Feeling Anxious During My PE Interview
Today, I had my first interview with a mid-sized firm, which included the owner and a couple of associates. Coming from a top-tier school with a prestigious degree, I was confident I could tackle the technical questions— and I did. However, I was completely unprepared for the qualitative questions.
Once we finished the technical part, the owner said, “I like your responses, but I can’t quite grasp what you’re feeling. Why are you really here today? People like you usually care about more than just the numbers. So, don’t say it’s for the experience or a passion for private equity.”
I froze for a moment, overwhelmed and not sure how to respond. In that panic, I leaned forward, made eye contact, and said, “The truth is, I’m here to help you make money” while gesturing toward him. Then, I continued, “…and to make money for myself, so we can enjoy life however we want,” pointing back at myself with my thumb. “…nothing more, nothing less.”
In hindsight, I’m not sure what I was thinking. The owner looked at me, tilted his head slightly, assessed my expression, and simply replied, “I see. We’ll be in touch.”
I left the interview feeling uncertain about my performance. Was I memorable?
Update: I received a callback and they invited me for a second interview! 😂
One response
First off, congratulations on getting a callback for the second round! That’s an impressive outcome, especially considering your nerves during the first interview.
It’s completely normal to feel panicked and unprepared for certain questions, particularly when they delve into more qualitative aspects that require personal reflection. Your honesty in expressing your desire for both personal and collective success is key — even if it wasn’t a traditional answer, it showed confidence and a straightforward approach.
In future interviews, it might help to think about your motivations more deeply and how they align with the firm’s values. Consider preparing some anecdotes or experiences that illustrate your passion for private equity beyond just financial gain. This can help you answer similar questions with more clarity and confidence.
Ultimately, the fact that they want to see you again means they saw something they liked, so keep that in mind as you prepare for the next round. Good luck!