Mastering the final round interview
By the final stage of a private equity process, you will have demonstrated your technical competence. What will now secure the role will be your character and communication skills.
While some firms may continue testing your technical skills, the focus typically shifts to who you are and how you are likely to operate in their team.
While some firms may continue testing your technical skills, the focus typically shifts to who you are and how you are likely to operate in their team.
Communication, influence
and team dynamics
Firms want to know if you will thrive in their organisation. Expect assessment of your emotional intelligence, resilience and how you build trust and influence, both internally and externally. They may ask you to take a psychometric profile to gain further insight into these characteristics.
They are looking for someone who brings strong interpersonal skills and sharp emotional intelligence to the table - someone who leads with confidence, not ego, and stays composed under pressure. This person should be a natural relationship builder, able to connect effortlessly across teams and with clients, and thrive equally when working independently or as part of a collaborative effort.
You may be asked competency-style questions such as:
- How did you build internal and external relationships when you joined your current firm?
- And how do you maintain those relationships?
- How would your peers, manager and direct reports describe you?
- Tell us about a time you adapted your style to resolve a conflict
- What do you typically contribute that others typically don’t?
Initiative and drive: taking ownership of your work
Private equity thrives on individuals who take initiative and step up without waiting for permission. It’s a space that values those who bring ideas, voice their opinions, and drive execution with energy and intent.
To stand out, you’ll need to show a clear bias for action and personal accountability, a history of creating value beyond your formal role, and the confidence to challenge the status quo, always with thoughtfulness and empathy. When decisions need to be made, decisiveness is essential.
Expect questions along the lines of:
- What initiatives have you led recently?
- Where have you created value beyond your core role?
- Tell me about a critical decision you made and how you approached it
- What’s the most entrepreneurial thing you have done?
Values, motivation & purpose
Expect questions that test why you want this role in particular - they’re looking for long-term alignment with their firm and culture. You may be asked:
- What motivates you professionally?
- What matters to you in a team and in the leadership of an organisation?
- What kind of culture brings out the best in your work?
Final prep
At this stage, technical competence is assumed. What will set you apart is your insight and curiosity, structured and influencing communication style and enthusiasm and energy.
Brush up on:
- What makes someone a great investor?
- If you had £1m today, how would you invest it? Tip: Be specific – have an idea up your sleeve and be enthusiastic in your description of why you are attracted to it
- How would you source new investments? Tip: think about networking, cold-calling, trade press, and conference attendance and how you could bring origination value to this particular organisation
- What are your views on the current PE market or a sector the firm is active in? Tip: Come prepared with insights and a clear opinion
- What are you passionate about outside of work? Tip: If you mention investing, be ready to discuss some investments you have made, your track record and your insight
Market awareness
Be prepared to speak confidently about the market. Brush up on recent deals, whether you’ve worked on them or followed them in the press, and be ready to share your perspective.
Have a point of view on how inflation, interest rates, and current political shifts are affecting private equity, as well as how firms are approaching exit strategies in today’s environment. You should also be able to discuss the impact of AI and other disruptive forces shaping the future of the industry.
Personality still matters
- What do you do for fun?
- What’s your favourite film, book, or podcast?
- Tell us something interesting about you that is not on your CV? Tip: We have one client who asks this first!
Use these to show a polished, engaging, thoughtful personality. Be memorable. Be yourself.