Through some networking and cold calling, I've managed to set up an informational interview with an investment analyst for a reputable MM PE firm (outside the US).
I'm at my final year at uni, and I have work experience in boutique IB, VC and an upcoming Big 4 CF internship. However my GPA is pretty shit (3.0) but I've already put that on my CV which I sent over to the analyst, and he still wants to meet me for coffee.
How should I approach this? Would there be a good chance of me scoring a role at this firm? They're a small team and don't have a formal recruiting process, but they're well known owing to some large deals they've made in the past. When I cold-contacted them, I made my intentions clear that I would like to get some work experience at their firm, and they asked for my CV.
Thanks!
Depending on the type of fund (buyout/growth), I would assume a mix of behavioral (Why PE and not IB? Why us) and maybe a tiny bit more technical questions (Walk me through an LBO? Tell me about a deal you've read about and what the rationale was? What makes a good buyout candidate?). One thing I'd be sure to ask is what kind of exposure you'd get. Given that they're a relatively small firm without a formal recruitment process, it's fair to assume they don't really offer entry-level positions/internships either. So you'd want to make sure you're learning as much as you would at an EB/BB.
Questions about informational interviews (Originally Posted: 02/15/2012)
Hi everyone,
I am currently reaching out to several consulting companies for informational interviews, and I usually found a couple of alumni in the companies that I am interested in. However, I find it difficult to justify talking to more than two consultants within the same firm. Here are my questions:
Thanks!
K
1) Uh, yes?
2) Well you want contacts because you don't have a job yet and you'd like to talk to whoever possible. At the end of your conversation just ask them if there is any other contacts or people that you should meet. That's all, so easy.
1) yes
2) reaching out about info-interviews by e-mail:
5 sentences: 1) Introduce yourself, give your major 2) How you found their information 3) quick sentence on your past experience 4) ask to meet with them to learn more about their experiences in consulting 5) thank them for their time
Keep it simple
I disagree with the above posters. You do not want to mass email 20 people in the same consulting firm. Start with say 1-3 people, make sure they are in different offices (ie. don't email 3 EMs in the New York office). Sit down meet with them/ phone call, then ask them for further people to speak with. Its better to get 1-2 people really pulling for you rather than just meet 10 people.
The biggest thing that I will emphasize is to HAVE A STORY. People love a good story. If you can spin something about your background and why this makes sense it will make all the difference. Mergers & Inquisitions has a great post on how to spin your story, read that.
Thanks everyone! I have already sent out emails to 3 guys within the same office (sounds like a big mistake here!) but haven't heard back from them. I saw a position which interests me a lot, but how can I land a real interview via informational interview? Should I even mention about the position at all during the informational interview?
Matthias, thanks for the info on mergers and inquisitions.
Honestly, its not a huge error. I just wouldn't email any more within that office. They want to feel special for helping you out- people feel good when they help others. It kind of cheapens it if they find out you mass emailed the entire firm.
Make sure you are relaxed. Convey a couple things: 1. You are passionate about consulting 2. You are smart, have the mental horse power for the job. 3. You are a hard worker and will do whatever it takes to succeed. 4. You work well with others, team player, leadership skills 5. You are fun, would be interesting to hang out with, a normal person, someone they could grab a beer with.
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