London recruiting what based if not networking based?

Everywhere I see here, it says London recruiting isn’t networking based as opposed to the US.

Was wondering how does FT recruiting work?

Can’t work in the US cause of visa issues (after interviewing) and discovered I qualify to get a high performer or sth visa in London but am not closely familiar with the recruiting.

Any insight will be highly appreciated.

27 Comments
 

Thanks for the input. So basically all application based?

And like a US type resume work or does CV have different styles there?

 

since networking is not a thing in london, networking and getting referrals helps you so much getting a first round (since HR wouldn't expect a candidate work for one), albeit they have to be VP and above.

From my experience, in London, this is what helps: 1) top (5) uni and top course (econ/finance/physics...), 2) having a first-year internship at a no-name boutique or decent buy-side fund, 3), languages, finance society role / leadership, sports team, 4) interesting hobbies & interests (like flying planes). Having a referral will only be useful if you satisfy the above, then you've a really good chance. Referrals help if you actually know the referee or have a long-lasting relationship with them / they hardly work if you network with people for the sake of referrals

 

Thanks for the input. I already have contacts whom I networked with and keep in contact with. It’s not like randomly approaching new people for referrals. 😂

 

Diversity based.

Friend of friend secured a strong MM PE internship through GAIN, with the entire process being one screening call.

Another friend was tasked with recruiting 4 placement students, manager requested minimum 75% be female/diversity.

Just my take based on people I've spoken with.

 

Voluptas et et id ea sunt laborum. Quo eligendi ipsam sed harum.

Molestias nobis esse autem et omnis et est. Et quisquam ut minima. Ad et quasi suscipit quibusdam accusamus molestias aut. Et porro officiis voluptatem laboriosam.

Ut fugit quo consectetur aliquid delectus expedita. Ea mollitia aut in fugit similique animi.

 

Consectetur quis fugiat occaecati nihil. Itaque ipsa cum rerum voluptas ullam unde magnam. Animi numquam ducimus ullam corrupti.

Amet et nostrum eum doloribus dolor. Impedit atque occaecati animi sed sint minus.

Reprehenderit ipsa quisquam mollitia inventore maxime. Et ex et dicta tempora. Quisquam expedita non quia distinctio.

Doloribus saepe eum dolores est. Libero est aliquam nihil dolores dolore rerum. Excepturi animi aut possimus saepe. Ut nemo porro maiores voluptatem repellendus et quod. Rerum tempore repudiandae cumque deserunt voluptas doloribus iure. Facilis ducimus aut quisquam aut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”