Building your career in Venture Capital
Advancing in venture capital requires more than a strong academic and professional background. How you position yourself - through your CV, online presence, and interactions - can make all the difference.
This guide offers practical tips for Associates navigating VC careers, from crafting a standout CV to excelling in interviews and setting yourself up for long-term success.
The bigger picture
The difference between a good and an excellent investor is insight. You should reflect on deals, the market, and continually build your understanding of the business of venture capital. Your role is to return capital to LPs, but there are bigger picture elements to consider as you progress.
For example, are you reflective on deals and how changing risk appetites impact your role? Are you developing your investment thesis based on experience and market trends? Do you understand and contribute to your firm's right to win? Are you fostering a positive team culture, solving problems, and demonstrating leadership? Are you influential?
Some funds may prioritise these qualities in candidates. PER can help you understand what funds seek and where you may need development.
For example, are you reflective on deals and how changing risk appetites impact your role? Are you developing your investment thesis based on experience and market trends? Do you understand and contribute to your firm's right to win? Are you fostering a positive team culture, solving problems, and demonstrating leadership? Are you influential?
Some funds may prioritise these qualities in candidates. PER can help you understand what funds seek and where you may need development.
Writing a standout CV
Your CV is your personal pitch deck. No matter how impressive your background is, if your CV doesn’t land you an interview, you cannot get the job. It needs to be clear, concise, and structured to highlight your fit for the role.
Start with education. Include your academic achievements, dates, and results up top. Next, quantify your achievements, what transactions/deals/projects have you worked on?
Top tips when writing a CV
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Avoid writing your CV like a job description. Instead, focus on what you achieved and how. Keep it to two pages with crisp, relevant detail.
If your experience does not exactly match the role - say, your deals are at a different stage or sector - find a thread that links what you’ve done to where you want to go. PER can help you craft that narrative when introducing your profile.
LinkedIn: your searchable
first impression
LinkedIn is often your first impression - make sure it works for you. Recruiters search by keywords like graduation year, industry, and academics, so keep your profile up to date. And remember, your online presence is part of your personal brand - stay mindful of what is public.
Tips for boosting your LinkedIn profile
Recruiters may not share the fund name or salary details in the first message, as they prefer to get to know you first. In rare cases, confidentiality may prevent sharing the fund name until there is interest.
Salary bands are typically available and can be discussed. PER will provide transparent feedback on how you compare to the benchmark and the fund's expectations.
What funds expect at
each level
VC firms look for different capabilities at each career stage. You will be assessed not just on what you have done, but how you think, communicate, and contribute to the firm.
Associate
Senior Associate/VP
Principal/Investment Director
The interview process
The first interview is typically about fit. Be yourself, but be prepared.
Preparing for the interview
During the interview
Typical questions
The case study: a critical test
The case study is where candidates truly differentiate themselves. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate analytical thinking, commercial judgment, communication skills, and self-awareness.
Approach it like a real-world investment scenario - especially at a senior level, where you may be asked to present your strategy for the fund.
Approach it like a real-world investment scenario - especially at a senior level, where you may be asked to present your strategy for the fund.
Approaching the case study
Presenting the strategy for a fund
Long-term success: personal brand & growth
Track your achievements: Keep a log of what you have contributed, what you have learned, and how you have added value. This makes promotions and PDRs easier to navigate. Include personal growth - how have you improved in the day-to-day? Have you perfected your negotiation skills, your networking ability or your financial skills?
Build your brand: Internally and externally. What do you want your peers to say about you?
Build your brand: Internally and externally. What do you want your peers to say about you?
Tips for building your brand
Ask for what you want: Data shows that individuals, particularly women, hesitate to initiate conversations about promotion or pay. Don’t wait. Know your numbers, have a plan, and start the conversation. When discussing compensation, it’s ok to compare your performance to peers - chances are, the firm already is.
Final thought: think like a fund
Ultimately, the best VC professionals think about the business like a fund manager. You’re not just doing deals - you’re helping build an enterprise, drive returns, and shape the firm’s future. Be engaged, be insightful, and don’t just act like the role you want - live it.
Annelie leads our Life Sciences & Healthcare practice.
Click below to read her profile and find her contact details.
Annelie's profile
