Discover your dream Career
For Recruiters

The great and glorious guide to networking at Goldman Sachs

In much the same vein as the Goldman Sachs guide to interview success, it has come to our attention that there is also a Goldman Sachs guide to networking.

It's part of an altogether more comprehensive Goldman Sachs guide to extracting a job offer from a Goldman Sachs summer internship, but could apply to anyone who wants to schmooze their way into the orbit of Michael Sherwood.

The Golden Goldman Rules, summarised and translated (by us) from corp-speak, are thus:

Don't

1) Talk a lot of incessant rubbish

"Know when to talk and when it is OK just to listen. Find ways to add value to a conversation - take the time to learn about the people you are speaking with."

2) Get recklessly drunk

"Just because you're not in the office, doesn't mean you're not at work. It is not necessary to drink alcohol just because it's served at the event."

3) Tell the story about your great uncle Oswald

"Remember you are socializing with your colleagues, not your friends."

4) Completely ignore the person you've been networking with after networking with them

"Be sure to follow-up with people you meet, thanking them for their time. If appropriate, schedule an additional meeting."

Do

1) Try to network with people you don't actually know already

"Try to avoid the temptation of only talking to those you know - branch out! Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to those you haven't met yet."

2) Let people talk about how great it is to work at Goldman Sachs

"Take the time to ask your colleagues good questions about their experiences at the firm."

3) Spend some time stalking your networking targets on social media prior to meeting them

"Be sure to do your research on the person you're meeting with and have specific questions in mind."

4) Be aware that you could be slightly irritating

"A professional's time is valuable so be sure to use it wisely."

author-card-avatar
AUTHORSarah Butcher Global Editor
  • Fo
    Foxy
    9 April 2011

    If you are that bored at work and read "rubbish" from Sarah you must have the rubbish test job as you found time to comment also...

  • an
    angelm81
    8 April 2011

    @ zz
    if you found it that useless why did you read it ??
    Do you, really, think your comment is more useful ? Something to think about ....

  • co
    contractor
    8 April 2011

    THanks Sarah. If it of no use to those commenting here, i can assure you some colleagues i know NEED to understand and practice those basic rules. Especially some junior people whose urge to impress and imamturity make their encounter a REAL PAIN. Not so few people just reverse the DOs and Don t, unfortunately.

  • LH
    LH
    8 April 2011

    Leave Sarah be - a concise and informative 35 second read for a Friday

  • Os
    Oswald Blankfein
    8 April 2011

    I am not sure I approve of #3 at ALL

Sign up to Morning Coffee!

Coffee mug

The essential daily roundup of news and analysis read by everyone from senior bankers and traders to new recruits.

Sign up to Morning Coffee!

Coffee mug

The essential daily roundup of news and analysis read by everyone from senior bankers and traders to new recruits.