Odds on Open How Leading Multi Strat Funds Hire - Recruiting Director Jesse Skaff on the Hedge Fund Talent War
Jan 12, 2026
Jesse Skaff is a recruiting director specializing in placing top talent in hedge funds, working with giants like Citadel and Millennium. He dives into the rigorous vetting processes these firms use to snatch up the best candidates. Skaff explains the rising importance of top university graduates and how tech-savvy professionals who excel at decision-making are in high demand. He also explores how compensation has surged due to heightened competition and relocation tactics like tax incentives. Learn what drives success in this high-stakes talent landscape!
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Platform And Pod Model Attracts Elite Talent
- Top multi-strat firms sell an elite platform and rigorous vetting that attract the smartest talent.
- Their pod model offers significant risk ownership and upside that draws high-caliber candidates.
Rising Budgets And Candidate Leverage
- Talent budgets balloon because funds chase marginal alpha with technology and pay top dollar for proven producers.
- Candidates gained leverage and now often move for large contracts rather than long-term loyalty.
Demonstrate Risk Ownership In Interviews
- Show you can own risk and clearly communicate the risk rationale to decision makers during interviews.
- Highlight concrete examples where you assessed, proposed, and quantified the risk you wanted to take.