Recruiting Market for Early VPs
How is the recruiting market for early VP / SA? Wondering if there's been any thawing given we're past or close to past year end bonuses. Anyone seeing specific traction in specific industries / product types?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, the recruiting market for early VPs remains challenging. Many firms express a preference for hiring at the Associate or Senior Associate level and promoting internally rather than laterally hiring VPs. This is due to the perceived risk-reward tradeoff: firms often prefer to train associates, knowing their capabilities, or hire MDs who bring deal flow, leadership, and LP money. VPs, on the other hand, are seen as being in a "no man's land"—too expensive for junior work but not yet senior enough to bring a book of business.
For traction in specific industries or product types, the market dynamics can vary. In private equity, for example, VPs are expected to transition from analytical roles to sourcing deals, which many struggle with. Demonstrating the ability to win clients and deals independently is critical for standing out in this space.
If you're targeting a VP role, timing around year-end bonuses can create some movement, but the overall market remains tight. Networking and referrals are often the most effective ways to secure opportunities at this level.
Sources: "We don't hire VPs", "We don't hire VPs"
Still seems pretty atrocious in NYC, but maybe just not getting included in HH outreach. Think a few things kicking off but still very slow
What’s an ‘early VP’?
VP1 (aka not an experienced VP). The other issue I've seen is laterals being forced to step back in many cases (so VP1 candidates doing another Sr. Associate year, Principals doing another VP year, etc.) because there is so much supply in market now with no one really hiring
Why would a VP1 even leave if they get bumped down to Sr. Aso?
Seeing a little bit of an uptick since the new year but currently recruiting everywhere except NY
Somehow only getting non-NYC inbounds. Anyone notice anything in NYC?
nyc has been ok in terms of first time funds at the vp1 level but it's been a total crapshoot in terms of what they are looking for. curious if anyone echoes those thoughts. mid cap or mega fund is obviously a networking job at this stage
Is VP level hiring not done through HH’s? Looking for potential VP roles after 3-4 associate years at my current firm but haven’t been getting many pings; wondering if that’s bc there aren’t many jobs in market or if most VP hiring happens outside of HH channel
Most VPs hire still through HH, market is just slow. And also realistically gonna be very hard to lateral in as a VP if you have an associate title even with 3-4 years of experience (dumb I know)
Any good opportunities in nyc?
Close to nothing in NYC. Considering pivoting to corp dev. Anyone else considering something similar?
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