Private Equity Recruitment Agencies in London
1
PER Recruitment
5 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
2
Dartmouth Partners
4.6 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
3
Pearse Partners
4.9 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
4
Selby Jennings
4.2 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
5
Finatal
4 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
6
ACL Partners
Mixed reviews Out of 5
Private Equity
London
7
Venture Search
4.5 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
8
Investigo
4.1 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
9
The Barton Partnership
4.2 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
10
Altus Partners
5 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
11
Arkesden Partners
4.1 Out of 5
Private Equity
London
12
KEA Consultants
Mixed reviews Out of 5
Private Equity
London
How many recruitment agencies are in London?
There are over 1153 recruitment agencies in London. In Financial services there are around 620 agencies registered in London. Most top recruitment agencies in London operate in other global locations. We have a full list of all recruitment agencies which you can access directly from the platform
Top 5 Private Equity Recruitment Agencies in London
PER People - PER is the leading retained search and recruitment specialists for private markets in-house professionals, headquartered in London and operating internationally. PER expert consultants deliver across a matrix of investment strategies, in-house functions and geographies. They identify and attract exceptional professionals for private equity, venture capital, private credit, LPs, secondaries and real assets. PER is able to leverage our scale, investing in global market mapping, database technology, and web-enabled reach out to an international candidate pool.
Dartmouth Partners -Dartmouth Partners has a deep and first-hand understanding of the nuances of the PE landscape, strengthened by ex-industry specialists in the team. They leverage this competitive insight to match the right private equity role with the right talent. Dartmouth Partners supports its clients through structured process management and the provision of non-search products. This includes market insights, salary benchmarking surveys, diversity audits, and event organisation.
Pearse Partners - Pearse Partners is the market leader in Investment Banking and Alternative Investment Search. By applying a methodical market mapping approach they've established ourselves as a trusted partner to the Investment Banking and Alternative Investment Industry. In private equity they cover Lower and Mid-Market Distressed Growth Equity Venture Capital Large Cap Infrastructure Real Estate.
Selby Jennings -Selby Jennings, as part of Phaidon International, identifies, sources, and delivers business-critical talent. Selby Jennings specialises in investment management recruitment, placing niche, hard-to-find investment management professionals through several talent solutions, tailored to your organisation's unique needs.
Finatal -Selby Jennings, as part of Phaidon International, identifies, sources, and delivers business-critical talent. Selby Jennings specialises in investment management recruitment, placing niche, hard-to-find investment management professionals through several talent solutions, tailored to your organisation's unique needs.
How to Select A Recruitment Agency in Private Equity
1
Assess your Needs
How quick do you want to make a move or get a hire?
2
Look at the Market Focus
What market/location does the recruitment agency specialise in?
3
Analyse Previous Performance
Can you find previous case studies & also what level of seniority success metrics?
4
Ask About Client Types & Size
How many clients have they worked with in your target field and what size?
5
Make Sure they Have Capacity
Look at the team size and the number of roles their working on
Comparing the Two Best Recruitment Agencies In London
1
PER Recruitment
Pros:
Highly specialized:
in private equity/private markets: As a retained search across global private markets, PER has nearly 30 years of experience and placement strength in PE roles
in private equity/private markets: As a retained search across global private markets, PER has nearly 30 years of experience and placement strength in PE roles
Great all round platform: with a highly responsive team, excellent roles being advertised, and a highly user friendly interface, they also respect client and candidate confidentiality
Cons:
Strict Criteria:
PER have a high criteria in terms of which candidates and clients they engage with. If you don't meet their criteria they will most likely won't engage
PER have a high criteria in terms of which candidates and clients they engage with. If you don't meet their criteria they will most likely won't engage
Highly Competitive Candidate Pool:
Because PER is a go-to agency for PE firms, you’re competing against the best—including people from top investment banks, elite boutiques, and MBB. Even marginal gaps in your CV (like a non-target undergrad, or only Tier 2 IB exposure) can put you at a disadvantage with no clear way to improve or reapply.
Because PER is a go-to agency for PE firms, you’re competing against the best—including people from top investment banks, elite boutiques, and MBB. Even marginal gaps in your CV (like a non-target undergrad, or only Tier 2 IB exposure) can put you at a disadvantage with no clear way to improve or reapply.
2
Dartmouth Partners
Pros:
Strong client/candidate testimonials:
On their website, clients praise their cultural insight and alignment, calling them “trusted advisor” and “highly efficient”
On their website, clients praise their cultural insight and alignment, calling them “trusted advisor” and “highly efficient”
Broad Network of Clients:
Works with top-tier financial institutions, consultancies, and funds. Can open doors to prestigious firms that may not advertise roles publicly.
Works with top-tier financial institutions, consultancies, and funds. Can open doors to prestigious firms that may not advertise roles publicly.
Cons:
High Volume of Applications
Due to their reputation, they receive a lot of CVs, and not everyone gets feedback unless they’re shortlisted. Some candidates feel they are “ghosted” unless they’re a perfect match.
Due to their reputation, they receive a lot of CVs, and not everyone gets feedback unless they’re shortlisted. Some candidates feel they are “ghosted” unless they’re a perfect match.
Heavy Focus on High Achievers
They are mainly looking for professionals and students who have been consistent high achievers and have a tack record of delivering
They are mainly looking for professionals and students who have been consistent high achievers and have a tack record of delivering
How Do Recruitment Agencies Work in London?
Recruitment agencies in London help employers fill roles by sourcing, screening, and shortlisting candidates. They act as intermediaries, matching job seekers with suitable positions, and assist with interviews, offers, and onboarding. Agencies are paid by employers and offer both permanent and temporary hiring solutions.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the process works:
- Employer contacts agency: A company hires the agency to fill one or more job vacancies.
- Role briefing: The recruiter receives a detailed description of the job, salary, benefits, and ideal candidate profile.
- Talent search: The agency searches its database, contacts passive candidates, and advertises the role if needed.
- Shortlisting: Recruiters interview and shortlist the most suitable candidates.
- Interview coordination: The agency arranges interviews between the employer and selected candidates.
- Offer & placement: If successful, the agency helps manage the offer process, including salary negotiation and start dates.
Types of Recruitment Agencies in London
- Contingency Recruitment: Agencies get paid only when a candidate is successfully placed.
- Retained Search: Common for executive roles, where the employer pays upfront for dedicated headhunting services.
- Temp/Contract Agencies: Provide short-term workers or freelancers for urgent or project-based work.
Benefits of Using a Recruitment Agency
- Access to hidden job opportunities
- Faster hiring process
- Interview coaching and CV advice (for candidates)
- Market insights and salary benchmarking
Tips for Candidates Working With Agencies
- Choose agencies that specialize in your sector (e.g. finance, tech, legal)
- Keep your CV updated and tailored to the roles you’re seeking
- Be honest about your goals and salary expectations
- Follow up professionally if you haven’t heard back
Top Recruitment Agencies in London (Examples)
Some of the best-known recruitment agencies in London include:
- Robert Walters
- Michael Page
- PER (Private Equity Recruitment)
- Dartmouth Partners
- Hays Recruitment
Final Thoughts
Recruitment agencies in London can be powerful allies in your job search or hiring journey. Whether you’re a graduate breaking into finance or a business scaling your team, understanding how these agencies operate will help you get better results, faster.
Need help choosing the right agency? Reach out and we’ll match you with one that fits your goals.
