Leading private-equity firms have begun recruiting for lucrative positions two years in advance, sparking chaos within the junior Wall Street community. The "on-cycle recruiting" process started earlier than ever before, with firms like Apollo Global Management and KKR conducting interviews, leaving candidates scrambling. The intense competition for entry-level talent in private equity comes with high compensation packages, some exceeding $300,000. This year's early start caught many junior bankers off guard, some who were not even living in New York City yet. The stressful associate interview process has led to candidates concocting excuses to leave their desks and prepare for late-night interviews. This unprecedented early recruitment cycle has unsettled many junior bankers, with some reconsidering a career in private equity. Share your experiences with this year's private-equity recruiting cycle with our reporters.