You’re at the end of your meeting with an Associate. You want him to refer you. What do you say?

This is of course assuming that the person himself doesn’t say anything. As a result, you want to push for a referral but don’t want to say it directly because that’s just a dick move. What can you say? Thanks!

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Ask and you shall receive. Just make sure you thank them for their time. Always have an ASK for something . Having an associate school you on "what does it take to break into IB" type questions is a massive waste of their time especially if you end it at that.

"Thanks for your time today I really appreciate it. Is there anyone you'd be willing to connect me with that has more information on XYZ"

"You mentioned person X at bank Y that works in group Z, would you be willing to give me a warm introduction to him/her?"

"Is there anyone you'd be willing to connect me with in regards to getting feedback on my resume and work experience?"

"Is there anyone you'd be willing to connect me with that can tell me about XYZ."

And, if they do refer you to someone, make sure you properly thank them and follow up promptly. If someone sticks their neck out to give you an intro/referral, you best not fuck it up or they'll never speak to you again.

"Out the garage is how you end up in charge It's how you end up in penthouses, end up in cars, it's how you Start off a curb servin', end up a boss"
 

I agree with almost all of this. I think asking for a general referral can come off as rude, in some cases. It’s like saying, “thanks for speaking with me, now who is the person I should actually talk to?” Can rub some the wrong way.

Instead, I would follow other advice offered. “What should I be doing next?” “I really enjoyed our conversation, are there other members of your team that you would recommend I contact?” “I’m more excited after this call to be applying to firm XYZ, I really enjoyed talking about thing ABC and was curious if you knew a recruiting/HR member that you’d be willing to connect me with to get my foot in the door?”

All this being said, DON’T do these things if you can tell the interview went poorly. It will ruin your chances at the firm/group. Instead, pick your head up and address the elephant in the room and do your best to mediate the situation. Maybe it can end with you speaking with someone else at another time and not Totally destroying your chances with that firm.

 
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