Headhunter Calls for Upcoming On Cycle (Current College Senior)

Have had a few HHs reach out via email / Linkedin / phone number, asking me to fill out forms and even do an "informal" chat with them within the next few weeks. I honestly just can't be asked at the moment (enjoying senior year, foot of the gas, don't even have a suit jacket with me @ the moment) and feel like it's too far in advance for this to truly carry weight. 

TLDR: The cost of prepping for any PE recruiting or calls, no matter how "informal" they may be, is outweighed by enjoying my life for the time being - that is, until I start as AN1 and inevitably hate it. But will I regret putting these intro calls off / ghosting the HHs for now? Can I circle back in a few months when I've prepped and feel more comfortable, or will they move on with other candidates even if I prove myself well to them?

12 Comments
 

also a senior and have had a few chats already. my two cents are to just do the chats bc it’s only 30 minutes out of your day and all the top candidates are going to be doing them and developing relationships w HHs over the next couple of months. If they know what type of roles you’re targeting now, they’ll be able to give you interviews for what you’re interested in later. but also what do i know, i’m just a senior.

 

Unless you’re super certain of what you’re looking for (e.g., UMM/MF PE in NY only), probably makes more sense to just wait.

I can’t see any downside by waiting until you’re at least in training to start engaging unless oncycle kicks off earlier. Seemed like it was somewhat later last yr vs prior year so you’re probably fine to wait

 

Doing the same, not even sure I want to do PE after IB tbh

am also worried about firm somehow finding out lol

 

Agree that there’s nothing to be gained from ignoring these requests (fueled by a bit of laziness), but will the loss be that significant? Seems like HHs are inclined to speak w as many candidates as possible, and if I am to demonstrate my capability / preparedness on a future call, will I really be second to others simply because I didn’t respond to them months in advance of any actual PE process momentum?

 

doing the same, going to a top eb and have been told by an1s that just went thru oncycle who said to only start taking calls / attending events when ready. doing so earlier does more harm than good (unless you are fully prepared).

 

Its fine not that deep. If you are going to a top shop they will ping you non-stop. If you are at a midshop then yeah maybe you need to nurture that relationship

 

When people say wait until you're ready do you mean until your technicals are strong? Or just until you know what type of shops you're looking for?

 

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