Does anyone have any info on what the CD&R interview process might entail? I guess it would probably include a model test, behavioral interviews, and maybe something around business acumen. How does it stack up against other big funds?
| +89 | Nothing to do at work & bored to hell | 9 | 1d |
| +67 | Do people over-index on 'moats' | 22 | 1d |
| +53 | Predicted Net Worth in Trodden Finance Path by 60? | 20 | 1d |
| +44 | Biggest (avoidable) failures in PE Investments? | 25 | 1d |
| +38 | Why is ROIC never really a topic when looking at companies IRL | 11 | 5d |
| +24 | What do you think of PE Value Creation Careers in 2026? | 7 | 17h |
| +18 | LT Career Path after MF PE Associate Program? | 5 | 2h |
| +15 | Honest opinions needed about lateraling | 5 | 15h |
| +12 | NY LMM PE Recruiting | 3 | 2d |
| +12 | How to approach Buyside Recruiting | 3 | 6d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, private equity interviews, including those at big funds like CD&R, often follow a structured process. Here's what you can expect:
Behavioral Interviews: These are a staple across most funds. Be prepared to discuss your background, deals you've worked on, and your rationale for pursuing private equity. You should also be ready to answer questions about your opinions on businesses, industries, and your thought process on investment decisions.
Modeling Tests: Many funds, including CD&R, are likely to include a modeling test. This could range from a quick LBO model to a more detailed case study. For example, some funds prefer take-home assignments, while others conduct in-person modeling tests. Make sure you're comfortable with LBO theory, paper LBOs, and building models under time constraints.
Business Acumen and Deal Discussions: Expect to be pressed on your deal experience. You should be able to articulate the valuation, competitive strengths, industry outlook, transaction structure, and risk assessment of deals you've worked on. Additionally, you may be asked conceptual questions about what makes a good business or to evaluate a specific investment opportunity.
Case Studies: Some funds include case studies to test your ability to think critically about investments. This might involve analyzing a target company, building a projection model, completing a DCF, and presenting your findings.
Compared to other big funds, CD&R's process might align closely with the industry standard but could vary slightly based on their specific focus or culture. For example, some funds lean more heavily on technicals early on, while others emphasize behavioral and strategic thinking in later rounds.
For more insights, you can explore this thread: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/a-non-targets-pers…</a">A Non-Target's Perspective - My MM PE Recruiting Process. It provides a detailed breakdown of PE interview structures and expectations.
Sources: A Non-Target's Perspective - My MM PE Recruiting Process, A Non-Target's Perspective - My MM PE Recruiting Process, Q&A: Corporate Banking to FAANG CD, How to Navigate FT Recruiting: Learn from My Successes/Failures, Transitioning from IB/ER to HF Series - Part 2: Where to Interview and Behaviorals
LDN kicking off - insight from previous years?
Quisquam repellat culpa modi nihil nisi ut ut. Aut ipsam expedita dolores deserunt expedita delectus vel voluptate. Aut vel dolor ut ex.
Vel voluptatem sit hic voluptas. Occaecati incidunt tenetur exercitationem quasi est recusandae ea.
Et possimus voluptatem a reprehenderit laborum architecto ad. Debitis dignissimos modi ipsa deleniti voluptas adipisci accusantium. Necessitatibus aspernatur quo in eaque illo adipisci. Nihil unde autem inventore molestiae. Accusamus ipsam consequatur est neque quis. Temporibus placeat quae non omnis fuga.
Ipsa doloribus id id eligendi voluptatibus iure qui. Impedit laudantium ab enim est porro. Cum culpa optio voluptas et animi recusandae unde.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...