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2025 Recruiting Updates and Guidance
OfficeHours Coach
January 18, 2025
Written by a Top OfficeHours Coach
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What We Know
Wall Street is anticipating a strong year in 2025, with deal flow expected to see a significant uptick - this is the general consensus and has been widely reported. After several years of slower deal activity, many dealmakers are optimistic that lower interest rates and market conditions will create a favorable environment for deals to get done.
As a result, firms are ramping up hiring efforts to prepare for the expected surge in activity. Recruiters are reporting a notable increase in hiring. This hiring spree is particularly focused on junior roles, as firms aim to avoid the staffing shortages they experienced during the 2021 M&A boom.
Firms are also focusing on experienced hires now, especially for mid-level roles like associates and VPs. These professionals are key for managing complex deals and mentoring junior staff. The job market is pretty competitive, and firms are being more selective than they were during the 2021 boom, prioritizing quality over quantity.
Headhunter and Networking Coffee Chats
Even if you're not actively recruiting or looking to make a move immediately, engaging in virtual or in-person coffee chats with headhunters and professionals in the industry can be a valuable way to build long-lasting industry relationships and to stay connected/informed about the latest trends and developments.
If you are ready to recruit, then it’s game time! These chats will give you insights into the evolving expectations for junior teams, key challenges in the industry, and the skills or attributes that firms are currently prioritizing.
Preparation is Key
While these coffee chats are a great opportunity to network and learn, they can also be a double-edged sword if you're not fully prepared. You can't just jump on a call and expect to learn or leave a positive impression if you haven't done your homework first.
It’s critical to approach these conversations with the right mindset and preparation to make the most of them.
You need to be clear on your own goals. Why are you seeking these conversations? Is it to understand the current job market, explore potential career paths, learn about specific companies, or stay up to date on emerging trends? Whatever your objectives are, having a clear purpose will guide your conversation and ensure you ask insightful questions that add value to both you and the professional you're speaking with.
Align Your Background
Your preparation should also include being able to talk about your own background, experience, and goals in a succinct and compelling way. Be ready to introduce yourself clearly and professionally, even if you’re not job hunting.
Use the opportunity to subtly showcase your skills, share insights, and offer value, like an interesting article or a fresh perspective. This helps position you as a thoughtful, informed candidate for future opportunities.
Time Limits and Follow Up Calls
This should go without saying but be respectful of the professional's time. This means showing up on time, being concise, and making the conversation easy for them by asking relevant, thoughtful questions. After the chat, always follow up with a thank-you note, reflecting on the insights they shared and expressing gratitude for their time.
Getting on a phone call with someone is not an achievement within itself - the call should have Purpose, Direction and Evolution.
Purpose means knowing why you're having the conversation. Whether you're looking for insights, advice, or a potential role, the call should have a clear objective. Direction ensures that the conversation remains focused. You should steer the discussion toward the key topics that are important to both parties, rather than letting it drift into unrelated or unhelpful areas. Be strategic in guiding the conversation, asking relevant questions, and staying on track to extract value from it. Evolution is about how the conversation progresses over time. Aim for conversations that build on previous interactions, deepen your understanding, and create opportunities for future collaboration. If each call is a step forward, it leads to continuous growth and stronger connections.
Don’t be the person who is overlooked once you are ready to recruit because you pandered and wasted the experienced individuals’ time on endless phone calls without purpose, direction, and evolution.
POLL: Have you heard from Headhunters in the past 2 weeks? |
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