 VPs, 1 director, 1 analyst go to bat for me and got a 1st round interview, etc).
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Keep talking to people/coffee chatting until they say you can stop asking; some groups are low touch point 2-3 and some others make you meet 6+ before inviting you in for a 1st round.
Interesting, in your experience, whats the farthest one can get through networking? For example, if you've got someone high pulling for you, is it possible to go straight to a superday?
Yes; possible to go straight into superday; but this is for off-cycle full-time IB recruiting only; internships you will always have to go through a 1st round
You a freshman?
I have never contacted more than one person from a single group/team and I can't say that it has helped or hindered me. Actually for all the networking I do I have never gotten an offer through a connection. That said, I recognize that most of my interviews came from people knowing who I am and my story so I will always network and encourage others to do so.
More to your question, I think that when it comes to networking, the right people can be too bashful or shy while those who will never be a good fit for the job rear their heads too much. It can't hurt to talk to multiple people in close proximity, it helps that if you ask for a referral from the first connection.
I networked extensively with some firms and never got anywhere-other firms I networked well with one person who carried me straight to an interview before applying officially. Ultimately, I got my first offer from a firm where I didn’t network at all. Networking probably can’t hurt but don’t assume that bombarding everyone at a firm with emails is a prerequisite for success.
Interesting, how senior was that one person that you hit it off with and got you and interview?
1st year associate who was promoted through from analyst.
Some places have very organized, hierarchical hiring structures where one or two junior team members have the lion's share of authority when it comes to recruiting decisions. In general, though, I'm of the opinion that 1/2 strong connections with associates or senior analysts is of greater value by far than bombarding everyone, and MD's may just as likely ding you for bugging them as help you.
got offers from places I never spoke to
dinged from places i networked extensively with
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