What are the best ways to showcase your private equity strengths?

1 Know your resume

Your resume is the first impression you make on a PE recruiter, so make sure it highlights your relevant achievements and skills. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to describe your previous roles and projects, focusing on the impact you had on the business performance, growth, or profitability. Quantify your results whenever possible, using metrics such as internal rate of return (IRR), cash-on-cash multiple, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). Also, include any relevant certifications, education, or training that show your competence and credibility in the PE field.

2 Prepare for case studies

Case studies are a common way to assess your PE skills in an interview. They usually involve analyzing a potential or existing investment opportunity, providing a valuation, and recommending a strategy. To prepare for case studies, you should review the basics of financial modeling, valuation methods, industry trends, and deal structures. You should also practice solving case studies under time pressure, using a structured approach and clear communication. You can find some examples of PE case studies online or ask your network for tips and feedback.

4 Demonstrate your interpersonal skills

PE is not only about numbers and analysis, but also about people and relationships. You need to show that you can work well with different stakeholders, such as portfolio company managers, investors, bankers, consultants, and co-workers. To demonstrate your interpersonal skills, you should use examples of how you built rapport, influenced decisions, resolved conflicts, or collaborated on projects in your previous roles. You should also be prepared to answer behavioral questions that test your leadership, teamwork, motivation, and fit with the PE firm's culture and values.

5 Ask insightful questions

Asking insightful questions is a great way to showcase your private equity strengths and show your interest and enthusiasm for the role and the firm. You should prepare some questions that reflect your research, knowledge, and curiosity about the PE industry, the firm's strategy, the deal process, the team structure, and the career progression. You should also avoid asking questions that are too generic, obvious, or easily found online. Instead, ask questions that demonstrate your critical thinking, creativity, and passion for PE.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?