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I have been contacted by an Head Hunter

First Round headhunter MBB
New answer on Jan 30, 2024
7 Answers
1.1 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 15, 2022

Hi guys,

Some days ago something happened. I have been contacted by an Head Hunter from London on Linkedin to ask me if I am looking for a new job, because he has a MBB Client looking for a profile like the mine.

The strange thing is that the Head Hunter works for a Recruiting Firm in UK but I live in Italy and I have never applied for an MBB.

Somebody has a similar experience? Usually what is the content of this kind of first interview?

I gratuated some years ago and now I am working in corporate, somebody in my situation?

Thanks for your help!

Overview of answers

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Sophia
Expert
replied on Sep 18, 2022
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

This does happen from time to time - it just means that your profile looks like it could be a good fit for them! This first call is usually just informational/screening, to allow you to learn more about the opportunity and allow them to learn more about you and your background. If this is something you may be interested in, I think there is little downside to taking the initial call!

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romanded replied on Jan 30, 2024

Congratulations on being contacted by a headhunter! Navigating the world of job opportunities is like going on an exciting hunt for the perfect career. Like the precision required in hunting, understanding the terrain is critical. For those interested in the unique hunting experience in South Africa, the recommended resource 1 offers valuable information. It's an exciting mix of professional pursuits and adventurous pastimes, highlighting the variety of landscapes we travel through in our personal and professional lives. We wish you good luck on your career path!

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Sep 16, 2022
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Yes, this happens all the time. Consulting firms actively use headhunters to source talent, particularly in times like these when there is a talent shortage.

It should be a friendly call, to understand your motivations, explain you the role, get your updated CV, validate you want the job and, of course, confirm that you are suitable to be presented to their client.

Please understand that there is no guarantee at all that you'll even interview.

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 15, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Please confirm that this head hunter is legit. Do not give out personal information unless you can verify who they are.

If the person is legitimate, then yes this happens! This is particularly true if you have industry expertise.

Here's some reading to get you ready for the case portion of the interview: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

And some for the fit portion of your interview: https://www.preplounge.com/en/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

 

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Anonymous A on Sep 15, 2022

Hi Ian, thanks a lot for your advices! Yes, I am really interested, I have always been interested in MBB even if I have never had the courage to send my application :) So yes, I am ready to know more about this opportunity. I will check your resources, many thanks. Do you have some advices about what is the most important things that Head Hunters consider valuable during this first interview? Thanks again!

Ken
Expert
replied on Sep 15, 2022
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

MBBs do use headhunters to recruit for specific profiles.  They are often industry/functional practice roles where the recruiting is done regionally but the role doesn't necessarily need to be based in a specific country.  If you are interested, I would definitely explore!

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Anonymous A on Sep 15, 2022

Hi Ken, Thanks a lot for your information. Yes I am really interested, so I am ready to do all my best for this opportunity. Do you have some advices about what is the most important things that Head Hunters consider valuable during this first interview? Thanks again!

Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 16, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Somebody has a similar experience? 

Totally possible. I heard similar cases. They may run searches in Europe rather than in the local country only.

2) Usually what is the content of this kind of first interview?

With the headhunter it is usually a simple initial screening to see if there is alignment on motivation/salaries/position. If everything works well, they will move you to the interview stage with the MBB.

Good luck!

Francesco

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Stanislav
Expert
replied on Sep 15, 2022
Ex-McKinsey AP | Interviewed 50+ candidates, gave 10+ offers | Own MBB-inspired cases | Oxford and Cambridge graduate

Hi there

Congrats on having your profile deemed worthy by an MBB recruiter :)! 

This can definitely happen if you have a niche expertise that the MBBs are looking for a particular practice. It can also happen, while less likely, if they are looking to expand their hiring into generalist roles. 

A couple of points:

1. As Ian rightly pointed out, do make sure the headhunter is legit (their own LinkedIn profile? Connections they have? Digital presence beyond LinkedIn?). Do ask for the role specifics and the job description. Make sure that appears legit as well - professionally documented, appropriate usage of industry- or function-specific lingo. If there is no reasonable match with your job experience, I would be quite wary.

2. If this is legit, this would likely be a fairly classic MBB-style selection process, with the caveat that you should expect some interviews and possibly cases in the area of expertise that they are hiring you for, including fairly technical aspects.

Hope this is a legit opportunity and good luck to you! 

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