Struggling with Headhunters...Any Advice?
Hi All,
I am a second-year analyst in a healthcare group at a middle-market investment bank in NYC. I am seeking advice on how to reignite interest from headhunters.
Situation:
When I joined my firm, I decided not to do on-cycle and that I would wait to approach headhunters until I had some more deal experience. After ~8 months on the desk I had a deal under my belt and I finally approached all of the big headhunters. I indicated interest in healthcare / generalist control buy-out in NYC. After my initial screens with the headhunters, I was scheduled for first-round interviews with maybe 8 - 10 firms. I think I did okay in all of my first-round interviews but definitely not stellar. I did modeling tests for 2 of the firms. I passed the modeling tests for one of the firms, went to the final round, and didn't get the offer. I botched the modeling test for the other firm.
It's been a year since I underwent these processes and during this time I have continued to prep and have improved tremendously. I still receive emails for opportunities from headhunters and I reply to indicate interest in the opportunities. However, I haven't had a single interview for over a year. Sometimes, after if I indicate interest in an opportunity, a headhunter will reach out to do a quick check-in call to verify my recruiting preferences but nothing ever comes out of it.
I am fully aware that it is my fault that I am in this situation and that I should have been more well-prepared for my interviews. Would really appreciate some advice on how to turn things around.
Questions:
Has anyone been in a similar situation where they had very little headhunter interest and then reignited interest?
How do I explain to headhunters that I've improved a lot and that, if given the opportunity to interview somewhere, I will do well? Should I send them all of my prep materials (deal summaries, practice LBOs, etc.) to show that I'm serious.
Should I be more direct and just ask why I'm not getting opportunities?
Any other solutions / alternatives that I'm missing?
Any chance this is market driven? Opportunities have dried up quite a bit from convos I've had with headhunters. Have had very similar patterns of outreach but no interview scheduling, and have quite a strong background.
Honestly, not sure. I’ve heard that as well. However, there have been other analysts at my bank that have gotten offers recently.
Despite there being less opportunities now, there are still opportunities that I’ve been responding to via email and ultimately haven’t been selected. It seems like the ultimate solution is getting the headhunters to bat for you but seems hard to incentivize them when there are new analysts coming in every year vs. me who’s been trying to recruit for over a year.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some detailed steps and advice to help you reignite interest from headhunters and improve your chances of securing interviews:
Steps to Reignite Interest from Headhunters
Re-engage with Headhunters:
Demonstrate Your Improvement:
Communicate Effectively:
Network Strategically:
Additional Tips
Example Email to Headhunters
Subject: Update and Re-engagement Hi [Headhunter’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to reach out to provide an update on my progress and to re-express my interest in opportunities within the healthcare/generalist control buy-out space in NYC. Over the past year, I have significantly improved my skills and experience, particularly in financial modeling and deal execution. I have attached a portfolio that includes summaries of recent deals I’ve worked on and practice LBO models to demonstrate my capabilities. I would greatly appreciate any feedback you might have on my profile and any advice on how I can better position myself for upcoming opportunities. Additionally, I am very interested in understanding if there are specific areas I should focus on to increase my chances of securing interviews. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, [Your Name]By following these steps and maintaining a proactive and professional approach, you can increase your chances of reigniting interest from headhunters and securing the interviews you’re aiming for.
Sources: Private Equity Recruiting Walkthrough – My Experience, Would appreciate some advice, An ex-Goldman Sachs insider’s 10 tips on how to sail through investment banking interviews, What do you think gave you an edge over the other applicants?, What to do Pre-MBA to prepare for IB recruiting
Quis porro cumque ut laudantium. Modi nesciunt quia illo sapiente. Rerum et itaque ut adipisci rerum ab fuga. Est est iste hic voluptatem sit aut.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...