Moving to HF as Associate

I am working at a top MM (i.e. RBC, Jefferies) but in a regional office. I am current in my third year as an Analyst. My goal has always been to work at a HF and the market is obviously biggest in NY.

My plan / goal is to get promoted this coming year and move to the bank's NY office as an Associate. My question, is being an Associate a headwind when recruiting for HFs? Do headhunters or firms shy away from candidates who are out of that 2-3 year experience bracket? Anybody have friends or colleagues who have moved to the buyside at the Associate level?

Thanks in advance.