by meridith dennes | Sep 21, 2026 | Interviewing, Lateral Recruiting, Layoffs
The short answer Banks are still shrinking headcount, but mostly through performance-based cuts and other quiet tools, not classic reductions in force (RIFs). The two are different decisions. A RIF eliminates positions. A performance-based cut removes a person, and... 
by meridith dennes | Aug 21, 2026 | Campus Recruiting, Interviewing, Lateral Recruiting, Summer Internships
As predicted: this cycle’s summer analyst return-offer conversion is looking uneven. Wall Street Oasis threads describe some banks reportedly landing well below 70% — down from what’s typically a 70-90% range — and the explanation candidates say... 
by meridith dennes | Aug 6, 2026 | Interviewing, Lateral Recruiting, Summer Internships
Why Recruiter Outreach Misses the Mark | Prospect Rock Partners Prospect Rock Partners Submit Resume → Candidate Database Refresh Why Recruiter Outreach Misses the Mark — And What We're Doing About It If you've spent any real time in investment banking, you've had... 
by meridith dennes | Jul 14, 2026 | Interviewing, Lateral Recruiting
If you spend any time in the investment banking lateral market, you’ll notice that nearly every mandate reads the same way: “must have 3+ closed M&A deals,” “demonstrated public-to-public execution required,” “sponsor-backed... 
by meridith dennes | Jun 23, 2026 | Interviewing
If you’ve been trying to lateral to an elite boutique and the process feels harder than your resume suggests it should be, you’re not imagining it — and it’s usually not about you in the way it can feel. The screen these shops run is specific, and... 
by meridith dennes | May 14, 2026 | Interviewing, Lateral Recruiting, Networking
The following reflects current conditions in the investment banking lateral market as observed through active search mandates, candidate conversations, and offer negotiations across bulge bracket, elite boutique, and middle market platforms. This update covers the AS1...