How do you deal with headhunters?
So some background information about myself. I am an incoming trading analyst at a top BB (JPM/MS/GS) that will be working on a macro oriented vol desk.
I haven’t even started yet and I am being approached by headhunters at places with caliber like (Caxton, D.E. Shaw, Brevan Howard) and then also some smaller names. I haven’t even started yet so I’m honestly a little shocked this even happened.
So my question to those of you with experience is: how do you deal with headhunters and any advice? If you got the opportunity to work for one of these top firms would you do so at this stage in my “career” lol.
Thank you
Isn't DE Shaw a highly sought after firm to work for?
Yes, their discretionary macro team is fantastic. I’m just worried about burning bridges especially this close to starting. As much as I know that this business is generating PnL and alpha another huge part of it is also built on relationships and relationship management
It seems you have answered your own question and concern friend.
Relationships are everything in this line of work but they are built over years not in a few interviews. If you choose to interview be cordial and deliver the message in a way that keeps the door open in the future at that firm. Also, (assuming you’re a performer) let the results speak for themselves. If you can generate alpha they’ll take you back.
Relationships are everything in this line of work but they are built over years not in a few interviews. If you choose to interview be cordial and deliver the message in a way that keeps the door open in the future at that firm. Also, (assuming you’re a performer) let the results speak for themselves. If you can generate alpha they’ll take you back.
I would be careful here. If you haven't even started your job, it's not super likely those places would want you when they could easily recruit someone with 1-2 years experience. And why would they want to pay a headhunter for someone with zero experience? Headhunters do want information about people, who is where, who is good, who is happy and who is unhappy, what desks are in trouble etc. They may want to cultivate a relationship with you to acquire this information over the next couple years. You could speak with them because they will have information for you about jobs that you may want in the future. There's nothing wrong with knowing headhunters, but also no one really wants to mentor someone who's already got one foot out the door on day one.
I appreciate the advice, thank you
Never trust a headhunter, they are there to take info from you sometimes with didgy methods like advertising false openings.
Also - i wouldn't go to one of the places you mentioned before you have a solid experience and are able to work independently as risks of getting fired are high. A fund will always be on the lookout for someone who is able to extract value from the market on a prop basis, so stay where you are, learn and keep learning and grow into a trader role and start generating pnl, you are (it seems) young and recruiters will always call, don't worry.
I appreciate the advice and lookout. Thank you
Is this true for all products? Would Hf recruiters ever be interested in EQD traders?
hf recruiters are interested in traders working in whatever product the hf desk is recruiting for
The main reason they are reaching out to you is that the 5 year trend is a crunch on talent and they assume next 5 years will be too. So when in 2-5 years you want to move on, they want to represent you.
So likewise you need to go about it the same way, who do you want to represent you later on. If you do not click with someone, feel cannot trust them, feel they too abrasive you can back off easily. If you find someone who really fits you and is being professional to keep them in mind.
A good headhunter can literally be your industry therapist, they have seen everything and know everyone. Want to know how you stack up versus others, want to know what firm is serious about growing, want to know how to quit, want to know what form of deferred to ask for..etc..
Thank you for the input and advice. Do you mind if I PM you about some other questions?
How do headhunters find you/reach out? Is it through LinkedIn or did you previously send them your resume? I’ve always wondered that.
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