Can't get first fulltimer *advice greatly appreciated*
I recently graduated from a non-target (but reputable) business school this month but have yet to lock down a fulltimer. I'm starting to get very nervous/depressed about the whole situation since I'm going to begin paying off student loans soon.
A little background about myself...
-Graudated cum laude (3.5+ gpa) -double major in finance and liberal studies - 2 related internships including one at a small private equity firm working on real deals -Series 7,66 licenses (although these may not mean too much) -on one of my school's sports teams -I want to stay in the finance industry, not wealth management tho. I may reach out the corporate finance but I really don't like that kind of heavy accounting.
I've had some interviews from online applications and networking. Most of them I've felt good about...but no offers. I think my interview skills and preparation are decent as well. I have no idea how some others have locked down something even though my qualifications appear better. I'm not going give up but I feel like I'm losing hope.
How have people been successful (a) getting an interview then (b) landing a entry-level offer? As much as I love the troll monkies, please reply with serious responses.... I know I'm not the only one in this situation.
i've been in your situation before - multiple times actually, and it does suck.
you seem to have strong credentials so here are some preliminary observations, assessments and thoughts given the limited info you've provided.
if you are not getting dinged for interviews then either your resume is not up to standard (formatting-wise not content-wise) or you have not been networking enough with the right people. leave no stone un-turned and attack every possible channel you can think of: family, friends, friends of friends, career center, professors, the gym, happy hours, conferences, other professional events. online applications - unless they are being sourced directly from your university - are probably one of the biggest waste of times on earth. networking > online apps, although you probably feel mildly better every time you send an app. also, networking is a game of attrition, so start early and stick to it longer than most. you will eventually move a few stones.
there is a great quote that reads "when opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." Set up informational interviews with people in the field who went to your school. do weekend trips to financial centers. show these people that you are willing to go above and beyond (within reason) the average person, and you are likely to impress in the right way.
if you come across as a competent and cool person in informationals, then odds are they will be willing to help you, or if you are lucky, get interviewed directly by the guy. can't stress enough how important it is to get your story down: be chronological, logical, and natural. have good examples for all possible fit questions. don't just say what you do, illustrate it. this is the best tactic to ensure that your interviewer remains hooked throughout the interview. that's what will get you the offer.
lastly, get your technicals down cold. even though technical q's make or break an interviewee, oftentimes candidates think that it's about getting every single question right. it's important to have technicals down, not to pass every hurdle unscathed, but so that when interview day comes, you are not worried about the equation for re-levering beta, but instead are as cool and collected as possible.
just by doing this I say you will be ahead of 98% of candidates.
goodluck.
freaking great advice there man...great advice
thanks for the advice esbanker. What's the best way to set up informational interviews apart from networking with alumni, friend, etc (which I have done)? Should I call up companies and see if they have a formal session?
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