How much rejection is normal in the lateral process?

I’m an experienced investment banking analyst navigating the lateral market. I have come close to opportunities but haven’t close anything yet. It’s been very very frustrating and taking a toll on me. I was laid off due to RIF, and have been fortunate to have interview opportunities in this market but I am just not closing. At what point do you say,” it’s definitely me as to why I’m not closing” instead of viewing it as the competition? I have been getting extremely close to — final rounds — just not closing.

Albeit I’ve only been involved in a few processes since the RIF layoff.

17 Comments
 

Normal. Banks have tons of options and can afford to be choosy right now. Two processes is unfortunate but that's just normal recruiting, not something you are doing (although obviously evaluate where you can improve)

I'd say once you hit the 4-6 month mark the resume gap also starts to become a question mark, so I would be open to non-IB opportunities as well if you're getting close to that.

 

How long are these processes taking you? 

Did your interviewers notify you that you were dinged or just ghost you?  

I am currently involved in some processes and I am either not hearing back or they are taking forever to respond.

 

From the time it goes public, it could take a month to hear back. Once I hear back assuming I am involved in the entire process from start to finish, it could take a month or two to finish. Some banks are very quick, some are slow. It depends on how lean the team is.

At my previous company, it took about four months to close that entire process.

 

If they take forever to respond assume you got dinged. Usually in these processes, If I interviewed Wednesday in the current week, I’ll hear back Monday or Tuesday at the latest the next week on next steps. If they’re taking forever to hear back, or they don’t tell you what those next steps would be via email and just need time, then assume you’re dinged.

Processes move quick or slow, but either way you will hear back about next steps if they want to progress with you.

If I don’t hear back within one week at the latest I assume I’m dinged.

 

How do you find the right contact for specific groups at banks when most associates/VPs don't list their groups on LinkedIn?

 

Guys, the situation is shitty in London too, or my CV is really bad (would appreciate if someone could check and give some feedback). I have been applying for months now, managed to secure a couple of interviews April last year but ever since I am only getting rejections. It’s really painful and the worst part is having recruiters reaching out for an opportunity, asking for your CV and then disappearing not returning calls etc

EquityEnigma
 

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