What am I doing wrong? Unemployed and Looking for 8 months now
Hi all,
Trying to get some advice - having a little bit of a difficult time trying to recruit.
I volunteered to take an exit package at my last firm (Top Boutique Equity Research, 8 years WE), back in June because I was underpaid and my boss was driving me into the ground (we had pretty much the whole team leave in a space of 3 months). I had expected the job search to take up to 6 months, but I am still without anything 8 months in.
My bigger problem is that I am barely getting phone interviews (none to date in my desired field, and only a couple for consulting type "gigs"). I have maxed out my social network, talked to recruiters (not v. helpful), and am continuously dropping resumes on LinkedIn and yet nothing is turning up. I just feel lost - I dont even know what else can I try? Hoping to get some advice and some fresh perspective.
1) What's your desired field?
2) How many applications and networking outbounds are you putting out a day?
3) Have you considered doing something value-add on the side? Assisting a start-up with business plan development or the like?
4) Who has looked at your resume and what has their feedback been? WSO's resume review service is a good option if you need another set of eyes.
The above are all awesome thoughts and ideas. The other thing I would add is, do you have any current investment ideas that you are sending as a pitch or an example of your work to potential employers? Many may use it and never get back to you but others may and it shows you can do the work.
OP - I feel you, believe me, as will others on this board that are older and have gone through/are going through the same thing. The financial services world is a brutal place today in almost every way, shape and form, especially if you are not a superstar (which few are and I would argue next to none are for the long term), or not super duper junior with like 2 years of experience (read: no need to train but can still underpay).
The other thing you could do is join clubs, volunteer and do (free/low cost) social activities. Get out there, meet people. Community service is an awesome way to meet a huge variety of people and enough of them will start asking "what do you do or what did you do, can I help? Or you would be great at xyz etc."
Keep going, keep fighting. Feel free to PM me.
Good Luck
So I am looking to break into late stage VC role - but i got a Total of ZERO interviews (I got one phone interview but was then ghosted).
I am averaging 10 apps a day (though these arent even my desired roles)
I am trying to put together a pitch deck that can help convey my experience to prospects. That has been taking quite a bit of my time recently.
I asked former colleagues to look at my resume and they said it was "fine" or "good". They didnt find anything obviously wrong with it.
My reactions are as follows:
1) You don't have the perfect profile for a VC associate (a little old and equity research is not where the bulk of VCs break in from these days). I wasn't either, so this can be done if you have a tight story.
2) I'd get those numbers up for the sake of getting some reps on the phone in.
3) Instead of a pitch deck, consider doing a mock VC portfolio (companies you think are interesting in your space of expertise and why) with memos and individual thesis for each. Will take time but will at least give people something to engage with.
4) Something seems to be a problem here, so you should seek advice from professional (I recommend WSO's service but others are good to).
5) Most importantly, find a start-up you think is interesting an start working for free. You need to show true passion for the space if you're going to make the jump, and pushing out 10 apps a day should leave you about 85% of your waking hours to work with.
Good luck!
when you want to leave your job....don't quit until you have your next gig lined up.
this is career advice 101
I get it - Basically around 4 years ago, I got 3 competing offers all in less than a month. That experience skewed my decision at that time. I never thought I'd have this much trouble just getting people on the phone.
i'd suggest making a few different versions of your resume...one for each type of job you are applying for. If you are trying for an equity research position, then you want to present yourself as an equity researcher...not an asset manager. I understand that you would think a portfolio manage would be a slam dunk for a research position....but the people who work in research don't see it that way. this is just an example..
its time to change strategy.
first, you must know that people hire people...not resumes. So, you must change tactics. Instead of just applying to linkedin job postings...network with the job poster (or somebody in proximity).
Leave your linkedin profile as still working at your last firm (so, no end date). This way, people think they are connecting/chatting with a guy still in the industry. Then, in your first message, mention thing that connects you....could be a college or some type of professional connection...could be that you researched the same companies. Ask to have a chat about that commonality. Some % of people will be open to a friendly chat. Then, after you have rapport, tell them that you saw an opening posted, and that you are interested in talking with the hiring manager, and ask for an introduction. you are not asking for this person to vouch for you...you are just asking them to say to the hiring manager "hey, you should talk to this guy...he seems interesting." This is a low pressure ask. You will get more interviews this way.
Hey, Don't loose hope man, I'm sure you will find something. Have you tried to move to another state, country or even continent? Sometimes, the best opportunities are somewhere else ;) And going out of your comfort zone is the best thing that can happen to you :) Wish you all the best
I have been open to NY or West Coast, so I dont think I am missing out on that many opportunities location wise
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