Using a headhunter at Associate level - advice/suggestions?
Hello, I have decided it's time to make a career transition. Right now, I am an associate at a mid-size REPE firm.
The last time i was job hunting was at the analyst level, cold emailing and applying to the many analyst openings at firms - it seemed to be more acceptable and easier to scout opportunities. I am wondering how to approach this at an associate level, I am at the point where discretion in my search is a must. Would engaging a headhunter at this stage be worth the time and effort (I always thought they focused on VP/Senior roles)? Has anyone faced a similar challenge?
Any guidance or advice would be appreciated!
So the good headhunters, i.e. the ones you want to talk to, almost only work on retained search by the employer firms. They will take your resume into their systems (one told me they really just used LinkedIn now, so if that is up to date, then it doesn't matter as much as it used to), but they are not likely to 'promote' you to firms.
Further, most work on more senior roles 5+ years plus exp. There are some 'recruiter' firms that do junior all the way down to analyst, but their postings are usually on LinkedIn/Indeed, so no secret there. Only senior roles are likely to get omitted from the websites.
There are some on commission type ones, they seem pretty sketch to me, but YMMV. I get emails from some trying to place people at my firm, I pretty much delete without reading.
Frankly, moving at the 2 year mark is a mixed endeavor, you need to explain why you are doing so and make sure it fits a good resume story. Networking/personal connections are usually your best bet at this level. HR and headhunters are likely to be your friends unless you fit the qualifications closely to something they are looking for (i.e., apply and find out).
Thanks, this is helpful. and to be clear, I've been with my current firm for 4 years, I started out as an analyst.
If you don't mind me asking, how do you broach the subject when networking? I have worked with a few firms that might offer potential for growth, is it as simple as "hey, i know we usually talk deals, but off the record, i am looking for a new job, is your team hiring?"
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