Getting a job through a connection

Hey guys,

I wanted to know if having a connection at a top bank will increase my chances of getting hired as an analyst next year.

A family friend is a managing director at Goldman Sachs so I'm expecting that my chances of getting hired by them is much higher than other candidates. I graduated from the U of M with a degree in economics but I still feel that I have a good shot at getting hired as an analyst. What do you guys think?

 
Best Response

If you know someone above the associate level, odds are good that if you have a solid resume and they think highly of you that they will get you an interview with the firm. They won't give you any preferential treatment at that point, although if you know an influential MD and you ask some good questions, that will certainly improve your chances.

This happened with me at a BB in NYC that I eventually passed on (wanted to work in SF instead). I didn't know the MD really well at first but over the summer I corresponded with him back and forth several times. By the time I went for my Super Day I think he had given me a shout to the recruiter more than once because she came over and asked me how the MD I knew is doing and if I had seen him today during interviews, etc.

If you are from a smaller school, actually screw that, right now if you are at ANY school, knowing a few people at the office you're trying to get a job with is going to be an immense help.

 

GSmonkey, it was just a question and I'm still curious as to what the answer actually is. People come on here and ask what connections do for them. I don't see anything wrong with asking to what extent a connection like that helps. It's just a question that I would be interested to hear the answer to. Thanks.

 

I'm lucky enough to know a few MDs across the street. In some cases (Global Group Head), they can at least get you 1st round. One case I think it was obvious that they had spoken with HR about pushing me further. Another case, the MD couldn't even get me a first round. It all depends on how the specific biz you're applying to is doing and whether you would have been a decent candidate without having the connection.

 

It was apparently a casual encounter so just call and say it was good meeting him/you had a fun time, small talk or joke around for a bit (if it feels natural), and then inquire about opportunities at his firm. Don't waste too much of his time getting to the point, but also don't be overly aggressive - just be curious.

 

I have a question regarding this as well. A friend of my families is a managing director at a bulge bracket firm. I recently used him to get an interview at this firm for a SA position, but was turned down. The problem was that the guy interviewing me had no idea who I was because someone who was suppose to tell them I was coming never did. I would have called him myself but this person said they would take care of it. I will soon be in search for a full-time job as I am graduating next spring, should I ask him over the summer if we can sit down to talk about other opportunities and see if he can get me another interview??

Let me know what you guys think, thanks.

"I wanna Thank the Good Lord for Making me a Capitalist"
 

if there is one thing that I have learned over the past 4 years it is that building relationships is the key to success (beyond the other necessities: hardwork, persistence, intrinsic motivation to do well, etc.). I have met an incredible number of unimpressive CEOs, MDs, PMs, and senior management who seem to have gotten by on connections and being likeable. I would definitely take advantage of all of your contacts. Shoot the MC VP an email saying it was great to meet you, i would love the opportunity to speak with you again regaining your industry and possible opps that may be available in the future. Most people value candor, just dont be abrasive. As far as the BB FT, I would set up a lunch with the guy you know and see what he can do. He can get you in the door but you need to perform in your interviews and not rely on some perceived advantage.

 

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