Resigned IB & interviewing - what to do now?

Hi monkeys,

Long story short I am on garden leave after mutual agreement with my firm and interviewing for another IB role. 
 

As long as I am still employed, I am wondering whether to silence the fact that I resigned (ie saying that I am still an associate at my firm, which is technically true during garden leave). Reason for that is I am afraid that saying I have resigned will kill my prospects (people in the know keep telling me: why would you have resigned with nothing lined up? Screams like firing).
 

Is this likely to come up during the hiring process in IB for associate roles ? 
 

Do banks do detailed references with your former team at Asso level?

If caught, will I get a regulatory black mark or will they just rescind my offer and forget about it?

What would you advise?

4 Comments
 

Based on previous WSO threads, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

  1. Disclosing Resignation:

    • It's generally advisable to be honest about your current employment status. While you are technically still employed during garden leave, transparency is key. Misrepresenting your status could backfire if discovered.
  2. Impact on Hiring Process:

    • The fact that you are on garden leave might come up during the hiring process. Banks often conduct thorough background checks, and discrepancies can raise red flags.
  3. Reference Checks:

    • Banks do conduct detailed references, especially for associate roles. They may contact your former team to verify your employment history and reasons for leaving.
  4. Consequences of Misrepresentation:

    • If caught misrepresenting your employment status, the consequences can vary. While it might not result in a regulatory black mark, it could lead to the rescinding of your offer and damage your reputation in the industry.

Advice: - Be Transparent: Clearly explain your situation during interviews. Emphasize that the resignation was mutual and focus on your skills and experience. - Prepare for Questions: Be ready to address why you resigned without another role lined up. Frame it positively, such as seeking new opportunities or a better fit. - Leverage References: Ensure you have strong references who can vouch for your performance and the circumstances of your departure.

By being honest and prepared, you can navigate the hiring process more effectively and maintain your professional integrity.

Sources: How screwed are IB associates if they're laid off?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/m7-ib-associate-full-time-recruiting?customgpt=1, Don't get OfficeHours., Corporate Finance Q&A with accountingbyday, BJM85, STorIB, and djfiii, Q&A: Big 4 Consulting to Lower MM IB to MM IB (No MBA).

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Hey - I think I know who you are. I just want to say what happened to you was horrible. You didn’t deserve to go out the way you did, and I’m truly sorry it happened.

I didn’t understand at the time, but I now get your position and how hard it was. I’d say thank you from everyone under you for inspiring us to do the best we can. And while sometimes that’s enough you showed how to be a genuine person at times of fault, and I can’t be thankful enough for your part in my life story.

And if I’m just talking into the ether, that’s fine. But if I know who you are just keep moving forward. Any place that hires you will know that they have a catch of a banker.

If you find out who this is, let’s grab a drink sometime! If you’re another poor soul, well just know you’re not alone I guess. Just keep moving forward.

P.S. you’re way smarter then I am at my age.

 

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