How long is too long?

When applying for a trading job on a corporate website or through an alumni network, how long does a firm typically take to get back to somebody they might be interested in? I just want to know because a lot of these firms will not contact you to tell you to buzz off, and I want to start going through my list and marking off the firms that are lost causes.

thanks.

as always the illustrious monkeysama

9 Comments
 

I really wouldn't put to much faith in applying on the corporate website. Those are referred to as the "black hole", as in, it probably ain't happening

 
eyelikecheeseI really wouldn't put to much faith in applying on the corporate website. Those are referred to as the "black hole", as in, it probably ain't happening

Right. So, I've applied on my alumni site (I'm only 2 years out of school). Anywhere else I might apply? I mean, how the hell do these people hire anyone? Is there a secret handshake?

 

I applied a few places online and calling the HR department constantly until you get something worked for me (I don't mean constantly as in every 30 minutes but once or twice a week until you get an answer worked out alright for me.)

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 
happypantsmcgeeI applied a few places online and calling the HR department constantly until you get something worked for me (I don't mean constantly as in every 30 minutes but once or twice a week until you get an answer worked out alright for me.)

I would like to call the HR department, but I'm also a little scared about doing so during working hours, because if I get a trader that would royaaallly piss him off. Do most prop shops have independent HR contacts or is the name/phone number of these places just linked to some senior trader?

 

What? You're calling HR how would you get a trader? And if its a small shop I guarantee there is someone who answers the phones that isnt a trader.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 
happypantsmcgeeWhat? You're calling HR how would you get a trader? And if its a small shop I guarantee there is someone who answers the phones that isnt a trader.

I guess you're right. I'm just nervous about pissing someone off - Spot Trading says specifically not to call, but then again, that might mean calling is more effective. Oh well, thanks for the advice. I didn't cold call today, but now I will tomorrow, so you've given me some confidence.

 

Whats the worst that can happen? They aren't beating down the door to hire you so just be polite and get your point across.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

find people on linkedin an email them. calling is really bad because you don't know if its a good time for them. with email you are giving them the opportunity to breath and you can always set up a time to talk over the phone.

 

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If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford

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