How to Ace Private Equity Interviews from Banking

You might have the perfect resume... but if you go into an interview and can’t clearly articulate why you want that job, you might still lose it. I recently had a candidate interview with a client for an FP&A role at a portfolio company, and the reason that they passed on him, despite a fully aligned background, is that he did not have a clear-cut answer as to why the role was interesting to him and why he was a great fit. One of the most overlooked parts of private equity interview prep is being prepared to answer the “why” questions: - Why do you want this job? - Why do you like the company? - Why are you looking to transition from your current role? - Why are you seeking to relocate? - Why do you want to make the switch from investment banking to the buy-side? These aren’t filler or throwaway questions. They’re often what separates candidates who move forward from those who don’t. We’ve seen even the strongest resumes fall short when candidates weren’t prepared with clear, thoughtful answers to these questions. Preparation is everything when it comes to the interview process. We do our best to thoroughly prepare candidates for their interviews prior to meeting with the client. But true preparation has to come from you. If you want the job, put in the work ahead of time, practice with yourself on Zoom, and be prepared to clearly express why you’re a great fit. You don’t need a perfect answer. But you do need a thoughtful one that is truthful, clear, and confident. And if you’re not sure how to frame it? Ask your recruiter for help. That’s what we’re here for. Your resume gets you in the room, but your “why” is what helps you land the role. #PErecruiting #recruiting #SoulEquity #interviewtips #privateequity