Private Equity Interview First Round.. How Do I Prepare?

Got offered a first round interview with a PE firm on campus. 2 interviews, 30 minutes each. Was told on Friday, interview is on Monday (tomorrow).

I met a few people in the company at office hours and I have NO IDEA how I even got an interview (5 people on campus were selected for first rounds). I'm studying ecn/math, had the intention of working in data science, but really just went to meet the recruiters for networking practice.

How technical will the interviews get? How screwed am I? I have some industry knowledge, but there's no way I can learn how to walk through an LBO in a day.

Also, just out of curiosity, what do recruiters in the industry look for? I left the room thinking I was a total dud (they were intensively watching me the entire time), and I was shocked to be given an interview.

Thanks!

3 Comments
 

Depends on the PE firm naturally. I've only had two interviews.

The technical questions they asked for me only really got to IB level of technicality + understand how LBO works.

I'd like through BIWS 400 questions guide and try to absorb as much as possible starting with valuations and then understanding the concept of LBO (which shouldn't be too hard)

 

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