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Hi everyone! I'm looking to apply for a Strategy and Operations Role at Google . They are asking for 3 years of work ex but I only have slightly more than 2 years of work ex in Operations. Would it make sense to still try for it if I only meet the Operations side of requirements and not strategy side?
I’m always pissed 😈
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Ex Top 3 1 IBD here: based on the tone of the response it sounds like your friend hasn’t told you the full story.
This has multiple red flags which make your friend unsuitable for a client facing role: I’d imagine they emailed C-Level or MDs, applied to multiple positions (Analyst, Associate, VP) when they didn’t qualify based on YoE. Their skill set most likely definitely doesn’t match what’s needed, hence the suggestion of using an MBA to pivot.
In summary: this bridge is definitely burned, do not apply there again, and re-think the approach of spamming multiple people. The big firms all have a central HR team where it will be sent to.
“Looks like this is that same guy” - A1 who seems to be the rejected candidate, I’m giving my honest opinion as an ex Tier 1 BB banker not HR. Just because my response was frank, it’s extremely disrespectful to start personally attacking me, my parents, or assume my gender.
I agree RJ HR’s response was quite direct and unconventional, however the reality is you’ll need a thick skin to survive in IBD as there are plenty of people like this in the industry.
On feedback: to reset your expectations, the volumes of applications mean candidates typically only get feedback after a live interview, not in the screening stage. To be clear, unless you have >3 years direct experience you should apply for an Analyst position, not Associate. In Europe plenty of students have Masters in Finance (e.g. at Bocconi) and still know they will come in at the Analyst level.
If you’re truly open to feedback, then may I kindly also suggest 1) “I don’t see any of my faults” is the wrong mindset and 2) practice being concise in your written language, this is critically important for both senior bankers and clients.
Damn that's a very straightforward email - I work in IB have applied to RJ and have only gotten a screening. There's a lot of bankers in the market so coming from an outside industry is tougher now than it was a few years ago. I agree with the other message saying that you may not know the full story. I've gotten genetic rejections from multiple roles but never such a direct and targeted email.
I'd say focus on smaller banks and verticals that align best. Remember you're also competing with top undergrads for analyst roles along with a ton of big 4 valuation people who have more related experience. Don't forget to network but keep in mind to reach out to people within your level i.e don't cold email MD VP etc. Try to get the in with analyst and associates and make sure you use LinkedIn. Cold emailing is seen as negative in the industry.
Thank you Sir/Mam. Your post is very helpful and I appreciate your guidance. I am the person who faced this issue. I applied for analyst level roles and had a very bad experience with @Raymond James. Never thought would face something like this in life.
Pretty absurd email
What city did he apply to?
Subject Expert
Other than the “snarky” response about not reaching out to Sr. recruiters (for which I would tell this junior recruiter to f*ck off…), assuming what’s stated is accurate, the email is 100% accurate.
Your friend should be more targeted in his approach and not rifle shot multiple applications to the same company. I hate this. I’ve seen applicants apply for Analyst and Associate jobs across multiple groups/sectors. Drives me nuts and typically an instant pass unless they’re an amazing applicant, then we just decide which one we want to put them in.
If your friend isn’t T20, top banks won’t care if he has a bachelors degree. The main other way to get in would be to do an MBA. Or apply to a smaller firm/bank, gain experience then try to transfer into a top bank.
Unfortunately for your friend, IB is not easy, made even more difficult by the current market.
One piece of advise… you’ve given far too much detail to help someone figure out who your friend is. if there’s an RJ recruiter/banker on here and they want to be vindictive (especially Dave), they could have your friend blacklisted.
If it comes to Europe you clearly referring to London, when most IB in continent has at least MA Fin, as such MBA you can outsource them to copywriters and has small to none recognition vs CFA. Only American banks HR uses MBA or CFA...which is non-sense comparing difficulty and banking curriculum even Ivy/Russels Group with qualifications. MBA is for 1 process SMEs administrators not real IB experts!
Why are you so offended? This email is just being REAL with you.
Coach
Does your 3.5 years of experience include directly relevant experience? If the answer is no, then that 3.5 years doesn't mean much.
No one cares about your degrees, those are check-the-box type of qualifications. I'm sorry but you clearly have no idea about the recruiting process in IB works. Please do more research
My main feedback is that you need to write much more clearly. I have no idea what you are trying to tell me. I hope your “friend” used better prose in his many e-mails to RJ.
Also, you have not shown much maturity or judgment throughout this process. I have never heard of a candidate being blackballed by a firm in this manner. Posting their feedback on a public forum is poor form as well.
Based on this thread, I would never allow you on one of my deal teams. My fate cannot be in your hands. That’s how VPs get fired.