How do headhunters filter candidates for PE interviews?

For example, or I guess I should say in my case, let’s say you’re going into a top group, but went to a non-target. Will headhunters reach out to everyone in the group, but only open the door to their best clients to the “top” (target school) analysts. Or will headhunters just ding candidates before they ever reach out to them? Also, I’ve heard that they generally use a point system to rank candidates. What all are the inputs that go into this evaluation?

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Assuming all the same group, they'll rank you on 1) how well you articulate your interest in private equity during their initial screen, 2) resume (school, GPA, etc.), and 3) your fit for whatever firm they are representing (if you say you 100% want to stay in NY, they aren't going to give you an interview at Golden Gate).

You won't get dinged for being at a non-target and you'll get plenty of looks being in a well-regarded group, but all else equal the kid that went to Harvard will get marginally more looks. 

 

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