networking for FT roles (London)

hi all!

lurker here, wanted some advice on FT networking in London specifically.

im entering an off-cycle in Jan for 5-6 months, there is a decent chance I'll be able to convert to FT but I'd like to have backups/aim higher for BBs/EBs.

does anyone have advice on networking for such roles starting July/Aug? im aware that networking isnt common in London for graduate roles since HR has more power, but keen on trying to bag any spots opened up by analysts leaving.

11 Comments
 

I got rejected from the application stage with a CEO/President level referral at an EB. Of course, first question I was asked was how I know the guy and once they knew I was non-nepo, attitude changed instantly. I did not even get a first-round.

HR has unbelievable power and for no reason.

Networking is useless except for smaller banks. 

 
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did you ask the individual to refer you or directly put your resume in/set up interviews? feel like referrals carry little weight in LDN anyway unless nepo

 

FT? is hiring at your EB always cold or have there been successful referrals/people who've networked in?

thanks

 

Dont know a single EB in London where referrals got ppl in. Many of them straight up outsource it to HHs.

 
Most Helpful

Take this with a strong pinch of salt:

a handful of London-based EBs will allow FT conversions for certain verticals where there is strong deal flow but little in terms of boots on the ground e.g. RX / Infra / O&G etc. 

I can say this because one of my colleagues attended a graduate event, told an AN3 how much he enjoyed working in O&G and received a call a week later about an O&G FT position (he had graduated and was taking his time off) and converted the process successfully owing to his strong technicals. 

However, while this is possible, it is 95% unlikely to work for the majority of verticals at EBs and BBs and I stress this heavily as HR does indeed have the majority of the control. 

 

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