What type of PE firm are you at (middle market, etc.) and what type of person would thrive there? Curious to see how different the cultures really are across firms.
I'll start. Lower middle market firm. We prefer engaging and enthusiastic over pure competence and thoughtfulness. Obviously you need a base level of competence and intelligence but, for example, James Bond and Don Draper probably wouldn't do well here. Ryan Gosling's character from The Big Short (terrible movie btw) would be a good fit. Definitely a bias for athletes as well.
Also at a lower to middle middle market firm. We prefer brainy / intelligent / nerdy (not claiming to be a genius because I am not) over socially smooth; however, being able to interact well socially is important in any industry so we look for that as well. Our senior guys want us to be the ones that walk in and ask thoughtful and meticulous questions, creatively think through issues, etc. which flows down to the lower levels. An example of our culture is that one of our senior guys asked potential associate candidates what their favorite excel shortcut is vs. what their favorite drink is.
Person that would thrive here long term is someone who is both intelligent and diligent in every process (IC memos, diligence, etc.). I would personally prefer someplace a little less stringent, but it is still great training and experience nonetheless.