Hey guys, looking for some advice. So I've been knocking on a few doors recently by making early morning drop ins which is a great experience btw. While doing my research of firms, I became more focused on understanding the strategies and culture (boutique and medium sized firms) which has helped preparing the resume and cover letter for the firms.
Have a question regarding two walk-ins I'm planning: I noticed at one firm that not only is the VP overlooking HR an alumni of my uni, but so is over a third of the IM and PWM team. At the other firm, VP of HR is also an alumni and about half the analysts. What is the best way to approach and utilize from the alumni connection or is it something they will notice or bring up on their own if felt appropriate? All this assuming I get a face to face but advice regarding email/cl would be helpful as well.
Cheers,
T
So I can understand -- you're literally walking into the firm's office and asking to meet people without having any connections?
Yes. I am walking in and asking to speak with the person in charge of hiring. If I have a name, I mention it.
lol, slam your briefcase down "WHOS IN CHARGE HERE?!?!"
Well it's just like walking into a retail store and asking for the hiring manager.
Let me know how everything goes OP.
Unless you are super hot, OP.
Wow. Is for serious?
You should walk into 200 West and say "I'm here to see Mr. Blankfein."
Exactly what I was thinking. Hell yeah. Whatever it takes, the outcome will be the same. So I'd rather do it with my pride on.
Just wanted to say LOL.
Well atleast you are showing real determination. Most of you peers are just mass emailing crappy copy pasters and calling that networking.
Yeah its a bit intimidating at first but I broke into it pretty quickly. What's their to lose? I actually ended up landing an interview for an open position as an analyst at a boutique. Just winging the others...
Ok, I was almost believing your story.. and you almost got my respect.. and then I realized you can't properly use the word "there" and now I just think you're a fake.
Yeah, you are absolutely right. Nothing to lose at all. People were meant to make it big don't give a f***k about losing face or so.
Pounding the pavement, literally. Good stuff.
Yeah its a bit intimidating at first but I broke into it pretty quickly. What's their to lose? I actually ended up landing an interview for an open position as an analyst at a boutique. Just winging the others...
Congrats, glad it's been working. Takes serious guts to pull off.
Biggest balls I've seen, Respect !
lol ... actually my bro's idea. works at a bb and convinced me to say fuck it, just do it. I've hit up like 20 firms and dropped resumes. Definite learning curve but I will say that cold calling is distant option now. Just do the research and plan a strategy.
Ask for him by name and if he's not there, you can ask to speak with his assistant and schedule a time to meet with him (in person obviously, since that's how you roll). Once you meet him, you can bring up the school connection and try to build rapport that way.
Please post an update once you go there.
Nice okay, will do. If can't schedule, I'm going to leave my cl and resume, obviously customized.
I did that too; as long as you dont look uncomfortable (at all. walk in as if thats how it works), the person you meet (if all goes well; which surprisingly often it does) is just as surprised as the previous posters that someone would have the guts to do that, that they end up listening for longer than they intended, and if you can get their intention during that moment... then, well, bob's your uncle
doing that nice and early tmrw.
Ugh, I said 'intention' instead of 'attention'. I never mismatch rhyming words. I blame the glass of scotch I had last night.
That's what I did for a position I saw posted. 5 mins turned to 1 hr and hopefully on the short list of candidates, we'l see. Part of my story is that I'm dropping in. The secretaries are surprised and most are polite, with some being a bit extra helpful. These guys know I'm ready to go.
this only works for boutiques, but if you come across security cuz you're in a big city, try to cold call the firm and then tell em you're outside the office trying to drop a resume off.
most people should give you about 5 minutes to give em your story. i'm not sure how this works for real full-time openings, but this could definitely work for unpaid internships.
happened, did it.
since we're on the topic.. any tips on how to follow up on previous visits, where I did leave a resume?
since we're on the topic.. any tips on how to follow up on previous visits, where I did leave a resume?
OK I just realized the same thing as @organgebull - how do you even get through the building? Most (probably all) office buildings have security guards outside the gate and a key to scan in. How can you just walk into their office??
Most of these places are boutiques and medium sized im and am firms. The bb's have security but the other firms usually have a receptionist and glass doors, so they see you and let you in. Or at least that's been the case for me.
Man you got Ape size balls. I wish i had your balls and drive at college level, would have saved me 2-3 years of time to break into the industry. Keep hitting the pavement, and good luck to ya. With your drive and initiatives pretty sure you'll make it in this world, as long as you stay on the path chosen.
Thanks dude. I'm 29 but determined and wish I had started earlier too! But sky's the limit. Respect for the props..!
I sometimes caddy over the summer and have gone up to the big guys at the club whom I know work in finance and offer to caddy for free sometime for a nice 18 hole informational. If you have this luxury I highly suggest it, you get a lot of face time and have close to 3 hours to make an impression. They always end up paying me btw. Paid informational
Post updates! College freshman with the same type of ambition and go for it attitude. Keep that balsy shit up my man
Alright fellow monkeys, update time.
So I went to the firm with the alumni VP of HR but she was in a meeting. Talked to the secretary and after a light chat, she told me what the process was to apply, provided the direct contact info of the VP, told me to mention the alumni aspect being important to me and the hours to best reach her. Boom!
Didn't go to the other firm but will follow up with both firms this afternoon or tomorrow (have a flight to catch later).
Made 6 other planned drop ins plus a few spontaneous firms I saw while browsing the directory of the buildings. A few places said flat out they're not hiring. Some asked me for resumes (didn't offer) so I provided. Others offered contact info and answered most of the questions I was asking.
Few lessons I've learned/learning:
and my lesson I learned today..
That's it for now. I'll let u guys know if anything develops but I will be away for a week and a half on a family trip. Will make calls and follow ups on visits during that time but any advice is appreciated as well.
Cheers,
T
This dude needs to be a blogger this story is going to be so awesome when he gets a job.
Thanks dude ... u never know what will happen lol.
I love this.
Any more advice? Your tactic on staying persistent worked well this morning. How should I deal with the firms/contacts who have a copy of my resume (prior to our discussion)?
I can agree with the OP 100%. It takes some guts, but the ability to react quickly and say something to somebody who you want to help you, without looking stupid, is an incredible talent that only comes with practice.
I am graduate from a completely non-target and was looking to break into the industry. Because I couldn't find out online what boutiques were in town, I literally started walking around downtown looking in each building's directory for the words "capital", "asset", "fund", "equity", or "investors" in the name. Also, it's naive, but I was determined to work in the tallest building on the top floor (still am) since that real estate is pricey and you'd have to be a solid name to occupy it. I spent the evening researching the companies found, discovering who I should speak with, and preparing an elevator speech.
One piece of advice that worked for me: Don't go to the lobby and ask, when there are multiple floors that the company occupies. You'll get direction to apply online. Instead find the floor that the department you are targeting is on, and knock on the door. I did this when I was looking to land a credit analyst position. I said I was little lost trying to locate HR to drop a resume, when I found out that the guy who answered the door was a Sr. Analyst. We chatted for a few minutes and then he took my resume down to HR for me. I was called later that next day to come in for an interview. Hired about a week later.
I didn't know anyone else did this, so major props to the OP!
"How do you get into a company you really want to work for?.....Right through the front door." - Anonymous WSO Monkey
Thanks for the props once again. I agree with what you've said and I'm applying the same strategy. I would add "securities" to the list of firm titles but I'm sure you did that as well. Definitely don't ask the security ppl unless the talk to u first. Like MissNG said, act like this is how it goes down. Regarding research and preparing pitches, I do the same but sometimes I'll see a firm and walk in. I would much rather do my research, pick a few key firms, be knowledgeable about their products/departments/strategy/culture etc. and if/when asked what I am interested in doing, mention the specific department rather than saying "anything" or "analyst". I'm not saying this will get you a job (I am still hunting) but I feel more confident if I know the securities firm has a s&t dept. vs an IM firm which has PMs managing pooled funds/assets/products etc. I like your last piece of advice, a lot. I don't think I will ever apply for a position online or via email as the initial attempt.
So let's say you've done your homework on this company, and you are very impressed and want to there with absolute determination. But when you arrived to the building, you've come to realized there's security at front desk that needs ID pass to get to elevators. How would you come about in getting through that? If not, what's your tactic or would you suggest doing?
I feel this would be a better piece to be on CNBC than the previous article about dating Wall st guys.
DJbanker You deserve this line : "This is the kid. Calls me 59 days in a row, wants to be a player. Oughta be a picture of you in the dictionary under 'Persistence', kid." --Gekko
This probably works better than cold calling or cold emailing, if you can deal with the occasional "WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!?!?!?!"
Do all the places to walk in have existing open positions?
No. In fact none have had any postings in their career section, online while some don't even have a careers section. Only one spot I visited had an opening, which was the reason for my visit anyway (to speak with the hiring manager), which I ended up doing i.e. making the interview happen myself vs. waiting for him to call me. The rest are literal walk-ins.
If you're trying this in NYC may I suggest the tom green technique?
Bring handcuffs and handcuff yourself to someone as they walk in
Haha bro I am rooting for you keep up the good work,
I just sent you a message I hope you read, I think we can help each other
Coming from a non-target with a not so great GPA I'm ready to start pounding the pavement like you once I get back to Boston. Have had success cold-calling, but am waiting out on doing it on investment banks (BB, MM, boutiques) compiling a list to get ready to hit the road .
First will send an email --> Likely call make some execuse like the MD told me to call can you please connect me through :) --> If it goes well or not well I'll still physically go to the office and ask to talk to someone in recruiting.
Not only is this effective but for me its fun haha
In fact I would be willing to march into 200 West and say "I'm here to see Lloyd" lol
Keep up the good work man you will land something you want very soon :)
I just don't see how this would work some places. You wouldn't get in the door here as security would stop you before you even had the chance to ask anyone, anything. I guess you said you're looking smaller places but still, I would think the building itself would have some sort of security in place?
It happens, it works and its effective. You have to be creative, confident and know what you want to say. I NEVER talk to security and the one or two times I did, they offered to call up and see if the person I wanted to see was available. I instead chose to call that person myself b/c I had their contact info and then set up a way for them to meet me downstairs to meet/submit resume. So I guess if you get stopped, just know who you are there to see at the firm. The buildings I walk into (like most major cities with a "street" or financial district) have around 30-50 floors wit 3-5 firms per floor. I am not blankly walking - I know where I am going. I am not guaranteeing myself a job, but these secretaries and office managers know who I am now.
Way to take initiative and be proactive about your job search.
Many people don't have the balls to do this and balls will get you pretty far because every decision in finance is based on risk so golf clap to you. Which begs the question why more non targets don't try to break into Risk and go from there, especially since this website is 99% of non target students or grads. Anyways...
When you drop your resume, follow up. You must have gotten a name so you have their email address. Start there, if you get NDRs, there is finite # of email address combinations so keep trying. Hit on some points about your conversation with him/her. Many people overlook this, but every interaction is an interview so make it memorable. One off the cuff comment can lead to a small detail that you can reference in an email for the follow up. Those small details show that you're locked in, you pay attention and you pick up things that others don't, you can see clearly through the fog.
Most successful people in finance have great memories and they will remember the little things, attention to detail. You'd be surprised how useful it is.
As for the people looking for guidance on how to circumvent security at the front, if you can't figure that one out, then you have no business in finance. Figure it out...
Thank you for the support and the tip. I am definitely going to email contacts after I have attempted a call first, except for contacts I have not approached yet and are alumni (this is my tactic). One thing I would add is keep the emails short. Don't write your life story in the email and how you always wanted this blah blah. Be direct and succinct. It's like a post I read here or somewhere - think of whether they'll quickly be able to scan you're email on a bb while walking to grab a coffee.
Hi, I'm a recent grad from x with a y GPA. We are alums of uni and I'd to have a discussion to learn more about z. When are you available?
Obviously the more attractive credentials, the better, but leave the BS to the side.
Hi, I'm a recent grad from x with a y GPA and I'm scheduled to take the CFA Level 1 in z. You're an alumn and I'd to have a discussion to learn more about w. When are you available?
or
Hi, I'm a veteran and a recent grad from x with a y GPA and I'm scheduled to take the CFA Level 1 in z. I'd to have a discussion to learn more about w. When are you available?
or
Hi, I'm a recent grad from x with a y GPA and I was the captain of z college team. I'd to have a discussion to learn more about w. When are you available?
Contrary to belief on this site and the numerous bullshit long winded "templates", no one really gives a shit. You're only wasting time. Instant gratification, so give it to me. Someone should be able to spend 10 seconds on your email and build a profile. Based on that profile, someone will know if you're even a candidate.
X where you went to school Y Some skill that crosses well into finance and/or my specific biz Z 1 last nugget to show dedication and seriousness
The BS about your passion for finance and/or some long winded story about your very short lived life is well bullshit and no one cares. I promise.
So, how did it all turn out?
Well I've been on a trip with family and got back to the city I live in (vs. the city where I was doing the walk ins) and have had to attend to some engagements here. Back on the hunt starting Monday. Have had increased activity on my LinkedIn profile but that could be due to a multitude of factors.
Alright, update time. So, on the walk-in approach alone, so far I haven't heard much back. I got one very polite rejection letter in the mail from one of the firms. However, I think what I failed to notice was how much my interactions and interview skills have improved since being on my toes. Through other avenues, I have been interviewing and I've noticed a change in my presentation both on phone and in person. That said, the next steps for me are to make second rounds at some of the firms I liked during my initial visits. If there are openings I'm going to focus on them but I'm also open to going with the flow and being able to have a informative conversation with a decision maker. I've cleaned up my email approach as well thanks to IveyLeagueVeteran's suggestions. Should also buy another suit or more shirts at least!
So more updates as I move along...
I did contact one of the alumni VPs.. sent an email and followed up according to plan via phone. Had a great conversation with her; learned about the firm and where things are going. Unfortunately she was a bit reluctant to mention anything about the hiring process or open roles, but that's mainly due to the fact the firm's been acquired and they are in a transition period. That being said, she offered to forward my email to the head office where recruiting takes place. So I guess not a complete blank. I will follow up on the other place tomorrow.
Cheers,
T
Any new updates on your walk-ins? My biggest piece of advice is to find something you have in common with a person there, then search that person out. I walked into a FA office looking for an internship last year, left with no internship, but a job offer to work in his office. I know it's not as hard as IB to get into, but the formula still works.
Interested in hearing how this is all going...
Hello Monkeys,
I am sure some of you are curious as to my recent developments, and there have been a few. So let's begin:
When I originally posted my question, I was very new to the concept of walking in, as I'm sure some of you can relate to. I received great feedback and advice which not only allowed me to craft my own strategy, but boosted my confidence as well. I knocked on quite a few doors; had a regimented schedule. Landed a few interviews, some informational while others employment related. Gained exposure to a variety of niches and roles along the way. Intellectually stimulated, emotionally challenged and painfully anxious at times would be how I describe my state. However, I did manage to learn about some interesting positions - one as Portfolio/Trading Analyst had 3 rounds of interviews, with no offer at the end. Second role in Advisor Distribution at a BB was a go but an issue occurred last minute and the offer was revoked - this was through networking. Third, in PWM at a boutique through old fashioned email resume and a similar role at a BB through networking. Finally, a role in Hedge Fund and PE due diligence.
I was quite busy. Met a lot of people during the process and while attending CFA events, ran into a few of them there. All positive interactions - I enjoyed them actually. One of the roles I was referred to was through someone I met at an event while another was off LinkedIn. I am just sharing part of my strategy as I believe it is a customized and subjective process - in reality I was applying numerous tactics during the hunt.
A well written resume and cover letter helped. The balls, that I apparently possess according to a few members, are without a doubt, necessary. Other people's advice is important but you have to tailor it to you're role and who you are as a professional (realistically; not who you think you are and deserve to be acknowledged as b/c you had a 3.9 from a target or can approach a Director at a BB and start shooting the shit about his thoughts on the talk about hedging strategies with ETFs - yes, I did that). Throughout it all, I was drained and discouraged at times but .... drum roll please ....
I was offered two positions within a 24 hour period. I don't want to get involved with details, but needless to say I was blessed to be in a situation job seekers dream of and was able to honestly and ethically leverage a deal with the role I had originally wanted. I am glad to report that I have landed the Due Diligence role and start next week.
I hope my story inspires, motivates and reassures readers that it is possible to go out and get shit done. Your dream job is a handshake away.
Cheers,
T
That is badass.
Congrats bud. You earned it.
Awesome. Way to go.
Lol. Awesome
Congrats and good luck with your new role
That's what I'm talking about. Hard work pays off people.
Thanks monkeys.. for a 29 year old (ex) DJ with one year "relevant" experience at a prop trading firm, I can't explain how relieved I am. What an end to a crazy journey.
this thread is awesome on so many levels...should have many more SBs...
Thanks for sharing with us.
Congrats! I probably passed you by in the past weeks, @ T-Dot as well.
Thanks! How did you know it was TO?
Cause your strategy may not work in any other NA 'financial hubs'.
Thats a pretty awesome success story! Congrats!
so gutty
Thanks everyone, I'm glad the story is having some impact. FYI, loving my job - working my ass off, learning some dope material and no regrets.
walking -in is how I got my first internship after college. (but it was not in the US) good luck.
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