7 tips from a recruiter to join a Privaty Equity firm as an intern

The Private Equity industry is renowned for being competitive and quite difficult to break into. At Ardian, we receive a considerable number of applications for every internship position published on our career site. Our team of recruiters shares 7 tips to help you stand out from the crowd and enhance your chances of joining this coveted sector.

1.    Shape your career path to develop the necessary skills

Academic background - Most companies will place more importance on your professional experience than on your academic background, although a background in corporate finance coming from a business school, an engineering school or a university is highly valued. As Ardian is an international company, the working language is English. We therefore ask candidates to be fluent in English.

Career path - Being an investment professional requires having a unique combination of skills: a strong capacity for financial analysis to assess market opportunities, interpersonal skills to build meaningful connections with various stakeholders, as well as rigor and a constant quest for excellence. Previous experience in M&A, Transaction Services or in a smaller private equity firm is a prerequisite for a first experience in Private Equity at Ardian, as it will enable you to develop these essential skills in depth.

2.    Prepare a clear uncluttered CV

Choose a simple format. It is essential for your CV to be clear and for all the information to be readily accessible at a glance. It is also important to include a catchphrase at the top of your CV, indicating your availability and the type of contract you're looking for. Finally, watch out for spelling mistakes, as they are a deal-breaker.

3.    Find out more about our investment teams to target your application

Our organization is made up of several investment teams, each with distinct activities, strategies, expertise, and asset types. It is important to learn about the differences between these teams prior to your application to identify the one that interests you most and seems consistent with your background. Teams like to meet candidates who are curious about their work. Moreover, you'll be asked to justify your choice of team during the interview process. In addition to documenting yourself online, we advise you to get in touch with former interns to obtain specific information and ask questions. This will also help you build your network in the sector and confirm your interest in the profession.

4.    Dress professionally on the day of your interview

To make a good first impression, take care of your outfit on the day of the interview. Choose a classic outfit and don't try to be original. Looking too serious or professional will never be frowned upon. Always arrive five minutes early, and if you're going to be late, let your interviewer know.

5.    Adopt a professional, open and committed posture during your interview

The first few minutes are crucial, which is why we advise you to prepare an introductory pitch in advance to present yourself and briefly describe your background. You will need to demonstrate why you are applying for the position. The recruiter will go into more details on certain points during the exchange. Be prepared to answer questions about your past experiences, and your reactions in specific situations. To effectively structure your answers, we recommend using concrete examples and techniques such as the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for concise and impactful answers. Ideally, you should try to turn the interview into a conversation rather than a question-and-answer session. Stay authentic, manage your stress and show your interest by taking notes.

6.    Allow sufficient time to prepare for technical questions

First, stay updated on the latest financial news, especially regarding Ardian, by regularly checking news related to the team you are applying for and try to stay informed about our recent deals. To properly understand a deal, look into the following variables – the buyer, the seller, the valuation (if available) and the investment rationale.

Additionally, the teams will test your technical skills to assess your level. It's important to anticipate this preparation, which can take several months depending on the time allotted. Explore our Resource Center to improve your technical skills and arrive fully prepared on the day of the interview.

7.    Anticipate the usual "Do you have any questions?"

Asking questions at the end of an interview demonstrates your interest in the position and the company, while giving you the opportunity to clarify certain points raised during your exchange. Preparing questions in advance will help to smooth the end of your interview. For example, it may be a good idea to ask about the organization of the team, the company culture, etc.

Joining a private equity company ischallenging: competition is intense, and available positions are scarce. To succeed in your recruitment process, you'll need to prepare thoroughly. We hope our Resource Center will help you. Good luck, and we hope to see you among our future interns!