Peculiar Occurrence for PE?

Sounds like the guy wants to help you out for some reason. Can't hurt to network and if he offers to refer you to places that would be a lot more effective than sending your resume around cold.

Take an afternoon to go to a "doctor's appt" or something.

I wouldn't say it's common but firms (especially the smaller ones, i.e. not megafunds) like to keep good candidates on their radar in case something does open up.

I say there is no down side. You already want to leave your BB. Talk with the MD and see what comes of it. If nothing, then you haven't lost anything but an afternoon.

Further.. While I'm not sure if it's an "informal courtship," it sounds more than just nothing. He's obviously expressing some interest. I say go for it and update WSO with your experience.

Would you guys think this is a different situation if it were a megafund?

Actually I'd say it's not that uncommon for MM or boutique firms (not Mega like mentioned above). They either want to keep you in mind for further opportunities or in some cases actually connect you with their colleagues at other PE shops. It's a good networking experience.

If this were a megafund, what would you make of it?

Something in your resume clearly stood out to whoever read your resume. Maybe if you attended a school who has a heavy alum presence on the street and who usually watches out for their own, or some random sport that you played. Or, maybe the MD admired your ballsyness to go out and contact the firm directly and not through a headhunter. who knows.

Bottom line, the firm is interested in one way or another and it doesn't hurt to keep the lines of communication open. I would be sure not to mix this up with a firm that's courting you specifically (unless it's a shitty firm who really doesn't have its pick of candidates).

Thanks for the responses. This sheds more insight into it.

Just enjoy the meeting and express yourself. Keep in mind that you have such an invitation most likely because you stand out for some reason. Don't disappoint both of you by limiting conversation to the status quo. If you both enjoy your meeting, there may be more opportunities to meet again, or just talk on the phone, in the future. You don't have to get a job out of it. The relationship may eventually lead to much greater success than any one particular job could ever provide. Simple friendship has its own rewards that can be more valuable than money.

Well put Scio.

The MD may know that things will open up in a few months - although there are no current openings. If you are the right one they may craft a role for you - I have seen it happen before. I would approach the meeting with a really open mind.

I am not all too sure, I just figured this was possibly a more direct way to go about doing it. The other thing is, this firm doesn't post their email addresses either, so I had to figure out the format by trial and error, so perhaps, they figure I was referred to them?

I don't think it's the norm, but I don't think people will hang up on you. In the worst case scenario, you may be able to get an email address. It helps if you have an "in" of some sort (alum / colleague / high school classmate / whatever).

I figured it would be worth a shot, I like taking a direct approach. My undergrad institution isn't that great but we have a decent amount of alums in PE, as does my current banking group.

Haven't seen this happen in PE recruiting very often, but many HFs will do this because they don't maintain a rigid hiring process and like to network with good candidates.

Awhile back I had a HF tell me to just let them know next time "I was in town" because they would always consider qualified candidates, but didn't run a traditional process.