This is HUGE!!!

Kanon:

This question is has been asked a lot (probably including by myself) for 'I have an interview or meeting with XYZ' so do a search and you'll find some gems that may not be covered here or in my following post:

But generally you want to read up on the PE firm as much as possible. Understand their investment approach (investment philosophy, whether they have a particular sector focus, industries they like/avoid and why, what were their recent portfolio companies - try and understand the logic as to why it may be a good PE play, recent exits, etc...)

In terms of what you want to know about PE. I highly doubt he'll ask you to walk him through an LBO, but it's simple enough and that Tuck doc should help - or try Macabacus website. For your own benefit, it's good to know what are some general key criteria PE shops look for in investments. Also, if you have time, pick a company or industry that you think would be a good PE play.

I would use the opportunity to ask questions about the firm and the PE president - get an understanding of his background, his views on the market, etc. Don't try to be too aggressive - you want to be eager but not annoying. And most important thing is to have a good answer why you'd like to be in PE.

This great I really appreciate it. Just out of curiousity, what do you think employers are looking for in an answer when they ask the question, "Why do you want to work in PE?'

Is there something that typically impresses them when people answer that question or are all answers usually unique? In otherwords, is there something I shouldn't say?

deal_mkr:

be a normal person and dont "try to impress him" or wax nostalgic about your blue collar back ground and baby ivy pedigree

Hahaha yea I'm pretty sure I'll never talk about that again, thanks though.