T10 MM HF Intern to S&T London - Breaking In

Your hedge fund experience and leadership roles will definitely help you stand out once your application reaches human eyes, but the key is getting past the automated gates. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:

1. Automated Gates (OAs and HireVues):

   • These are designed to level the playing field, so even candidates with stellar resumes can get filtered out if they don’t perform well. Your hedge fund experience won’t matter much at this stage.
   • Since you’ve done decently well on OAs and excel in HireVues, you’re already positioning yourself well to move past this stage.

2. Resume Impact Post-Automation:

   • Once you’re through the automated filters, your hedge fund experience, leadership roles, and academic research will significantly boost your profile. Recruiters and interviewers will see you as someone with relevant exposure to macro markets and a demonstrated ability to lead and execute.
   • Your hedge fund internship, in particular, signals that you’ve been exposed to high-level market thinking, which is highly valued in S&T roles.

3. Converting to AC Invites:

   • Your resume will likely give you a higher hit rate for telephone interviews or AC invites compared to candidates with less relevant experience. However, this is contingent on your performance in the earlier stages (OAs and HireVues).
   • The democratized nature of the process means that even with a strong resume, you need to consistently perform well in each step to progress.

4. Actionable Tips:

   • Tailor Your Prep: Continue focusing on AC prep, as this is where your resume will shine. Use your hedge fund experience to craft strong, market-relevant answers that demonstrate your understanding of macro trends and trading strategies.
   • Leverage Your Network: Reach out to alumni or contacts at the firms you’ve applied to. A strong internal referral can sometimes help bypass automated filters or give you an edge in the process.
   • Follow Up Strategically: After completing OAs or HireVues, consider sending polite follow-up emails to recruiters, highlighting your unique experience and enthusiasm for the role.

In summary, your hedge fund experience and leadership roles will give you a material advantage once you’re past the automated stages. Keep nailing the OAs and HireVues, and your resume should help you convert more opportunities into interviews and AC invites.

Sources: Q&A: HF out of undergrad, ~5 years later, Advice for London applicants, How I got my job in a Hedge Fund after graduation, Going from a non-target with low GPA to landing a hedge fund Internship, Q&A: I am a Hedge Fund recruiter