Corp Dev Interviews
Hi all. I have some intro / first round interviews for corp dev positions coming up over the next few weeks (most are with middle market businesses with PE-backing). My background is ~1.5 years of MM M&A experience and I just have no idea what to do to prepare. Does anyone have insight into the behavioral vs. technical questions mix, type of behaviorals (beyond the typical "tell me a time when...") and level of technicals they'd ask?
I plan to study my deal experience and general industry trends as well but just seems like this could be a mixed bag. I want to make sure I'm ready so I can finally exit IB. Thanks!!
Following, good luck!
Bump
Does @sil have any opinions?
Varies so much. Had one that had a policy of no case studies and no technical questions were asked, then one where the first round was in-person 2-hour modeling test. Both public companies.
In general, I don't think you should expect much on the technical question front (like classic accounting) during interviews, then there is probably a split on whether case study happens or not. More banker background on corp dev team = more likely for some case study element.
They ask about what you have done at your job.
When i interviewed for my current corp dev role with a large public industrial company, I was asked your typical easy banking interview technical questions as well as the usual why corp dev / why this company / why this industry / why leaving banking type questions. Also was asked to talk about my prior deal experience. If you have any buyside deal experience in your current IB role maybe emphasize that if you can, but not a big deal if not.
If I was interviewing with a PE backed MM firm, I would make sure to ask about how involved the sponsor is on deals (sourcing, diligence, modeling, etc). Some sponsors are very hands-off and some would work closely with you, which could be a great learning opportunity for you. Would also see if you can find out how far the sponsor is from exiting the investment. If the firm you are interviewing with is purchased by a strategic in the near future, there's a good chance you become a synergy. Also, depending on the size of the company, sometimes corp dev gets pulled into FP&A type work, which you may or may not like. These are some things I would ask for my own benefit and also shows that you are thinking about / asking the right things.
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