Reaching out to MDs instead of Analysts. More efficient?

Obviously, the more senior someone is, the more clout they have. Junior analysts and associates are also much busier/stressed out at work and probably have less time to respond to emails.

Target MDs and VPs. Both tend to have some sort of hiring responsibility.

I've had the most success directly e-mailing MDs and other senior-level people. I've found the guys who will talk to you will either take the call themselves, or toss you over to an analyst. Those who won't talk just don't respond at all.

My understanding is that it's best to talk to lower ranking alumni like analysts and associates first, then the more senior people just to make sure you've worked out the kinks in your story and have a stronger grasp on technicals. Then again, you should be strong with this stuff before talking to anyone. I guess if you only have alumni that are MDs, then you just talk to them.

From my experience, for target/core school recruiting, its obviously whoever who is actually on the recruiting team that has the most pull. A lot of these people tend to be on the Analyst to Associate level. I have found that senior level people (especially MDs) seem pretty far removed from the first round interview selection process and only get involved at the super day/final rounds. I also think its hard to build a really strong connection with an MD to the point that they would actively go bat for you if they aren't that involved with recruiting.

I would also reference this thread: //www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/students-network-with-associates-and-vps-n…

For 1st year analyst seats: 2nd year analysts, associates, junior VPs For Associate seats: Associates, VPs, junior directors

When I was networking I'd aim for VP and above. If I wanted to get a feel of the firm I'd hit up alumni analyst/associates that I knew. I found everyone to be pretty helpful, but VP and above are ideal for off cycle recruiting or getting additional contacts. Junior people are best for OCR.

Both. It's a numbers game. MDs in my experience have the clout. They can literally set you up for an interview the next day if there is a spot open even if on another team, and a good word from one can count for a lot. Maybe stuff had changed but that's been my observation.

Good luck

Definitely better if you can get someone senior to come in and bat for you. But if that person is unlikely to be invested in you, from an emotional or commercial/pragmatic standpoint then their value to you may be limited in the hiring process. You may not be able to leverage these connections other than for use in name dropping to create an impression of your networking savvy and initiative.