outlook for 2012 fall ft recruiting thoughts

melvvvarno it's just you dawg. everyone else is lined up with a sweet gig and is phoning in their orders for their models and bottles.

Why are you even on this board?

AragornThis is a very hard question to answer, since the future is uncertain. Back in 2010, most people were talking about a slight recovery in recruiting, and this did in fact happen. Many banks were hiring for SAs for the class of 2012, as well as FT analysts for the class of 2011.

Now, fast forward to this year: FT recruiting for the class of 2012. This time around recruiting was much messier. In fact, not only were most banks on hiring freezes, many were laying off scores of employees.

The point is these things change year-to-year fairly quickly, and there's nothing you can really do to control the hiring environment. Therefore, your energy is better spent in making yourself a more competitive candidate. This means studying up on those WSO guides, killing your summer internship at the boutique, networking hard, and learning to be confident and competent. All things you already probably know.

I do sincerely hope hiring picks up for the class of 2013, but as the English Proverb goes -- hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Good luck!

Like Aragorn said, many MM's still conduct FT recruiting anyway, and in addition, don't forget about non-NYC locations for BB firms, as some of these offices will be hiring on a more ad-hoc basis as well.

DreamMonkeyIs it possible to network one's way into accelerated FT recruiting?

Yes, I was pulled in for accelerated interviews by an alumni connection i made. Another method is to just go up to recruiters at job fairs/info sessions (after you hopefully get a FT return offer) and say I have an offer that expires on X date, but because of XYZ reasons I would like the chance to recruit with your firm on an accelerated basis. Sometimes that works, other times it doesn't, but it can't hurt to try.