analysts v. recruiter?

Hey Guys,

I have a question regarding securing first round interviews. I had a pleasant time at an information session last week, I networked really hard, and a lot of analysts liked me (one of them which agreed to back me up)

However, after the info sesh I attended a one-on-one in-house counseling session with the recruiter (basically I get 15 minutes and you talk about anything you want/ask questions ...etc.) and to be honest, I didn't think I made a good impression in front of the recruiter, and she didn't look impressed/pleased.

So my question is: would this hurt my chances of getting an initial round? Does recruiters perform an initial screening before the resumes gets passed to it analysts?

Thanks a bunch!!!

3 Comments
 

The recruiters mean nothing if the bankers want you... Make sure to keep in contact with the Analysts you spoke to and try to speak with Associates/VPs/MDs in that group if you can. If the bankers vouch for you, they will tell the recruiter who to contact for an interview. The only reason they really even have a job is because bankers don't have time to recruit so they outsource...

 
Best Response

Yes, once the analyst/associate interviewers have made their decision, it's generally up to the hiring managers, not the recruiters. HR does have some input in the hiring process, but the real question that gets asked of the MDs and SVPs is "Would you like this guy on your team?" Information may percolate through from HR, but if the on-site guys who interviewed you decide to give you the spot, it's a done deal.

Now, why was she so downbeat with you? Most likely she had 300 other people she needed to call that day, and she just needed you to hurry up and get on with your questions- it probably wasn't about you. Also, there's a lot of stress that goes on at most banks on a day-to-day basis. Arguably, HR takes as much of the brunt of this as anyone, and it takes a special kind of person to do HR in banking. People asking why the Analyst class gets paid more in one division but not theirs'. People demanding a Roth 401k program that they've been asking for for the past three years and asking uncomfortable questions about why it's taking so long.

This is something that you will also have to deal with if you work in the front office at a bank. The recruiters are looking not just for intellect and work ethic and drive but also mental toughness, and it's something that's fairly tough to pull off for a 21-year-old. Just practice ahead-of-time, smile, and give it your very best. Try not to get too worried- it'll either happen or it won't and a lot of this comes down to stuff beyond your control.

 

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