How my hot pink & purple resume landed me an interview with a global Private Equity firm

I logged into the Zoom call a few minutes before my interview for the ‘Business Analyst Co-op’ role. As I waited for the clock to hit noon, I continued to review my notes. 

‘Even though you haven’t had experience with a PE role, you got this. Remember the private equity model. Remember to mention general partners, limited partners, go over the 2%/20% model, and why you want this role. Let this be an exciting new experience.’ 

I'm not studying finance, and I don’t have any experience with Investment Banking. I'm studying marketing with a minor in behavioral neuroscience. My passions lay in consumer psychology, technology, and solution consulting.

Many of you might be thinking, “why did you apply to one of the most prestigious Private Equity firms if you didn't have any experience?” My reasoning is despite my lack of experience in finance, the role description stated the soft skills I had mastered in my previous roles. It was a role for someone who loves fast-paced environments, thinks outside of the box, and has a passion for learning about technology. That’s me...so I applied.

My interviewer joined the call, and before any introduction was shared he bluntly said something that took me by surprise. Looking deadpan into the camera, he said, “ ‘I’ve got to say, I haven’t seen a resume like yours...’ 

There was no smile, laugh, or anything associated with the comment. While my brain was racing on how to digest his comment and think of a response, he followed up by saying, “ A lot of colors. I like it.”

I couldn’t help but laugh and mention how I like to show my creativity through my resume. Recognizing the hot pink banner and a smiling picture of myself is not the norm for PE applicants, it expressed who I was and that’s what I wanted to portray. Always.

For those of you wondering, this is my resume:

The interview proceeded and I was asked to speak with another colleague later that day. I immediately texted my brother, a former Deloitte consultant and MBA candidate at Columbia University, and he was astonished I applied to that job with this type of resume. He was even more astonished that I had an interview because of it. “Hot pink Fernanda? Really?”  

Really. I never considered changing my resume for the company. The layout showcased my creativity and thought-process, and the content showed my experience. It was a cumulation of who I was. I’m a creative individual willing to take (and assess) new risks. I’m someone with strong experience in big corporations, startups, extracurriculars, and leadership. I’m not someone that always follows the rules, because I believe personalizing processes, systems, and resumes brings a better experience to the person reviewing it. 

Despite moving into the third round and learning immensely throughout the process, I didn’t get the job. However, it wasn’t my resume that blocked me from getting into the door. I learned that sometimes being your authentic self can get you into some great places. This temporary no won’t stop me but rather encourage me to learn and push myself to pursue different industries and roles – while still being me.

Would I have been asked to be interviewed if I used a traditional resume? Probably not. Was I totally equipped for the IT role? Absolutely not. But did I get to show my skills in a way that no other candidate dared to do? 100%.

The biggest thing I learned throughout this interview process was being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Despite the fact of not fulfilling every characteristic or requirement of the role at this firm, I pushed myself to apply, do my research prior to the interviews, and showcase why my skills made me equipped to succeed. All without losing my optimism, eagerness to learn, and open-minded attitude.

Stick to who you are. While some companies have different preferred methods of resume outlines or ways to work, it’s our job to challenge the status quo and shake things up a bit... I believe that if I stick to my work ethic, creative mindset, positivity, and ambition to learn, I will get places without the need of changing my hot pink resume. It’s my favorite color ;) 

P.S. DO make sure that your resume is scannable and tailored to the role. I have different versions for different companies/industries. But sometimes… the risk is worth it if it sets you apart.