43 Comments
 

Resisting my instincts that this is a troll post...

It's a dumb question because the entire point of networking in the job hunting sense is to separate yourself from the rest of the resume stack. I can only imagine how many people apply to investment banking positions but it has to be in the thousands, if not tens of thousands, or even more...so it is a position in which networking is paramount. Additionally, investment banking is also a industry in which online applications are just short of meaningless. Almost everyone gets a position through on-campus interviews and/or networking.

So, yes, networking after applying is of paramount importance.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

wait, this is definitely not a troll post lol.

I asked because I thought most people network BEFORE applying, and then once they apply, they let the person they networked with know that they applied. So I wasn't sure if you were to supposed to network after you already applied.

 

I mean just think about it.....no difference besides if you make a good impression they just tell hr to give you an interview at different times...

Not that hard to think.

 
Best Response

Well yes, you should network before applying too, but I think you need to change the way you view networking.

Networking isn't a thing with a timeline, or a deadline, or an end in sight. Your professional network is something you grow, manage, and adapt throughout your entire life from the time you become a professional.

Someone you meet today, post-application, could help you a year from now, or 5 years from now, or 15 years, etc. A scenario in which you contact someone about your interest and that you already applied, meet them for coffee, and the job doesn't work out at this specific company, but that person still really likes you, and that person gets hired in PE or whatever or happens to be a graduate of X business school, so whenever you're ready to make the switch to the buy side or apply to MBA programs you have an immediate person in your corner, is not that unrealistic. That's the value of a network.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

May I ask - what happens if I applied to a BB and used up all available applications for this cycle (limit of 3) but an MD/VP at the same BB wants to talk to me (after networking) about their dept? I no longer have any available applications left this cycle. Is this a lost cause? 

 

Networking is a marathon not a sprint, paradoxically I think it matters less for analysts than it does for your career. When I think of people I've known who have succeeded in business almost all have had wide and diverse networks. They didn't just know other folks in industry they knew lawyers, accountants, people across other industries and in the government/non-profit sectors. Networking is all about relationships and relationship building. It's not enough to reach out, you've got to follow up.

 

Networking isn't just for getting a job. That's where everyone fucks up the most. They think "networking is just something I do to get a job, or when I need to get a result".

Fuck that. You need to be networking every week, or at least every month after you secure a job, or when applying for a job. The more people you meet, the better your network gets, the better opportunities that present themselves and the more you learn.

If you can find the time, meet with any and everyone you can. It can only HELP you in the long term, and in the short term.

The most successful people at the tops of these organizations you're applying to have networked with thousands of people over the decades. Don't forget that, and always be aiming to get better and meet new people.

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 

Well if you've kept up convos and he knows an opening is coming up and you're interested in IB wouldn't you think he'd let you know or call you too?

 

Just kidding. In all seriousness, I have found it doesn't really matter. Networking has to be done, regardless of when you submit your application. So I wouldn't really put that much thought into that, but try to let your contacts know you submitted it.

 

Landed a Barclays ER interview after applying on the website last month.

"My dear, descended from the apes! Let us hope it is not true, but if it is, let us pray that it will not become generally known."
 

lol bro of course it does happen. if your CV is excellent and interests them enough, why wouldn't they interview you?

 

yup, how i got my current job as well as a decent number of interviews. i'd recommend networking if possible though. takes a lot of pressure and stress out of the whole process

Remember, once you're inside you're on your own. Oh, you mean I can't count on you? No. Good!
 

In my experience, basically never. Sure you might get one or two if you're lucky, but things are so competitive now, that you need any advantage you can get. If you're really serious about earning interviews and finding quality opportunities it is essential to network.

 

I'm a little shocked by the number of replies saying they've gotten something from this. I've always foregone this route thinking it was a waste of time, believing either on campus or networking was virtually the only way to go barring an absolutely spectacular resume.

"They are all former investment bankers that were laid off in the economic collapse that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have no marketable skills, but by God they work hard."
 
CountryUnderdogI'm a little shocked by the number of replies saying they've gotten something from this. I've always foregone this route thinking it was a waste of time, believing either on campus or networking was virtually the only way to go barring an absolutely spectacular resume.

I don't know about other people, but i was lucky enough to go to a target with good OCR. that definitely boosts your chances, even if you don't network. but just throwing your resume into a bank's online application website makes it harder than if you have OCR because with OCR, banks at least know that you match some of the criteria they're looking for

Remember, once you're inside you're on your own. Oh, you mean I can't count on you? No. Good!
 

Yes. You can yank it and resubmit with your new connections "eyes on". Never stop networking in any capacity.

Compensation is not commensurate with education.
 

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