Introduction Call with Headhunters

Has anybody done any introduction calls with headhunters yet? I am filling out the candidate forms and was asked to schedule a call in the coming week(s). I heard that these are apparently pretty straightforward (tell me about yourself, walk me through a deal, what kind of firm are you targeting). The problem is I am super unprepared right now and might need to take a bit longer than a week to do a full refresh on internship experience and technicals (even to get to basic interview level). The second, and probably bigger problem, is that I have so little experience that I don't even know what I specifically want to do (besides "uh, I guess PE would be cool because everybody else does it"). Should I try to delay the intro meetings with these firms or just prep as much as I can and get an early introduction (given the tradeoff between preparation and timing)? The follow up would be what are the key points to prep for these intro calls?

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points and advice for handling introduction calls with headhunters:

Key Points to Prep for Intro Calls:

  1. Tell Me About Yourself:

    • Prepare a concise and compelling personal introduction.
    • Highlight your educational background, relevant work experience, and career aspirations.
    • Practice delivering this introduction smoothly.
  2. Walk Me Through a Deal:

    • Review any deals or projects you have worked on during your internships.
    • Be ready to discuss your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes.
    • Focus on your contributions and what you learned from the experience.
  3. Target Firms:

    • Research and identify the types of firms you are interested in (e.g., large funds, middle-market firms, specific industries).
    • Be clear about your preferences and why you are interested in those firms.
    • Understand the landscape of the firms you are targeting to show informed interest.

Preparation Tips:

  • Timing vs. Preparation:

    • It's crucial to balance preparation with timing. Headhunters often move quickly, and delaying too long might result in missed opportunities.
    • Aim to schedule your calls as soon as possible but ensure you have at least a basic level of preparation.
  • Practice Reps:

    • Conduct a few practice calls with smaller headhunters or peers to build confidence.
    • Use these practice sessions to refine your pitch and get comfortable with the format.
  • Technical Refresh:

    • Spend time refreshing your knowledge on technical aspects and common interview questions.
    • Utilize resources like interview guides to brush up on key concepts.
  • Clear Preferences:

    • Be prepared to rank funds or give clear preferences to headhunters.
    • This helps them understand your goals and match you with suitable opportunities.

Additional Advice:

  • Intro Calls:

    • Headhunters typically won't show you to firms until after an intro call, so prioritize these calls once they reach out.
    • Conduct all headhunter calls promptly to stay on their radar.
  • Coffee Chats:

    • If possible, arrange informal coffee chats to build rapport and gather insights.

By focusing on these key points and preparation tips, you can make a strong impression during your introduction calls with headhunters. Good luck!

Sources: Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., My on-cycle experience / guide, Ways of Underperformance - and how to avoid them (Part 1), Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., Why don't I pass the screening processes? Don't really get it...

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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