Bidding wars are becoming a regular occurrence in the Quants market. Historically, a Quants professional could have 1-2 competing offers on the table, but nowadays that number is closer to 2-4 offers.
There are a variety of non-monetary factors for job candidates to consider when in a bidding war for them, and for businesses wanting to snap up the very best Quants professionals, we have seen the three following steps have the most impact in securing top talent:
1. The time when issuing an offer
Finance firms are sometimes hesitant to be the first to make an offer, as they don’t want their offer to be leveraged against other competitors. However here at Selby Jennings we do recommend to businesses to be the first to offer in the current market, as it allows a firm to have more control over timelines and positions themselves more strategically, being proactive, not reactive when it comes to acquiring top talent.
When a company is the first to offer a competitive package, it bodes well with Quants professionals, and it gives them a positive impression and experience. At Selby Jennings we have had top talent take the first offer that was monetarily lower because the job candidate appreciated that the company was the first to move forward within the range they originally requested.
Separately, if the first offer is competitive, it gives finance firms the ability to get top talent to withdraw from other competing processes and move forward with their offer. This may not always be the case, particularly in a hot market, but it’s definitely worth a try and has helped to avoid a bidding war altogether in some cases we’ve experienced at Selby Jennings.
Also find out compensation trends in quantitative risk here.
2. Establishing a quick, yet fair offer deadline
If a company is slow to put together an offer, there is a greater chance for a competing offer to arise. It is therefore vital that an official deadline is in place and that offers aren’t sitting for multiple weeks. While you want talent to join your firm on their own volition, the longer an offer is sitting on the table, the more time there is for something to go wrong.
It is crucial for finance firms to be proactive here and it is beneficial from the very start to be transparent on how long you expect the process to take. If a company is fair and upfront about their own timeframes (say for example if a hiring manager is on leave which could slow a process), the they should expect the same from Quants professional within the process. At Selby Jennings we recommend setting a deadline for accepting an offer, and also giving professionals the chance to discuss the offer to help further fast track talent processes.
Also explore the growth of quants in investment banks here.
3. Regular touchpoints with talent
Ideally businesses hiring will have a few touchpoints following the final round of interviews in order to put their best foot forward with their potential new team member. The first follow-up call after the final interview can include a verbal offer, but an informative call should answer any questions on the backend. A final call serves as a last attempt to sell the firm and role before the decision needs to be made.
There could be a few more calls depending on the type of position, but we recommend coffee meetings, dinner or something similar, as the personal touch is very important. We advise firms to issue an official (written) offer within 48 hours (ideally 24) after giving a verbal offer and adding a 7-day deadline. This shows commitment while at the same time signaling that you aren’t willing to wait forever.
As innovation and new technologies move the financial services industry forward, there is an increasing technical demand for quantitative research & trading professionals that make it harder for firms to find the right talent.
With nearly 20 years of extensive experience and a well-garnered client network, Selby Jennings has unrivalled expertise to secure the brightest minds from systematic traders, modellers, developers, portfolio managers, to risk analysts. We shape the talent landscape and influence the trajectory of growth for global investment bankers, boutique hedge funds, management consultancies, software providers, and everything in between. Connecting top professionals with industry-leading opportunities, while providing complementary market research and insights, we harness our network and pair our expertise with advanced technology to secure Quants talent with speed, accuracy, and a reach that spans three continents.
Discover the latest report on ‘The Future of Quants’, covering the talent challenges and opportunities across quantitative research & trading, click here.
Why Choose Us?
At Selby Jennings, we understand the unique challenges faced by companies seeking top-tier quantitative talent in today's competitive landscape. With our proven track record and industry expertise, we offer three compelling reasons to choose us as your trusted partner in navigating bidding wars for quants talent.
1. Unparalleled Market Insights: Our team of experienced recruiters possesses deep knowledge of the quantitative finance industry. We stay at the forefront of market trends, ensuring that we can identify and attract the most exceptional talent. Our insights and connections give you a competitive advantage in securing the top quants professionals in the industry.
2. Tailored Solutions: We recognise that each client has specific hiring needs and goals. Our consultative approach allows us to understand your unique requirements, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions. Whether you're seeking a single quant expert or building an entire team, we provide personalised strategies to attract, assess, and retain the best talent that aligns with your organisational culture and objectives.
3. Extensive Network: Over the years, we have built an extensive network of quants professionals and top-tier candidates. Our strong relationships allow us to access passive candidates who are not actively searching for new opportunities. By tapping into our network, you gain access to a pool of highly sought-after individuals, increasing your chances of securing the perfect fit for your organisation.
When it comes to navigating bidding wars for quants talent, Selby Jennings is your trusted partner, offering unparalleled market insights, tailored solutions, and an extensive network. Let us help you gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining the best quantitative professionals in the industry.
Contact us now.