Public Finance Blog

As the summer starts to wind down, somehow we continue to break temperature records throughout the United States.  This makes me wonder, “Is the market following this trend?”  Are we breaking records for hiring as we are breaking daily temperature records?  Or simply asking, is the market heating up?

Post-Summer Market

As we look at the trend over the last six months, there have been some hirings; however, I would not say that we are seeing record-breaking ones.  Traditionally, the first two quarters of the year tend to be slower, and after the summer break is when we usually see firms adding to their personnel list.  This summer movement was significantly less than in past summers, yet calls about what’s going on in the market are definitely starting to rise again as the kids return to school and parents start pondering their future.

Who Do Firms Want?

What does it take to make a move if you’re an originator?  The magic number remains the same for public finance originators (either bankers, counsel, or institutional sales personnel).  When I mention bankers, I am including municipal advisors.  It’s $800,000.  If you can demonstrate at least $800,000 in senior sole negotiated issuance, you can rest assured that a new firm will want you.  Again, I stress: do not move just for the money in any market temperature.  Let your motivation be either based on pain or pleasure.  What do I mean by that?  It’s the idea of moving away from a painful situation, or hopefully moving towards greater pleasure with your new opportunity in hand.

Determining What Is Right For You

Making a move should be something that you really ponder and should not be done as a knee-jerk reaction to something that triggers you.  I cannot tell you how many calls I’ve gotten when someone is emotionally upset; however, once the emotions calm down, their motivation to leave disappears.  Please, as much as we want to help you with your next move, make sure it is what you really want to do!  Have a great reason for entertaining a move, and we can help facilitate that for you.  Reach out for a confidential chat, and we can help you decide if making a move is your next best step or if just settling back after an emotional upset is the answer.  We’re here for you!  The market will once again be heating up, and we want you to be part of that.

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in this year’s Forbes, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.