How to convert this to an interview...

In looking for a job, I have alerts set up for IB Analyst positions in various places through Indeed and other sites. Obviously it's next to impossible to even land an interview by just applying through the company's website, but I usually find the head MD for the department or group on LinkedIn and reach out that way.

The other day I applied for a position that I found on LinkedIn, and then reached out to the MD who heads up the department, asking him if we could speak on the phone for a few minutes about the vacancy. He wrote me back very quickly (I wrote him Friday mid-day, and got a response yesterday) and asked for my resume, which he will then send to the recruiting coordinator for the office.

I guess this is a good sign, but I am apprehensive about recruitment offices, and don't want to get lost in the shuffle (how would this be different from just applying online anyhow?).

I'm sure you all have had this experience before. How do I follow up with this to ensure that I can convert a first-round interview? My resume and materials are all in top-notch shape and I went to a strong target school, so that shouldn't be an issue. Am I just overthinking here?

Thanks.

13 Comments
 

You can't force it. You can do your best to demonstrate interest and drive - which you're doing. But at the end of the day, the decision lies with them - an attempt by you to seem "extra special" has a high likelihood of backfiring.

"There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat."
 

Definitely over-thinking.

[quote]The HBS guys have MAD SWAGGER. They frequently wear their class jackets to boston bars, strutting and acting like they own the joint. They just ooze success, confidence, swagger, basically attributes of alpha males.[/quote]
 

I HATE HR. That is all.

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 
Vontropnats
OreosI HATE HR. That is all.
No one likes HR -- that's why we always do anything and everything to avoid those departments.

Yea it doesn't stop once you have a job, HR still manage to screw me.

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 

Ut aliquid nihil maxime consequatur magni alias. Ipsa eos possimus delectus nam quidem pariatur maxime. Ut perspiciatis est cumque blanditiis. Quae omnis ut qui numquam et velit. Totam consequatur corrupti facere. Debitis et maiores aut. Voluptate occaecati dolorem molestiae impedit.

Voluptatibus aperiam et ipsum molestiae et. Laborum enim adipisci exercitationem aliquid eos quo saepe. Ducimus explicabo non debitis iusto. Animi labore fugit id fugiat quis quo non vel. Dolorum labore ex nihil. Ratione saepe dolores dolorem molestiae et asperiores doloribus. Assumenda assumenda sit quo aut ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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

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...”