Does it look better to recruit for PE as an analyst or associate?

I'm finishing up my second year in NYC at a firm that does A2A after 2 years (think BoA, Barclays, DB), would it look better to update Linkedin, HH, cold emails for new associate title, or keep as analyst for the next few months?

My worry is that when you update to associate you look washed up like you struck out on PE recruiting and as an analyst you look more marketable, open to thoughts. Eventually I will update to associate regardless but curious for the next few months.

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Not sure if it's possible in your group, but if you're looking to do PE it's really best to do a third analyst year... firms are much less interested in hiring ASOs. Not impossible but becomes harder for sure. Also just because I've seen people get hurt by this - your promotion bonus likely has a clawback, most PE firms are not looking to toss you an extra $50k so keep that money liquid if you're trying to leave soon

I would keep your title for next few months but not longer than linkedin. Make sure your resume is accurate though

 
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