In other industries, where 'covert' search is more prevalent (it's more or less impossible in MC), people talk about how to get themselves on a headhunter's radar - the central principle being visibility. You need to think in a similar way a) to networking your way into KKR or similar and b) visibility to KKR or similar. I say similar as the megafunds have had a terrible ride recently whereas some of the smaller PE funds have proven to be robust and continue hiring. I'm assuming you want to make the move into PE, rather than be a consultant to one of their investments? Route 1: SlowGet thyself to some conferences, seminars whatever which focus on PE - preferably ones hosted by PE firms with a good roster of speakers, go to lapdancing clubs in Mayfair (I kid you not), read the financial press. Use Linkedin, offer to talk at a conference about anything which might catch the interest of someone at KKR, write and get articles published (if you make reference to KKR, someone somewhere in that organisation, busy googling themself or the firm will spot your article), call their offices and ask to meet someone to discuss KKR (tell them you are MBB of course) for some research project you are working on, meet them and impress them. Call it suffocation networking if you like - you want to create an awareness of yourself to KKR, without actually just sending your CV. When they take notice, go for the meeting.Route 2: QuickerJoin a smaller PE firm with a great rep, Candover say, or a corporate restructuring firm, Blackstone would do nicely. stay there for a few years then move across to KKR.Route 3: QuickestSend them your CV with a nice covering letter asking about opportunitiesRoute 4: ImmediateRealise that KKR is not the Holy Grail and forget it.
