Deal/Offer disclosure on resume at startup

Joined a startup and pretty much did the full model/structuring/DD for a proposed acq (yep, sucked). Offer was rejected and deal never publicised.

There’s only so many targets it could be given the company I’m at (plus timing plus price range). Looking for a new role now but I’m not used to anonymising deals when one side is fundamentally disclosed (my employer).

Current phrasing makes it a toss-up between 1 of 6 firms. Might just send it anyway as startups seem more chill about this. Still don’t want to be a dick, though, or violate disclosure.

Only bound by the usual professional confidentially terms in my contract. Any wisdom from those in the space?

2 Comments
 

When listing deals on your resume, especially in cases where the deal was not publicized or completed, it's crucial to strike a balance between showcasing your experience and maintaining confidentiality. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can approach this:

  1. Anonymize the Deal: Avoid naming specific companies or providing details that could make the deal easily identifiable. Instead, use generic descriptions like:

    • "Led financial modeling, structuring, and due diligence for a proposed acquisition of a mid-sized Industry company valued at $XXm."
    • This keeps the focus on your contributions while protecting sensitive information.
  2. Highlight Your Role: Emphasize the skills and responsibilities you demonstrated during the process, such as:

    • "Developed comprehensive financial models and conducted due diligence for a potential acquisition opportunity."
    • "Collaborated with cross-functional teams to structure and evaluate strategic acquisition targets."
  3. Avoid Over-Specification: If your phrasing narrows it down to a small pool of potential targets, consider broadening the description. For example:

    • Instead of referencing a specific price range or timing, you could say, "Evaluated acquisition opportunities in the Industry sector, focusing on strategic fit and financial viability."
  4. Confidentiality First: Even if startups are more relaxed, always err on the side of caution. Breaching confidentiality, even unintentionally, could harm your reputation. Stick to what’s publicly known about your employer and avoid disclosing anything proprietary.

  5. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss the deal in more detail during interviews, but ensure you maintain the same level of discretion. Focus on your analytical and strategic contributions rather than specifics about the target.

By following these principles, you can effectively showcase your deal experience without crossing any ethical or professional boundaries.

Sources: How to talk around confidential info in deal discussions?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/breaking-into-private-equity-from-banking?customgpt=1, How do I respond to people asking for my resume while networking?, Q&A: FIG ER to Consumer Growth Equity to Cannabis Startup, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/suing-a-former-employer?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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