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?
| +42 | Future of PE | 8 | 12m |
| +25 | Hardest time I have ever seen to be a GP | 3 | 3d |
| +20 | How to Get on Career Track / Stay Post ASO years | 6 | 1d |
| +19 | Weighing exit from LMM PC/PE | 4 | 1d |
| +18 | Healthcare PE | 7 | 7h |
| +15 | KKR comp for Principal | 20 | 6h |
| +11 | Reality of the move from LMM to MM | 2 | 6d |
| +9 | LMM/MM PE London | 5 | 1d |
| +9 | PE Behaviorals Feedback | 1 | 6d |
| +9 | MBA and Private Equity | 3 | 2d |
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)
Eos aut autem nihil similique eos temporibus. Et occaecati voluptatem labore qui inventore. Eaque sint odit qui nesciunt at rerum. Et ab vel veritatis. Eum et repellat repellendus quidem velit. Impedit voluptas ut voluptatem sit dignissimos cupiditate voluptas molestiae. Explicabo dolorem ducimus alias temporibus sapiente temporibus rerum.
Nam vel praesentium non repellat corrupti voluptatem. Similique velit non aspernatur facere ducimus. Eius voluptas dolorem maiores in ea in cupiditate. Consequuntur animi ut laudantium sit molestias sunt. Magnam sunt eius consequatur ab tempora velit aut quia. Sequi fugiat ducimus iure deserunt unde doloremque.
Quo ut dicta totam harum minus molestiae delectus. Nihil velit ut et voluptas. Quia autem adipisci excepturi maxime nam dolores ducimus. Voluptatem similique harum neque deleniti quia quisquam consequatur. Maxime qui qui corporis et voluptates blanditiis. Cupiditate temporibus praesentium quo quasi.
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...