Reaching out to current Associates

Hi

I received an interview via cold email to a higher up in a MM PE firm. Is it weird to reach out to the current associates now for interview advice? Would that be viewed negatively or positively?

 

This happened at my firm this recruiting season. A candidate reached out to one of our senior partners and was able to get involved in our process. He cold emailed me for an informational coffee before his interview. I was okay with it. Other folks might react differently. I don't see anything negative coming from it if you're polite and professional.

 
Best Response

I'd advise against this. Reaching out to former employees via LinkedIn is much better (you'll be surprised how many are willing to pick up the phone and help you for 10-15 minutes).

The reason I advise against this is it becomes very hard to objectively interview someone who you've helped with the process and you may be viewed as rooting for a candidate even if you don't particularly believe they're strong (you just chose to help). It puts the candidate in a weird spot because they may think you're championing their cause within the firm when you really may not be. It's just a weird relationship and I prefer not to speak to anyone we've explicitly asked to come in and interview.

People are different of course and some like the prior poster are ok with it, but personally I'm not.

 

I don't think its necessarily a bad idea. I worked at a mega fund and would say it would not make a difference. If this is a smaller firm and they aren't interviewing 100 people, then it might help you know feel more comfortable with the team.

It is a risky play because if you come across as annoying they will ding you. On the other hand, it shows interest.

If you historically have had an easy time fitting into groups and reading cultures I would say that this isn't a terrible idea as one of the associates might tell you something helpful. However you need to be self aware enough to lay off if the current team isn't receptive to your outreach

 

contact anyone with whom you have a connection. junior folks are best to contact first, as their information can help when dealing with more senior contacts

 

Yeah, I also don't see why it would be inappropriate in any way. He will probably be happy to catch up.

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

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