PE interview in One week
As the title says, I have until Monday to prepare for a Software PE interview (~2B Aum). I have no experience in finance. I would love some advice on how I can prepare for this. Thanks!
To prepare for your software-focused private equity (PE) interview in one week, here’s a structured plan based on the most helpful WSO content:
1. Understand the Basics of Private Equity
2. Master Fit and Behavioral Questions
3. Technical Preparation
4. Deal Experience and Case Studies
5. Industry Knowledge
6. Mock Interviews
7. Time Management
8. Bonus Tips
By following this plan, you’ll maximize your preparation in the limited time available. Good luck—you’ve got this!
Sources: Private Equity Interview Questions - 13 Topics to Know, Basic Questions About PE Recruiting Answered, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/on-cycle-recruiting-2018-what-to-expect?customgpt=1
Seeing this on Tuesday. How’d it go?
Got the round 2 as it wasn't very technical. However, my interviewer told me to grind out the 400 question guide, so working on that right now. Would still love some tips. Thank you so much!
Congrats on making second rounds, that’s very exciting! Yeah you gotta grind out the technicals. Don’t just memorize, actually understand conceptually what’s going on. If you don’t know a word/term (e.g., DTL/DTA, NOLs, etc.), spend time to research and really understand it. And knowing a paper LBO on top of that is a must.
For PE, the LBO section of the 400 guide is going to be important, but you probably won’t understand it as well unless you hammer down the accounting section first, followed by the EV/Equity Value section. You have to know basic accounting (what the three statements are and how they connect, as this knowledge is foundational to LBOS). EV section comes second because after you hammer accounting, you gotta know the difference between “equity” value (it is called “private equity, after all) and enterprise value.
DCF would also be good to study, I’d probably put that third because you have to know how to calculate levered FCF to fill out a paper LBO. Valuation is a vital section, and I wouldn’t skip it, cause understanding multiples is also foundational for LBOs. I wouldn’t waste time on M&A, since PE shops don’t do strategic acquisitions (they can buy a company with the intention of combining it with an existing portfolio company, but I doubt that would come up in a second round—you never know I guess). But I would still only cover that after mastering LBO
Aside from the technical questions (which give you conceptual understanding), 10xEBITDA has a fantastic paper LBO model to practice with. I would highly recommend.
Good luck on your interview, wishing you well!
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