Sell Side Trader Recruiting Fails
TLDR: How am I supposed to interview for buy-side roles in a trading seat?
Background: Made it through the analyst program in a trading role at a very reputable SP bank and no and Associate 2. How am I supposed to interview for buyside shops mid-day in a trading seat? I am fully in office no remote, days are typically 8-6,7,8pm or maybe later if were slammed and LOL taking a day off? I'm not complaining (actually pretty happy where I am but won't turn down an interview for an interesting gig I get put in front of me), but all my experience has been super short notice mid-day intro calls with PMs and the way I see it to even sniff an offer id need 3/5 PTO days.
Ask for the community:
1) Current sell-siders recruiting: Am I in a completely rare spot that no one else is experiencing or is this common and I just need to find coverage if I truly want to make a switch.
2) Buy-side guys that have made the switch: How?
Ah, the classic conundrum of trying to leap from the sell-side to the buy-side without the luxury of a flexible schedule. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what I can tell you:
1) Current sell-siders recruiting: It's not uncommon for sell-side traders to face the challenge of interviewing for buy-side roles while juggling a demanding schedule. You're certainly not alone in this. Many have navigated these waters before you. The key is to find coverage for your desk when you need to step away for an interview. It's about prioritizing your career moves and being strategic about the use of your personal time off (PTO). You might need to use those PTO days judiciously or schedule interviews early in the morning, during lunch breaks, or after market hours if possible.
2) Buy-side guys that have made the switch: The transition often involves a combination of networking, timing, and sometimes a bit of luck. Those who have successfully made the switch typically emphasize the importance of networking to get in front of the right people. They also highlight the need to be flexible and ready to take calls or attend interviews at unconventional times. It's about making yourself available and showing genuine interest and commitment to the move.
Remember, the buy-side values discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information, so being able to manage your current role while exploring new opportunities can actually be seen as a positive trait. Keep swinging through those vines, and you might just land in the perfect spot on the buy-side.
Sources: Sell Side Trading vs Buy Side Execution, MUST READ! What makes a good trader, fund manager, hedge fund manager, salestrader, and buy-side trader, Q&A and Yet Another Post On How To Break Into The Buy-side, Wanna Jump Straight to the Buy Side?, Network (In)to The Sell-side - How to Source Job Leads and Charm the Interviewer
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