At the VP/principal level and thinking of moving. Would anyone just reach out directly to other firms you find interesting while still at an existing firm? Is there a subtle way to go about this? do you have to go through headhunters?
| +142 | What’s “the path” now? | 56 | 1d |
| +105 | Is Everyone Too Bearish on PE? | 34 | 2h |
| +48 | Why would anyone do PE in long term in 2026? | 13 | 1d |
| +37 | 3rd Year IB Analyst, Top Bucket, Still No PE Offer. What Would You Do? | 19 | 1d |
| +25 | Is This Normal in LLM PE | 10 | 4d |
| +24 | Q&A: What It’s Actually Like Working at an Independent (Fundless) Sponsor | 4 | 2d |
| +21 | Striking out in last rounds | 2 | 3d |
| +21 | UMM PE or High Paying Strat Finance? | 13 | 17h |
| +15 | DELETE | 1 | 1d |
| +15 | Overwhelmed by amount of data / granularity | 3 | 1d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Following
Reaching out directly to other firms while still employed is a strategy that can work, but it requires a careful and subtle approach. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and strategies:
Direct Outreach:
Networking:
Headhunters:
Subtlety is Key:
Timing and Strategy:
In summary, while headhunters are a common route, direct outreach and networking can also be effective if done tactfully. Just ensure you maintain discretion throughout the process.
Sources: My Path - MBA Banking Associate to PE, Former MS M&A / KKR here to field questions, PE Recruiting as a Lateral Analyst w/ Weak Academic Profile, No VP Promote from Sr. Associate - Seeking Advice, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/then-and-now-compbanker?customgpt=1
At the VP/Principal level, both approaches are common.
Many senior professionals do discreet outreach to firms they genuinely admire—usually through mutual connections, industry events, or a short, well-crafted message. However, it’s important to be subtle and avoid anything that could risk confidentiality with your current employer.
That said, a large percentage of VP/Principal hiring still happens through executive search firms or specialized recruiters. These firms are often retained by PE funds to run confidential searches and approach passive candidates who aren’t actively applying.
In practice, the most effective strategy is a combination:
At Alliance Recruitment Agency, we often see senior professionals benefit from working with recruiters because we can introduce them discreetly to opportunities that are not publicly advertised while protecting their confidentiality.
VP lateral recruiting activity is insanely hot right now at the LMM level. Have gotten more calls the last month than ever
What recruiters have been most active? Have heard mixed things from the usual suspects (HSP/CPI/Ratio)
Et eveniet odit provident vitae inventore voluptatem. Ut porro non enim in vero. Repudiandae animi dolores repellat consequuntur omnis vel.
Voluptatibus quasi asperiores labore sit. Excepturi maxime voluptates neque est labore. Consectetur ratione dolores voluptatem quae qui reprehenderit blanditiis.
Accusamus nemo fugit dolores ab ipsum nemo quo. Suscipit sit sunt nam nihil quis et. Ducimus soluta similique illo soluta. Qui qui itaque cupiditate alias aut. Et natus amet quae nulla. Harum optio eveniet numquam. Tempore rem eum in dolores maxime voluptates.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...