Moving from LevFin / Private Credit to PE Buyout – How to Position My CV?
Hi all,
(Ignore title)
I’m currently a Senior Associate at a large balance sheet bank in a LevFin team (Europe), having previously spent 3–4 years at a Private Credit fund. My long-term goal is to move into PE buyout, so I’m trying to optimize how I position my CV.
My current role is a mix of LevFin and M&A, although it’s not the bank’s core LevFin team that works on the larger transactions. We’re more focused on the small-cap end of the market. We primarily do the acquisition financing for smallcap PEs but also help exisiting clients we’ve financed in the past on ownership-related topics. For example, we support existing clients, who may need to think about successions with ownership transitions, including helping them sell their businesses, preparing smaller sell side marketing materials (no auctions though), approaching PEs we’ve worked with in the past, reviewing LOIs, etc.
I’m now updating my CV and am unsure how best to frame the experience. Given my private-credit background, I’m considering highlighting the M&A aspects more prominently. Obviously, the M&A exposure isn’t directly comparable to “real” M&A advisory, but I think it could help position me better for PE.
I previously tried to move into PE during my time at the private-credit fund, but received very limited interview opportunities. A few headhunters told me that making the transition from private credit to PE can be difficult.
How would you position this profile in PE processes? Would you emphasize the M&A / ownership-transition work, or stick primarily to the LevFin work?
I’m concerned that my „unique“ current role may come across as somewhat difficult to categorize given the mix of LevFin/M&A work and the lack of comparable groups?
Would appreciate any thoughts on how you would frame the CV and the overall story for PE recruiting.
Thanks
To position your CV effectively for a transition into PE buyout, here’s how you can strategically frame your experience based on the most helpful WSO content:
1. Highlight M&A and Ownership-Transition Work
Frame this experience as hands-on deal exposure, focusing on your role in facilitating ownership transitions and supporting strategic decisions for clients.
Example:
2. Leverage Your LevFin Background
Position this as complementary to your M&A exposure, showcasing a well-rounded skill set.
Example:
3. Bridge the Gap Between Private Credit and PE
Address the transition challenge head-on by framing your private credit background as a foundation for understanding investment analysis, due diligence, and deal structuring. Highlight how this complements your current M&A/LevFin role to create a compelling narrative for PE.
Example:
4. Tailor Your Story for PE
Craft a narrative that ties your experience to PE’s core requirements: deal execution, financial analysis, and strategic thinking. Emphasize your exposure to working with PE clients, your understanding of their needs, and your ability to contribute to the investment process.
Example:
5. Address the “Unique Role” Concern
Instead of viewing your role as difficult to categorize, position it as a unique blend of skills that makes you a strong candidate for PE. Highlight the breadth of your experience across LevFin, M&A, and private credit, and how this equips you to add value in a buyout context.
Example:
6. Additional Tips
By emphasizing your M&A/ownership-transition work while leveraging your LevFin and private credit background, you can position yourself as a well-rounded candidate with the skills and experience to succeed in PE buyout.
Sources: Q&A: BB LevFin - Mezzanine - Opportunistic PE, Q&A: Private Equity Portfolio Company CFO, Private Funds Group (CS/UBS etc), Q&A: PE Associate at a single-sector mid-market fund, Exit as a VP because lost interest
Frame it as M&A advisory with financing expertise. Highlight sell-side deals, LOI reviews, and PE relationships. The credit background is a plus. Show deal execution and ownership transitions. Be clear about the small-cap focus. It's a feature, not a bug
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