Anyone ever apply through the company's career page?

Don't know about Goldman but I've gotten a couple interviews from applying online.

If you're a non-target with no connections, aiming at GS is a bit high. Be more realistic and work with what you have. Hundreds is an understatement by a few thousand I think, and it is very difficult to land something that way I believe. Even if you are qualified, it is hard to break in that way.

^^ It never hurts to apply. Goldman does sift through these resumes.

Well I am not just talking about Goldman, I am talking about major BBs. I just used Goldman as an example.

Yes. Got a bunch of interviews from BB and offer from one just applying from their career page..... Although...they were down here for OCR too......So maybe that's why. But they do sift through resumes, I thought one of the BB's might just look over my resume, but called me back. So just try, but if you know a recruiter or someone in the bank, it's even a better plus. Email them.

I don't know about Goldman but MBB definitely does.

I am very very surprised at the answers so far. I was almost certain everyone agreed they fill all spots through OCR and networking and use on-line apps as a last resort which wud rarely need to be used in good times and literally never be used at times like this...let alone GS. I may pick up my on-line app effort if this is all true

It's funny how it's completely the opposite in London (in regard to GoldmanBallSachs' comment). Everybody goes through online applications.

JPM NY, Robert W Baird Milwaukee/Chicago, Houlihan Lokey NY & Chicago, UBS NY, Barclay's NY and SocGen NY as of a few years ago all took (non-target) applicants from their online applications from my personal experience. JPM was actually the quickest to get back about interview invitations surprisingly. Barclay's took a few phone calls and messages to HR.

From my experience, if you meet their semi target / target schools / GPA criteria then yes, otherwise it is a waste of time in my opinion. if you know someone that works there (even if its an analyst) and you're able to name drop that person on an application field then that helps as well.

Also, Goldman doesn't get hundreds of applicants online, they get thousands.

Based on my recruiting experience, getting picked from the online pool is all luck, and extremely unlikely. That said, you would be an idiot not to at least apply for the positions, you never know.

I'VE GOTTEN INTERVIEWS BY SENDING EMAILS TO CAREER(S)@COMPANY.COM. IT WORKS REALLY WELL BECAUSE THEY USUALLY GO RIGHT TO THE HIRING MANAGER.

in UK yes, in US nope

I have had 2 interviews at GS applying thru their website. I am in the US. So apply, in any case there is nothing to lose...

Those jobs are posted there mainly for HR purposes. Most of them are filled internally, referrals, or recruiters (my personal experience). At my previous employer I've seen positions posted online that have already been filled. I just got hired at Wells Fargo, and the position was still available online even though I had already filled the spot. (a recruiter helped me). After they made me an offer, they asked me to apply online. It was a bit weird.

A lot of people say it's a waste of time but I was able to get a few interviews through online applications. Not sure if all banks do this, but I know at least one bank I applied screened all the online/non-target apps as a group, pick out the top candidates and extend phone interviews.

I got my current position (front office) that way

Do apply. However, as mentioned before it is better to have a contact. That contact will be crucial as he/she can push you in for a 1st round because they can speak to HR on your behalf. However, if your school/university has a career website apply through that. I am from a non-target as well and BB's have recruited for front-office roles on campus. In fact, I have even applied online at the banks website without applying on my university's website and I have gotten calls for interviews at my school. However, this is all as a result from networking. Yes you may get lucky and get an interview from a non-target just by applying online, but sometimes is it because the bank may want to recruit from a certain geographic area. Networking is key.

When I was at my non-target (no BB recruiting on campus) I applied to Goldman's IBD and got a call for a phone interview within the week followed by a random superday invite for their special situations group, which is technically within the Securities division and I did not directly apply for it. I told one of the analysts I randomly met that I was applying, which could have significantly increased my chances in ways I don't have full knowledge of. Just do it, you have maybe an hour of time to give up and a chance to get a good gig. Not sure how it works at all the BBs, but if they think you have potential you will get a first round and you may get interviews with other groups they may think you are well suited for.

Semi/non target, no contacts, no previous experience, applied to BBs online only. Offer received.

Yes. You can apply online through the company's career page. In fact, a lot of companies now a days require job applicants to submit their resume online. Just make sure that your resume is well written to be able to get the attention of the hiring officer.

Definitely works, I landed my current job through the company's career website. I also had interviews w/ Barclays, Citi, and JPM all by applying on their career website. Also made friends w/ some recruiters at diff companies who plucked me from their website applicant pool, once I was in w/ them, they let me know about the positions before they were posted, and zing, got an interview.

I have rec'vd FO roles through the blackhole which are online applications. In fact, most of us at least know someone who has, so its totally not unheard of.

Think of FT FO roles as such:

40% of roles come from networking/nepotism/etc. 30% of roles come from some structured OCR 20% of roles come from internal/external recruiter ~ 10% of roles come from the random online pool

These are just my ball park figures, but I would guess that theyre pretty close. This is how you should probably spend your time looking for jobs. It proves that while you should not spend all day whipping out online apps, you would definitely be doing your self a disservice by ignoring them completely and conceding 10% of the process (especially in today's enviroment).

In summary to all of the above, it seems like you have nothing to lose by applying (it definitely won't hurt your chances) but more importantly, make sure you follow up with someone e.g HR manager for that office, a contact at the target co., etc.

I've received many interviews from applying online, but I go to a target, have a decent GPA, and have bulge bracket FO experience. With that said, I have yet to receive a FT offer at a bank via online applications. I wouldn't tell anyone not to apply online, but this should not be a substitute for networking.

Well, it's certainly the WORST WAY to apply, but still your odds of getting an interview are better than not applying at at. IIRC, most companies nowadays use something like Taleo and it just filters for what they're looking for.

Do people know which firms tend to put a greater emphasis on recruitment through its online application?

Don't know about Goldman or BBs but it can work. It's just way harder. I've gotten every job and internship like this though.