There was an investment bank that I was really looking to interning at, and it was the only bank I networked especially hard for. I've talked to a higher level guy (director/principal and up) who I thought liked me, and I had another ex-banker from the firm (who left on good terms) put in some good words with friends and HR.
I didn't even get first round.
I understand times are tough, but this really made me realize the importance of networking with the RIGHT people to get my foot in the door for the first round interview. Any advice for an aspiring monkey?
Best, BankingWaffle
The first rule of networking is you never stop networking. You can't approach it as a means to get a specific job.. the practice of networking is continuing to broaden your Rolodex of who you know who can introduce you to more people.
What does this mean to you, short term? Keep reaching out to anyone you can. Ask your relatives if they know anyone in the field. Follow up with this contact you mentioned and 1) thank him for his help, 2) try to schedule a casual chat with him, and 3) ask him to introduce you to more people.
As a follow up to 3, you might pose it like this: "Despite the outcome, I really appreciate you taking the time to support my candidacy at XYZ Firm. Moving forward, I'd like to keep in touch with you - maybe grab coffee [discuss your time-frame/availability]. In addition, I'd like to learn more about the different things you guys at XYZ do - could you point me towards some of your colleagues who would be willing to chat over the phone about their work? I'd really appreciate their prescriptive as well." And then you thank him again, and sign off.
Takeaway point: networking for a specific purpose (i.e. a job at his firm) is not networking - it is the act of leveraging your network. As it stands now, it seems like you have a one person network, which won't take you very far. So keep broadening your contacts. This is a lifelong skill that you will continue to hone - and if you are diligent - I can absolutely guarantee that it will yield fruit down the line.
Good luck, and feel free to message me with any specific questions. There is a learning curve, you will make mistakes, but the biggest mistake is not putting your all into the effort - especially early in your career.
Thanks for refreshing my perspective, kinda lost it with the stress of this recruiting season.
Sandhurst hit the nail on the head.
There's networking and that's it. No networking is bad networking.. there's a saying that there is strength in numbers.
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