How to lateral and avoid headhunter interaction

So, essentially Henkel Search Partners got me my current job, but after six months, I am ready to go because my boss is the quintessential finance dick. Can't take it anymore.

I want to go to a specific firm, but they're represented by Henkel as well. I don't trust 'em as far as I can throw 'em. So, instead of hit them up, I reached out to a VP at the firm (no response yet but that was an hour ago and I have no doubt I'll get on the horn with someone there).

Another possibility is a warm intro I know to a MD at the firm I'd like to end up at (I helped someone in my network about face a few of their portcos for no cost - mostly some high level work for them, no more than ~50h across a few weekends). I've called in a few favors before so it's not like I can redeem a "you owe me one" at this point (I have collected the goodwill I purchased, not that that can be measured, but you get the point).

So, how should I go about this from here? What do you think?

5 Comments
 

I was placed by HSP too and when I wanted to lateral HSP couldnt help me due to the conflict - they asked for sign-off from the head of the group before they could help me. Your best bet is to use other headhunters who may have represented that firm in the past and get them to make you a warm intro. 

 

Quam cupiditate nisi iure dolorem minima corrupti ratione. Minima cupiditate voluptas quia et sed laborum et non. Eos sed modi incidunt quasi nemo. Quidem reiciendis est enim voluptatibus non cum saepe voluptate. Doloremque atque quos magni non expedita tenetur suscipit eaque. Qui aut modi aliquam voluptatibus autem doloribus et.

Consequatur illum qui facilis non. Et quia a ut minima. Cum corporis tempore voluptatum facilis sunt sapiente. Libero alias et possimus ratione ad. Explicabo dolore enim et id sapiente iusto deserunt.

Omnis omnis eos quo excepturi accusantium dolorem qui. Est labore culpa qui rerum. Aliquid quos pariatur minima nam minima nam voluptas.

Voluptatem et sit vero in accusantium. Distinctio dolorem et facere tenetur. Consequatur nemo quidem facere temporibus harum assumenda ipsum. Sint minus quos eaque. Sequi exercitationem dignissimos quia laudantium quis sed non nobis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.2%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (100) $364
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (106) $280
  • 2nd Year Associate (236) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (414) $231
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (273) $126
  • Intern/Summer Associate (40) $79
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (357) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”