London (Recruitment Market)

Hi all,

Approaching end of summer, and have to say it feels very quiet on the recruitment front. Anyone feeling the same here? I’m at a top 3 BB, and only been contacted re a small handful of opportunities in the last months. Anyone know of things being slow right now?

Happy to discuss on DM too.

Cheers.

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, the London recruitment market can indeed experience fluctuations, and there are several factors that might explain the current quietness:

  1. Seasonal Trends: Recruitment activity often slows down during the summer months as decision-makers and recruiters take time off. This could explain the reduced outreach you're experiencing.

  2. Market Conditions: Threads like "FT recruiting is completely fucked" highlight that hiring has been impacted by broader economic conditions, with many banks overstaffed and cutting back on recruitment. Smaller firms, in particular, seem to be struggling more in such environments.

  3. Ad-Hoc Nature of PE Recruitment: For those looking at private equity opportunities, it's worth noting that PE recruitment in London is described as "very ad-hoc in nature and unstructured," even for top firms like KKR, Blackstone, and Carlyle. This could contribute to the perception of a quieter market.

  4. Networking Importance: As seen in other discussions, networking remains a critical tool to uncover hidden opportunities, especially during slower periods. Leveraging your existing network or reaching out to headhunters could help you identify roles that aren't widely advertised.

If you're looking for more specific advice or insights, feel free to share additional details about your goals or target sectors.

Sources: Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways, Investment Banking in the UK - An Overview, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/pe-recruiting-in-london?customgpt=1, Was recruiting for 2023 SA London unusually hard this year?, Investment Banking in London (EMEA) - Strongest Players, League Tables, Salaries, Differences...

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