How many rounds at MF?
How many total interview rounds are there are MFs? Do you typically speak to MDs after case studies?
How many total interview rounds are there are MFs? Do you typically speak to MDs after case studies?
| +43 | Lateraling at senior associate / VP level | 15 | 11h |
| +27 | Imposter Syndrome: PE to Publics | 4 | 3d |
| +26 | Ares buying LGP...now what? | 8 | 2d |
| +19 | Do PE VPs Always Have An Associate Under Them? | 12 | 2d |
| +17 | GTCR vs BDT MSD vs MDP | 16 | 1d |
| +16 | Hours at MF Infra Funds in London | 2 | 19h |
| +14 | Setting the right LBO entry multiple without information | 3 | 6d |
| MBA to EM Infra Investing? | 3 | 3d | |
| +11 | Committing to CD&R? | 6 | 8h |
| +11 | London Version: PE Check-in on Attrition, Promotions and State of Play | 6 | 1d |
Career Resources
At mega funds (MFs), the interview process typically involves multiple rounds, and the structure can vary depending on the firm. Here's a breakdown based on the most helpful WSO content:
Number of Rounds:
Speaking to MDs:
Final Rounds:
Let me know if you'd like more details on any specific part of the process!
Sources: Q&A: 2nd year BA/A/AC at MBB going to UMM/MF in 2020, What are hedge funds interviews like?, Q&A: 3rd year analyst at a boutique PE fund in the SEA region, Q&A: 2nd year BA/A/AC at MBB going to UMM/MF in 2020
There is no standard. Every firm is unique and often varies even within a firm.
Generally, you start by meeting moreso mid-levels at the firm then expand up and down (to Principals/MDs and often Associates to learn more about culture/lifestyle) once you've moved your way through technicals (case study, modeling test, etc.).
There is no set process, but given PE is inherently committee/consensus-driven, firms usually try to get input from a broad swath of individuals on the team, so I'd usually expect at least one superday in there to maximize efficiency for the team.
I see. This is very helpful thanks. I guess I won’t know how deep into the process I truly am then lol
Lean on the recruiter here. They will know the firm's general process flow.
Know someone did 15+ rounds during an offcycle process for a MF. It sounds like a lot but after the big case study round the rest were really just meeting with the seniors for vibe checks as opposed to real interviews
That’s a lot wow. Do you know over what period of time this was?
10+ interviews is quite common, as well as a modelling test and commercial case study or a meaty 4h case combining both.
If you are really lucky you get a 48h take home case study.
I see. So case studies are fairly early on then?
The modelling/technical test is the first test as is very easy to correct/administer and very clear which candidates just suck. The case study/commercial part is later on and usually assessed by VP/Principals.
Personally had 12 rounds over the course of 2.5 months for an off-cycle MF lateral hire. Case round was my 3rd interview, followed by a bunch of vibe checks by more senior people.
Good info thanks. Honestly a lot more individual interviews than I expected to hear, good to know.
Personally, my MD had me do 9 rounds, and the last 3 were in the stink portal.
stink portal?
I had 10 recently, most mid level and senior folks
Can I ask how long in between interviews would HR usually take to communicate?
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