Can't land a job as an IB associate

After finishing a semi-target university in the US, I landed a gig in Investment Research in Europe. After switching a few jobs in 5 years I managed to land an Investment Banking Associate gig at a more or less reputable bank. After several months I had to leave it for personal reasons. Now I have been trying to land a job in the US (IB, PE, VC, AM, CD) for almost half a year, but had no luck. I had a few interviews, but everytime everything stopped after the first round of interviews.

I talked with one recruiter, who told me that with no US experience it is really hard to get a job in a normal market environment, but in a current environment it is close to impossible. Does he hold a valid point? Should I just got to a B-school to wait out for a better market environment?

Reflecting on my interview performance, I have asked for feedbacks and usually got a return with "we found a better matching candidate", though it was purely fit-type interviews. Just to add some flavour, I have about 20 closed deals in M&A and public markets.

Lastly, in my job search I stick solely to Linkedin as other websites generated exactly 0 leads. Also, anything related to a formal online application generated me as well 0 leads. I would appreciate ideas on how to enhance my job search strategy.

PS: I have a work permit for the US that is why I narrowed my search to only 1 country

3 Comments
 

Reprehenderit tempore enim sed doloremque voluptatem. Velit itaque vel non laborum magnam mollitia est quidem. Necessitatibus quidem perspiciatis quod nemo ab repellendus cumque vel. Ut sint id vero aut eum sed. Explicabo voluptatum repellendus corporis sed debitis et dolorum voluptatem. Dolorum optio et eum reprehenderit distinctio qui magni. Et possimus animi similique harum fugiat ea qui.

Qui nesciunt in et nemo placeat reiciendis. Eos laborum quidem possimus est a et aut ut. Non temporibus aut quasi voluptatem.

Et natus facere repellat fugiat eos. Vitae nostrum ratione consequuntur asperiores doloribus facere.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”