Out myself just for PE VP lateral recruiting?
Middle Eastern here (LGBTQ) but friends and family are unaware. I attended a US target school, studied physics and engineering. Began my career at a US mid-market infrastructure fund before transferring to London. Two years ago, I moved to a middle eastern fund as VP. Recently, there has been a strategic review, and the CIO asked me to relocate to the Middle East. I prefer to stay in London.
I've reached out to several recruiters, and while they find my CV interesting, most firms aren’t actively hiring VP. On one hand, I want to continue progressing based on meritocracy. On the other hand, being perceived as a straight male does not help me to even get a foot in the door for an interview. Timeline is the major risk, as I only have a few months before I’m expected to relocate.
I'm wondering if disclosing my LGBT identity can help, given some firms prioritize diversity. But I’m unsure how to bring this up with recruiters or in interviews, as it’s not something I’ve ever addressed during my career.
Thanks! PS no haters please. I see a lot discussions about straight male claiming diversity to get a head start. while I actually avoided to come out my entire life but now I am in an urgent situation so I don't want to be overlooked for not disclosing who I am.
I am not being facetious. In "others" or "interests", make some reference to it. Maybe Proud supporter of LGBQIA+ or President of some [LGBTQIA association]
Thank you man. I will have a think about "the supporter line".
Unfortunately, I have not been involved in any of those becasue 1) Been just studying and working hard (not a smart kid comparing to all my peers so I over compensate by putting twice the effort) 2) Culturally, this is somewhat a taboo topic so I have zero lgbt acquaintance in my social circle.
I do recruiting for my fund (UMM in the US) and unfortunately LGBT is not any kind of meaningful diversity. When we say diversity, be basically mean women and black/hispanic. Not sure if it’s different in Europe though.
Serious question here. Would T woman count based on your exp?
Ummm not sure but probably not. Haven’t experienced it though. TBH diversity recruiting in PE is mostly for box ticking and for show in order to appease LPs
VP/Prin looking to lateral as well. Interesting anecdote, I’ve personally felt the exact opposite with diversity, it’s more about the look in my opinion. Mother is from DR, Father, US born, Jewish, as mayo white as possible. I’ve been told no way I’m a diverse candidate…. Since I also look like I’ve never been in the sun, and have a very Jewish last name…
Do what you want / what feels best with your personal life, lots of out folks who are very successful, but IMO this will not help with recruiting unless you are at a public company that is getting pressure on its metrics. Even so, they address those issues with new grad classes - VP hiring is 1000% based on fit and they won't take a diversity hire at a fairly senior role just to check the box.
Smaller firms care a lot more about "visible" diversity - i.e. you will still be a white male on their website. I don't think this would help at all. And even if it did, it won't create VP slots for firms that are not hiring.
Thanks for all the sugestions everyone. I appeciate it. Sounds like I should just keep doing what I did in the past. Outing myself does not help significantly but also may make myself/or my future coworkers uncomfortable. Infra is a conservative/male driven sector given toll road/district heating is not the most interesting in the grand PE space.
Have a great rest of weekend.
Wish you the best on your research!
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