Worth putting large, completed deal that I did not do anything for?
Currently prepping for off-cycle. Got "deal experience" on a large deal (think combined entity now being clear leader in space post deal) but i joined the team as a first year late into the process and only joined and took notes on earnings calls, granted some management meetings, and maybe a couple slides here and there for some decks. Other full timers say they don't really understand the deal either because we're working with another group within the firm that is doing most of the work for the deal / taking the lead in a different office. Won't be able to speak intelligently on it tbh, but it can catch the eyes of some interviewers / firms. But is it worth putting on my resume? I think there is a pro in the sense that it shows my group works on or at least has the potential to work on deals, so maybe they can count on me getting a fuller experience with a similar sized deal r (not the same sized deal but something of meaningful size, although size does not really equate to useful good deal experience from what I've seen) so that might be a positive?
but on the other hand, they might ask what i did and im not going to even try to lie about "building" a financial model or even understanding this convoluted process because it was a pretty complex deal. i have another smaller deal im currently working on and will learn a bit from, so is it worth putting just that and leaving this off?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's generally not advisable to include a deal on your resume if you cannot speak intelligently about it during interviews. While listing a large, high-profile deal might catch the eye of interviewers, the risk of being unable to discuss it in detail could outweigh the potential benefit. Interviewers often probe deeply into deal experience, asking about your specific contributions, challenges faced, and lessons learned. If you're unable to provide meaningful insights, it could harm your credibility.
Instead, focus on deals where you had a tangible role, even if they are smaller. Highlighting your actual contributions, no matter the size of the deal, demonstrates your understanding and involvement in the process. You can also frame your experience to show your potential for handling larger deals in the future, as you mentioned. For example, you could emphasize your exposure to complex transactions and your eagerness to take on more responsibility in similar scenarios.
If you do decide to include the large deal, be prepared to be upfront about your limited role. You could phrase it in a way that reflects your exposure without overstating your involvement, such as: "Supported team on a $XXbn merger, including note-taking during earnings calls and assisting with management meeting materials." This way, you're transparent about your role while still showcasing the caliber of deals your group handles.
Sources: Deal experience on resume?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/walk-me-through-a-deal-you-worked-on-interview-question?customgpt=1, How to write about deals on resume, Stanford vs Wharton vs Booth vs Columbia for PE, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/breaking-into-private-equity-from-banking?customgpt=1
If you put a deal on the resume it's fair game for them to ask about it, so if you really can't talk to it at all it seems kinda pointless... if you can get your arms around it and be able to speak about it intelligently then sure no reason not to include and just be honest about joining late and focusing on slide creates and mgmt meetings
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