Recruitment Season: Doom and Gloom or Great Success?

Vontropnats had an awesome post last week on the beginning of the recruitment season. The fact remains, however, that this could be one of the worst recruitment seasons ever. Layoffs are increasing and compensation is decreasing.
At the end of the day we can whine about the situation and circumstance of our job hunt all we want, but this just means that we need to have extra determination and effort to get our desired job. All the negatives mean one simple thing: The competition to get a job in banking and finance is tougher than ever. In addition to the extra work we may need to compromise on a few things:
Will this be another horrible recruiting season? What are you doing to set yourself apart from the masses? Will things get better after the election?

Pictured yourself in the big city? You may need to be more open to Houston, SF, Atlanta, Charlotte, Richmond, etc.

Wanted to work at a BB? You may need to be more open to Boutiques and MM firms.

Wanted a "Front Office" gig? You may have to settle for something "less prestigious."

Wanted to cruise through recruitment because you go to a fancy school?
You may need to do some extra preparation.

Wanted to transition into Finance with a limited finance/accounting/math/econ background? You may need to take a year or so and get yourself extra education.

Hopefully you will be

with job offer in hand at the end of the season. Good luck!

9 Comments
 
DrPeterVenkman Pictured yourself in the big city? You may need to be more open to Houston, SF, Atlanta, Charlotte, Richmond, etc.

Whats the scene like in D.C?

Here to learn and hopefully pass on some knowledge as well. SB if I helped.
 

I doubt SF is going to be any easier than the big city.

The West Coast targets are going to still be competing for those spots even if any east coast schools would want a piece of that pie.

 
DreamgazingI doubt SF is going to be any easier than the big city.

The West Coast targets are going to still be competing for those spots even if any east coast schools would want a piece of that pie.

You are def right. I was just tryin to say the "NYC or bust" mentality may not be the best idea in this economy.
 

D.C. is slow, trying to make some headway but none of the contractors will do anything until the election is over and the clarity improves, so maybe some M&A in the pipeline by late Fall.

DLJ Analyst Class '96
 
TheMilkmanD.C. is slow, trying to make some headway but none of the contractors will do anything until the election is over and the clarity improves, so maybe some M&A in the pipeline by late Fall.
How important is the election? I've had people in the industry and profs at diff schools tell me recruiting will be better after election is over (doesn't matter who wins). What is your opinion on that?
 

Et quasi incidunt iure ut dicta. Et officia vel autem eveniet amet. Enim necessitatibus explicabo itaque illo voluptatibus. Unde id accusamus eius rerum soluta fuga maiores. Non quos voluptas quia et sit ullam aut omnis. Illo eos officiis qui occaecati.

Saepe itaque autem deserunt laboriosam. Est similique impedit tempore. Sed autem unde et sunt eum. Incidunt ut beatae quaerat est facere. Consequatur ut voluptate veniam ipsa fuga excepturi odit. Nisi soluta officia molestias fugit eligendi pariatur. Id aut et perferendis eligendi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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...”