Headhunter references

Hi all,

Recently started responding to headhunters (think CPI, Amity, HSP) who have been reaching out to me since I started my job at MBB. Is it normal for them to ask for references before even starting the PE recruiting process? If so, how did you guys go about this discreetly? Don't yet want to mention that I am considering other opportunities until I've landed an offer.

Thanks!

 
Best Response

From my experience, I had a few headhunters ask for references before I actually started interviewing. I would say it was fairly common, but not the norm. I'm sure some other people might have had different experiences. I was at a BB, but was a part of a small, close-nit team, so I had the same concerns. Ultimately, I talked to one of my VPs who I really trusted and let him know what was going on. He served as my reference and I never had any issues.

I can't say for sure, but I would think it might be more important to have a HH talk to references for someone coming from a consulting background. I would think they may want some additional confirmation of your analytical abilities, since they would be recommending you to funds that are likely looking at bankers as well. If you have someone you trust, I would suggest having an honest conversation with them about their willingness to serve as a reference. I would go with someone mid-level like an engagement manager if you can.

Also HHs understand that your situation is likely sensitive. If it's too tough or risky for you, you can have that conversation upfront with your HH. I would be surprised if they pushed back too hard or dinged you purely on that. If that is the case though, I would suggest you still give them a few names, but say you would prefer to only have them contacted if you're a bit further along in a process.

 

I ended up providing names / contact info for references but made it clear to the headhunters that they should contact me before reaching out. In the end, none of the headhunters contacted my references until interviews started.

This is a pretty standard request (particularly coming from consulting) so I don't expect that you'd get any push back.

 

sometimes they use that list as referrals, and call them later on to 'explore' their career desires and gather further names. I've had that happen to references I've provided before. I hate hh with a passion, they are just a middle man that knows nothing of the actual role, and very unlikely they have ever done the role in PE, HF etc.

26 Broadway where's your sense of humor?
 

Just wondering if I need to collect phone numbers/contact info of people who will still be at the firm a couple years down the road. During my undergraduate recruitment, none of the recruiters bothered with references. But when switching between jobs, I've noticed that some firms ask for many reference contact numbers and ask probing questions. Therefore, I'm wondering if the firms who recruit from MBA programs act more like those who recruit from undergrad programs, or more like those who recruit experienced hires.

 

They usually only reach out if you're close to an offer (happened one time after I got an offer also). If you're far in a process, you should probably just ask that they give you a heads up before they reach out so that you can alert your references. This is why it's important to be on the good side of a couple associates/VP's.

 

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