Interview with headhunters now or 2023 post-lateral (or both)?

Currently doing M&A in a regional (Charlotte/Miami/Atlanta) office of a MM bank. Planning on trying to lateral to NYC via an EB or BB next year if possible. However (to my surprise) headhunters still reached out asking to meet. Should I interview now and keep them updated if/when I lateral, or should I wait until my profile is stronger? Don’t want to miss a stray interview I could still get this year, but at the same time, I’m worried that a HH’s first (and most important) impression of me while at a weaker bank could leave me struggling to find opportunities even after I lateral.

 

Mostly interested in UMM/MM and Growth. I went to a nontarget with a 3.6, so unless I get into an especially good group in NYC, I don't love my MF chances anyway (though if I got an interview I'd still go for it). I had a friend who did NYC BB -> strong NYC MMPE -> strong GE tell me to talk with the HHs, so I'm a bit conflicted. Only Oxbridge has asked to meet, so could I perhaps meet with them, meet to update when I lateral, and hold off on other meetings?

 
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I think that's a fair approach. Most of the best UMM/MM opportunities are held by CPI, Ratio, Amity, HSP, etc. so there's limited downside in meeting with just the few other headhunters you mentioned now. That said, my thought is that most of those medium/smaller Oxbridge opportunities would be more likely to have less structured recruiting processes? And if you're qualified for the role rn coming from [Raymond James, Harris Williams, etc.], I find it hard to believe you wouldn't be looked at more favorably if you were at a BB/EB for those same roles.

I guess you can always field 1-2 meetings now, potentially take a couple of interviews, and then make an assessment after that. Would definitely hold off on talking to the bigger headhunters until you make a move. 

 

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