SA 27 Recruiting - Already fried

Current sophomore recruiting for SA 27, and been in the process for a bit now. Done an okay amount of networking, and going to keep at it, but after that initial push, there’s kind of a quiet stretch where you’re waiting to see what actually turns into next steps.

Honestly, pretty fried right now and not much of a sense of urgency. Technicals aren’t too much of a worry since I’ve studied them, and I’m not far off from being interview-ready if something comes up, so I don’t really have the motivation to keep running mocks and studying when nothing’s immediately lined up.

Still gonna network more obviously, just curious if this kind of slump or plateau is normal during recruiting, especially in between waves.

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Feeling a bit fried during the recruiting process is completely normal, especially during those "quiet stretches" where you're waiting for next steps. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and actionable tips to help you navigate this phase:

1. The Plateau is Normal

  • Many candidates experience a lull after the initial networking push. It's a natural part of the process, especially when you're waiting for responses or next steps. Use this time strategically rather than letting it drain your motivation.

2. Stay Consistent with Networking

  • Even if you've done a decent amount of networking, consistency is key. Keep reaching out to new contacts, especially VPs and MDs, as they can sometimes directly influence interview opportunities. Don't forget to follow up with people you've already spoken to—building relationships is a long game.

3. Use the Downtime Wisely

  • While you may feel "interview-ready," staying sharp is crucial. Instead of grinding technicals endlessly, focus on:
    • Behavioral Prep: Refine your stories and practice delivering them concisely.
    • Industry Knowledge: Stay updated on market trends, deals, and news. This will help you stand out in conversations and interviews.
    • Mock Interviews: Even if you're confident, occasional mocks can help maintain your edge.

4. Reframe Your Mindset

  • Think of this phase as a marathon, not a sprint. Burnout often comes from trying to do too much too quickly. Set smaller, manageable goals for each week (e.g., reaching out to 5 new contacts, reviewing 2 technical topics, etc.).

5. Take Care of Yourself

  • It's easy to get caught up in the grind, but don't neglect your mental and physical health. Take breaks, exercise, and do things you enjoy to recharge. A clear mind will help you perform better when opportunities arise.

6. Leverage the Quiet Period

  • This is a great time to explore other aspects of your candidacy:
    • Resume Refinement: Ensure your resume is polished and tailored for each opportunity.
    • Alumni Research: Use LinkedIn to identify alumni or professionals with similar paths and reach out for advice.
    • Skill Building: Consider learning new skills or certifications that could enhance your profile.

7. Remember the Bigger Picture

  • Recruiting is rarely linear, and slumps are part of the journey. Keep grinding, stay patient, and trust the process. As one WSO thread aptly put it, "Recruiting is not a meritocracy, but persistence and preparation will eventually pay off."

Keep pushing forward, and don't hesitate to lean on your network or forums like WSO for support. You've got this!

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/my-2-cents-on-sa-recruiting-from-a-non-target-background?customgpt=1, How to Navigate FT Recruiting: Learn from My Successes/Failures, The Ups and Downs of Recruiting, SA 2024 Recruitment Process Reflection, Advice for Networking Calls for SA Recruiting

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
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Hey, I'm currently a ft analyst and have made a post related to this, but wanted to say that this is completely normal especially when momentum slows down. When you're actively chatting and going through interviews there's a huge spike in motivation but in slower periods, it can feel very demotivating.

Think the best thing you can do is try to find one or two other people to actively recruit with - preferably in person where you send emails together and mock with each other daily. This makes the process feel less lonely and can offer a ton of motivation. It's also mainly a mindset switch. If you set goals like getting 5 - 10 chats a week, and stop at nothing to achieve these goals, your mindset will gradually shift to instead of sending 30 emails this week I'll send 80 instead to reach these goals. 

Recruiting is super tedious and is feels dreadful at times but also gotta keep in mind that the peak of recruiting is only for another a couple months, so momentum needs to be ramped up now and not slowed down. And in these few months you're landing a great job out of school making six figures as a new grad.

 

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