Reaching out to HH’s / PE recruitment from small boutique
Incoming analyst at a boutique in NY. Curious how people recommend to reach out to HH’s for on-cycle. I really would like to end up in PE, but looking at some of my peers going to larger / better brand name banks, I have only had one HH reach out while they have already spoken to a few. Would also be interested to hear about recruitment from boutiques. Thanks in advance for the advice.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, reaching out to headhunters (HHs) is a crucial step in the private equity (PE) recruiting process, especially for those coming from smaller or less well-known boutiques. Here's a structured approach to maximize your chances:
Update Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is comprehensive and up-to-date. Headhunters often use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. Highlight your experience, especially any deals you've worked on, and make sure your profile is set to indicate you're open to opportunities.
Direct Outreach: Don't wait for headhunters to find you. Proactively reaching out is key. Find the contact information of associates at headhunting firms from their websites. Send a concise, professional email expressing your interest in PE opportunities, a brief overview of your background, and a request for an introductory call.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: Coming from a boutique, you have a unique story. Emphasize the responsibilities you've held, the deals you've worked on, and the skills you've developed. Boutiques often offer more hands-on experience early on, which can be attractive to PE firms.
Leverage Your Network: Use any connections you have, whether from school, previous internships, or your current job, to get introductions to headhunters or PE professionals. Personal referrals can significantly boost your visibility.
Prepare for Conversations: Before speaking with headhunters or PE firms, be ready to discuss why you're interested in PE, your experience in detail, and your career goals. Being well-prepared shows professionalism and seriousness about the transition.
Follow Up: After initial conversations, keep in touch with headhunters by periodically updating them on your progress and reiterating your interest in PE roles. Persistence is key, but balance it with professionalism.
Understand the Boutique Advantage: Analysts from boutiques like Dyal & Co, M. Klein & Co, Liontree, and Robey Warshaw are often seen as desirable for their unique exposure and the responsibilities they carry. Use this to your advantage by highlighting the unique aspects of your experience during your outreach and interviews.
Remember, transitioning from a boutique to PE is entirely feasible, especially with a strategic approach to networking and headhunter engagement. Your boutique experience can be a strength, offering a different perspective and skill set to PE firms.
Sources: My Path - MBA Banking Associate to PE, PE Recruiting as a Lateral Analyst w/ Weak Academic Profile, Basic Questions About PE Recruiting Answered, From Private Equity Associate to VP in Private Equity, My Private Equity Recruiting Process
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Came from super small NYC boutique now at UMM Tech PE
You just have to be proactive and reach out to them instead of just sitting on your hands. Make sure you do your work ahead of time so you are a strong candidate. Simple as that
Thank you for the advice, and congratulations on landing your role. Did you cover tech when you were in IB? How did you reach out to these hh’s, and how did you decide which to target? Thank you.
I mostly covered tech in IB though it was a generalist role. You reach out to all the HH's under the sun and, again, make sure you are spotless on your initial coffee chats. You can get ahold of most HH's through their website.
Do you have any tips for meetings with headhunters?
Did you recruit on cycle or off? How hard were the looks to come by / out of curiosity did you get any MF looks?
Can you PM me?
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