Role of MBB performance reviews in on-cycle PE recruiting

Hello!

I wanted to get a better understanding of the role of performance reviews at MBB for PE recruiting:

  1. Is it okay to just be in good standing, or do funds/headhunters consider only candidates in the top 10% or so for interviews?

  2. Does this expectation vary by much based on the size/reputation of the fund?

  3. At any point, are candidates expected to submit copies of their performance reviews?

I have seen mixed responses to these questions. Some users have mentioned that headhunters ask this right at the beginning and extend invitations accordingly. Others have stated that it comes up just before extending an offer, implying that one needs to just be in good standing.

Appreciate any insights. Thank you!

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i dont think it's as restrictive as top 10%, given that amounts to only a few dozen analysts a year (and not all of them want to do PE). probably more like top 50% are given serious looks. id guess the more competitive the fund, the greater the expectations for performance. 

im pretty sure performance reviews are confidential internal documents (they could include details from your casework) and releasing them to a third party would be a violation of your NDA. theyll source this info from previously hired analysts or thru the mbb partners they work with for DDs

 

It's firm dependent. For example, I know Berkshire and H&F pretty much require candidates to be "top bucket" at their MBB. How do they determine this? Typically through back channels. In the 8 hours between when I got the interview invite and sat down for the interview with Berkshire a few years ago during on-cycle they had already spoken to my existing manager at my MBB. These firms are VERY well connected and can find out basically anything they want. 

For many other firms top bucket isn't a requirement, and "good" will do. 

 

Thanks for sharing the insights! By submitting reviews, do you mean submitting actual copies of performance reviews, which provide a detailed description of your projects, contributions, and performance?

 

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