Q&A: Got dream job at UMM/lower MF. Happy to answer question on process.

Thanks man. Here’s how I prepared from a technical standpoint:

1) Excel modeling. I had a 1hr excel test where I basically built a model from scratch and had to build sensitivities and a 2 stage promote. It’s not that hard, but doing so in 1hr with no information prior is quite the task and not many can do under pressure. I aced it and I believe this is what set me apart from the other candidates. To be frank, I finished it in 45 mins and then formatted the shit out of it and added comments/questions/explaining my assumptions so they knew I was that good at modeling. To prepare for this, I basically had my friends send me excel test templates they’ve seen while recruiting for REPE analyst/associate roles and did each of those about 5/10 times each over the course of 3 weekends leading up to the super day. With that said, my prior job prepared me better than any studying could have.

2) Knowing the deals on your resume like the back of your hand and being able to succinctly discuss the key deal points. I essentially memorized the two deals on my resume inclusive of the major risks, which I think is important to bring up and makes for great conversation. They do grill you in these which is why sometimes I’d respond, “yes, that was a concern of ours and here’s why we got comfortable with xyz.” I remember they kept grilling me on exit assumptions and I continually answered that this was one of our 3 biggest risks, but given these sales comparables coupled with the 3 merits I previously highlighted, we felt comfortable at xyz price.

3) Not technical, but I think having ties to the office location helps. This wasn’t for an NYC position, tho still SF/LA and I am from one of those places and repeatedly answered this is the only market I am interested in moving to. In general, I also think being honest goes a long way. They asked several times where else I was looking and I said no where else (which was true until the final stages where I unsure if I was going to land the job).

Also know this doesn't help you, but it will be harder for you since you are only covering hospitality and more on the asset management side. I would really try to highlight your acquisitions experience and do your best to understand the other asset classes as well as you can. My prior firm covered all asset classes and I was well versed in Argus (tho I wasn't tested on it throughout the interview process).