Question about recruiting
Hello,
I am starting at a T2 Consulting firm in October. I chose the later start date (majority of the class started this week) because of a wedding I have to go to, and also just wanting more free time. This week, I was emailed by a PE HH recruiter for the initial screening call. Available dates to schedule only go until the end of October. I do not have experience with modeling / LBOs because I was told by people at my firm that it's mostly learn on the job. The T2 firm is traditionally heavy in PE DD. My questions are:
- Should I respond and schedule the initial meeting now?
- Should I start studying for LBOs now, and then schedule the meeting even though it will be before I have any deal experience / even begin my job?
- Should I ignore the email altogether, assuming they will reach back out in the future?
I guess I'm also a bit confused about the recruiting timeline. I have some friends starting at MBB in Jan, I am starting in October...when I would do this call, would they expect me to have no deal experience? No modeling experience? Will they reach back out after I complete a full year/is this typically when I'll start getting more inbound HH recruiting emails?
Thanks
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you should approach this situation:
Should you respond and schedule the initial meeting now?
Yes, you should respond and schedule the meeting. Headhunter (HH) meetings are critical as they act as the gateway to private equity recruiting. Even if you lack deal or modeling experience, these meetings are more about understanding your background, gauging your interest in PE, and building a relationship with the HH. They are equivalent to first-round interviews, so take them seriously.
Should you start studying for LBOs now?
Absolutely. While you may not have deal experience yet, knowing how to do a paper LBO is essential. It’s a common expectation during HH meetings, and being prepared will help you stand out. Focus on mastering the basics of LBO modeling and understanding the private equity landscape. Resources like GoBuyside and departing colleagues can be invaluable for preparation.
Should you ignore the email altogether?
No, ignoring the email is not advisable. Even if you’re not fully ready, engaging with the HH now helps you get on their radar. If you skip this opportunity, there’s no guarantee they’ll reach out again later. However, if you feel unprepared, you can politely ask to schedule the meeting closer to the end of October to give yourself more time to prepare.
Recruiting timeline and expectations:
Action Plan:
Good luck, and remember, early preparation and engagement can make all the difference!
Sources: Q&A - Left First Undergrad with Sub 2.0 GPA====>Booth MBA/"Tier 2" Consulting, PE Recruiting 2020 Information Thread, Basic Questions About PE Recruiting Answered, Private Equity Recruiting Walkthrough – My Experience, Q&A - Left First Undergrad with Sub 2.0 GPA====>Booth MBA/"Tier 2" Consulting
Bump
Not based in the US, so I won’t comment directly on the recruiting timeline specifics. But a couple of points might help:
A big part of PE is commercial judgment and communication, so selling yourself even with limited deal exposure is part of the skillset. If you have gaps, frame them as areas you’re actively working on (studying LBOs, leaning on your network, etc).
In short: don’t overthink the lack of experience, but don’t waste the chance either. Take the call, prepare enough to show you’re proactive, and treat it as step one in building a relationship for when you’re really ready to recruit.
I've seen online that others say that if you mess up the HH screenings, you're screwed...I guess I just don't want to fumble those, given I have no deal experience. If I schedule the call, should I make sure to clarify/emphasize that my role starts end of October, or leave that for her to piece together
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