Private Equity Resume: Complete Guide for Recruiting Success

Breaking into the competitive world of private equity requires more than just a strong background in finance – it demands a resume that stands out from the rest. In this guide, you’ll discover the exact steps to craft a private equity resume that not only highlights your skills and experience but also positions you as the ideal candidate for top-tier firms.

Why this guide?

The approach discussed in this guide is designed with the specific needs of private equity professionals in mind. Unlike generic resume advice, this guide dives deep into the nuances of what private equity firms are truly looking for. From tailoring your resume for different roles within the industry to showcasing the deals and experiences that matter most, this guide provides actionable insights that will give you a competitive edge.

What you’ll gain:

• Tailored Strategies: Learn how to customize your resume for specific private equity roles, whether you’re targeting buy-side firms, sell-side positions, or specialized sectors.
• Insider Tips: Get access to industry-specific advice that reflects the latest trends and expectations in private equity recruiting.
• Avoid Common Pitfalls: Identify and correct the common mistakes that can derail your chances, ensuring your resume makes it to the top of the pile.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a resume that not only highlights your strengths but also aligns perfectly with what private equity firms are seeking. Let’s get started on building a resume that opens doors to your dream career in private equity.

Private Equity Resume Format

First of all, let’s cover the basics: formatting.

I know, I know.  It’s not the most fun topic in the world. But it really does matter a lot for your private equity resume.

Fonts, length, and margins

• Length: Your resume should only be one page long. Unless you’ve got somewhere near 20+ years of experience, then going over is acceptable. 
• Font: Choose something basic and easy to read like Arial, Calibra, or Times New Roman. 
• Font size: Should be between 10-12. 
• Margins: You should set these at around 0.75” all around. 

These guidelines are standard. They make your resume easy on the eye and allow for a quick scan of information. 

Think of how many resumes a firm goes through. If it’s tough to read, it’s going to the bottom of the pile. 

Main sections: work experience, education, and personal

Work experience

Ideally, this should make up about 50% of your resume. It will list all the work experience you have. 

For each job listed, you should provide:

• The name of the employer.
• Your job title. 
• A few bullets describing your role and what the firm does.
• Add projects or deals you’ve worked on for every job. More on this shortly. 

Education

The education section should make up around 40% of your resume. You should include:

• List undergrad and MBA schools (include your GPA and relevant test scores, and major achievements. 
• List impressive leadership experiences (e.g. sports and/or extracurriculars)

Personal

The personal section isn’t a time to get into your whole life story, it should only make up 10% of your resume. Be sure to list: 

• Any awards you’ve won
• Languages
• Interests

Private Equity Resume Deals

Your most relevant job should have a few key deals, transactions, and projects that you worked on while there. You can list these under the heading “Selected Transactions” for each job. 

It’s best to aim for 2 or 3 transactions. For those coming from an investment banking background this will be easier, the job entails a lot of deal execution. 

But, if you’re not coming from investment banking, don’t worry. You can use the selected transaction section to talk about any transactions you’ve naturally had in your previous role. For example, consultants can list client engagements they’ve worked on. 

The key here is to be ready to discuss each transaction in your interviews as if it were a merger and acquisition. This means that even if the deal was made in a consulting role you need to show that you thought about it in the same way an investor would. 

Where possible, use bullet points and deal descriptions that mention due diligence, financial advisory presentations, and financial modeling.

During private equity interviews, they are looking for this way of thinking. So, they may ask you “would you have invested in this company if it was being acquired?” This is an answer you should prepare beforehand so you’re not fumbling for answers. 

Now, if you’ve worked on a private deal (not publicly announced) you can still talk about it, just not in a straightforward way. Rather than mentioning names and the exact transaction details, you would use high-level terms that preserve anonymity like “Market-leading industry firm explored potential sale to strategic”.

If the transaction is not complete, don’t panic. Whether it’s still underway or it died out, the deal can still be worth mentioning. In fact, using a transaction that didn’t go through might be the perfect opportunity to give examples of what you would have done differently in the interview process. 

How to Spin Deals for Your PE Resume

If you don’t have “real” or relevant deals to add to your resume, there are ways to describe your projects so that they sound as relevant as possible (while never lying – which you should never do!). 

This can be relevant for your descriptions on your resume, but also (perhaps more importantly) for your interview discussion talking points.

Let’s look at a few examples:

• Client service engagement: Once you’ve liaised with clients you have the opportunity to research different acquisitions and spin-offs that might work. For example, looking into potential buy-side merger and acquisition deals. 
• Deals made while in internships: The whole point is to show that you’re capable of modeling and thinking like an investor. So, whatever your role in the deal, you can show how you’ve researched the deal and how you would approach it. Generally, this is a last resort for the resume, but if it’s all you have, use it!
• Pitched for potential deals: Whether a deal is still in the making or has died out you would have pitched the deal. There is nothing wrong with using your pitching experience in your PE resume, it’s something firms look for. It can show you have modeling and valuation experience. 

If, by some chance, you’re stuck in the opposite situation of having too many investment banking deals then, all else equal, prioritize them based on size and based on those that are closest to an M&A deal.

Let’s be honest, a $10 billion deal looks a lot better than a $10 million deal.  Also, M&A or sponsor acquisitions look better than refinancings or IPOs.

However, be sure to weigh up how involved you were in the process, they will ask in-depth questions. 

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Private Equity Resume Mistakes

Getting your private equity resume ready takes time, but here are a few common mistakes that could cost you in the long run. Let’s explore these pitfalls and how you can avoid them to ensure your resume makes a strong impression.

1. More Than One Page

A resume longer than one page can overwhelm recruiters and hiring managers, making it difficult for them to quickly assess your qualifications.

Solution: Your resume should be concise and to the point, allowing interviewers to scan it quickly, ideally in about 30 seconds. Focus on the most relevant experiences and achievements. Use concise bullet points, and prioritize content that directly relates to private equity roles. If you have extensive experience, summarize earlier or less relevant positions in a brief “Additional Experience” section.

2. Disregard for White Space

I get it, you want to put as much information on that one page as you can. Overloading your resume with text can make it difficult to read and unappealing to reviewers.

Solution: Don’t forget to leave white space between sections to make your resume more readable. A balanced resume with adequate white space not only looks cleaner but also helps key information stand out.

3. Margins Too Small

You’ll need to print your resume, and small margins can make the text appear cramped, and the hard copy will look squished, untidy, and unprofessional.

Solution: Stick to standard margins (around 0.75”) to ensure your resume looks polished both on screen and in print.

4. Using Passive Language

Passive language can make your achievements seem less impactful and may not clearly convey your contributions.

Solution: Use active language with active verbs! For example, instead of saying “Was responsible for analyzing financial statements,” say “Analyzed financial statements to identify growth opportunities.” This not only makes your resume more dynamic but also emphasizes your role in driving results.

5. Including a Big Intro Section

An introductory section at the top of your resume is outdated and unnecessary. It takes up valuable space that could be used to highlight your experience and skills.

Solution: A lot of candidates put an initial “intro” section at the top of a resume that explains who they are in a couple of sentences. Don’t do it! This is outdated and you should never do that. Dive straight into your work experience, which is what private equity firms care most about. 

6. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements

Failing to quantify your achievements can make it difficult for recruiters to assess the impact of your work.

Solution: Whenever possible, include numbers that demonstrate the scale and impact of your contributions. For example, “Increased portfolio returns by 15% over two years” or “Managed a deal team for a $100 million acquisition.” Quantifying your achievements helps to paint a clearer picture of your capabilities.

7. Overemphasis on Non-Relevant Experience

Including too much detail about roles that are not directly related to private equity can dilute the impact of your resume.

Solution: Focus on roles and experiences that are most relevant to private equity. If you have experience in investment banking, consulting, or other relevant fields, prioritize these roles. Summarize non-relevant experience briefly or consider omitting it altogether if space is tight.

What Private Equity Firms Look For in a Resume

Private equity professionals aren’t going to sit down with your resume and look through it for half an hour. The quick 30-second glance needs to tell them everything they need to know. 

Here’s what they’re looking for:

• The right skillset: Do you have experience in a leadership role and transactions? 
• The correct credentials: Do you have the right level of education and experience in the industry? 
• Where you excel: They’ll look at GPA, work performance, and achievements in the industry. 

Skills and competencies private equity firms look for

To land a role in private equity, it’s important to demonstrate that you possess the specific skills and competencies that firms value most. These aren’t just buzzwords – they are the foundational abilities that will allow you to thrive in the demanding environment of private equity. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key skills that private equity firms look for and how you can best showcase them on your resume.

1. Financial Modeling and Valuation

• Why It Matters: Financial modeling and valuation are at the heart of private equity work. Firms need professionals who can build and interpret complex models to evaluate potential investments, assess risks, and forecast returns.
• How to Showcase: Highlight your experience with different types of financial models, such as discounted cash flow (DCF), leveraged buyout (LBO), and comparable company analysis. Include specific examples of how your modeling contributed to successful investments or strategic decisions. Mention any tools or software you’re proficient in, like Excel, VBA, or specialized financial software.

2. Due Diligence and Analytical Thinking

• Why It Matters: Private equity firms rely on thorough due diligence to make informed investment decisions. Analytical thinking is essential for identifying potential risks, uncovering hidden opportunities, and evaluating the true value of an investment.
• How to Showcase: Describe your role in due diligence processes, emphasizing your ability to analyze financial statements, assess market conditions, and evaluate the operational aspects of target companies. Use bullet points to highlight specific instances where your analysis led to crucial insights or successful outcomes.

3. Deal Execution and Project Management

• Why It Matters: Successfully closing deals is the ultimate goal in private equity. Strong project management skills are needed to oversee the various stages of a transaction, ensuring that all aspects are coordinated effectively.
• How to Showcase: Detail your experience in managing deal processes, from initial evaluation to final closing. Highlight your ability to coordinate between different stakeholders, manage timelines, and resolve any issues that arise during the deal. Mention specific deals you’ve been involved in, particularly those where your role was pivotal in achieving a successful outcome.

4. Strategic Thinking and Value Creation

• Why It Matters: Beyond just closing deals, private equity professionals need to think strategically about how to create value in their portfolio companies. This involves long-term planning, identifying growth opportunities, and sometimes restructuring or optimizing operations.
• How to Showcase: Provide examples of how you’ve contributed to the strategic direction of a company, whether through identifying new revenue streams, optimizing operations, or leading post-acquisition integration efforts. Emphasize any measurable outcomes, such as increased profitability, market expansion, or successful exits.

5. Leadership and Communication

• Why It Matters: Leadership and communication are crucial, especially when managing teams, presenting to senior executives, or working with portfolio companies. The ability to clearly convey ideas and motivate others is key to driving successful outcomes.
• How to Showcase: Highlight roles where you’ve led a team, managed client relationships, or presented strategic recommendations to senior management. Provide examples of how your leadership directly contributed to project success or team performance. Effective communication can also be demonstrated through your ability to negotiate, influence stakeholders, and build consensus.

6. Industry-Specific Expertise

• Why It Matters: Many private equity firms specialize in certain industries, so having deep knowledge in a specific sector can set you apart from other candidates. This expertise allows you to better assess investment opportunities and contribute to value creation strategies.
• How to Showcase: If you have experience in a particular industry (e.g., technology, healthcare, energy), make sure to emphasize this on your resume. Detail your understanding of industry trends, regulatory challenges, and competitive landscapes. Highlight any successful investments or projects you’ve worked on within that industry, showing how your expertise contributed to their success.

Understanding the Private Equity Resume Review Process

The resume screening process is quick and highly selective, with recruiters and hiring managers often making decisions within the first 30 seconds of scanning a document. Here’s how they typically evaluate resumes and what you can do to ensure yours makes it past the initial screening.

1. The initial scan

In the first few seconds of reviewing your resume, recruiters focus on the most critical elements: your current and previous roles, the firms you’ve worked for, and your educational background. They’re looking for recognizable names and relevant experience that aligns with the private equity industry.

Tips to Pass the Initial Scan:

• Position Titles and Firm Names: Make sure your job titles and the names of the firms you’ve worked for are prominently displayed and easy to spot. If you’ve worked at well-known firms, this should be immediately visible.
• Education: Your educational background, particularly your undergraduate and graduate institutions, should also be clearly listed. If you attended a prestigious university, this can catch the recruiter’s eye early on.
• Concise Formatting: Use a clean, professional layout that allows key information to stand out. Avoid clutter and ensure that your resume is easy to read at a glance.

2. Deep dive into relevant experience (deals)

Once your resume passes the initial scan, recruiters will look closer into your work experience. They’ll check for specific skills, competencies, and achievements that demonstrate your ability to succeed in a private equity environment. This includes your experience with financial modeling, deal execution, and strategic thinking.

Tips for Highlighting Relevant Experience:

• Tailored Experience: Highlight your most relevant roles and experiences that align with the job you’re applying for. Use bullet points to clearly outline your responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Include specific metrics that demonstrate your impact, such as deal sizes, percentage increases in portfolio returns, or the number of transactions you’ve managed.
• Industry-Specific Expertise: If you have specialized experience in a particular sector, such as healthcare or technology, make sure this is emphasized in your resume.

3. Filtering for cultural and organizational fit

Private equity firms also consider how well candidates fit within their organizational culture. They look for evidence of leadership, teamwork, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. This aspect is often assessed later in the review process but can be a decisive factor.

Tips for Demonstrating Fit:

• Leadership Roles: Highlight any leadership positions or team management experience. Firms value candidates who can take initiative and lead projects to successful outcomes.
• Adaptability: Showcase your ability to adapt to different roles or environments, particularly in high-pressure situations. This could be demonstrated through varied work experiences or a track record of taking on new challenges.
• Personal Interests and Extracurriculars: While this section is brief, including relevant personal interests or extracurricular activities can help convey your personality and cultural fit. For example, involvement in finance-related clubs or sports that require teamwork and strategy can be seen as a plus.

4. Final check for consistency and detail

Before making a decision, recruiters will check for consistency and attention to detail across your resume. Any discrepancies or errors can be a red flag, potentially disqualifying you from consideration.

Tips for Ensuring Accuracy:

• Proofread Thoroughly: Even minor errors can undermine your credibility. Proofread your resume multiple times, and consider having a mentor or colleague review it as well.
• Consistency in Formatting: Ensure that your formatting is consistent throughout the document. This includes font sizes, bullet points, and alignment. A well-organized resume reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
• Accurate Descriptions: Be honest and precise in describing your roles and achievements. Any embellishments or inaccuracies can be easily uncovered during the interview process.

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• 12+ video hours
• Excels & templates

PREMIUM COURSE

Become a Private Equity Investor

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Private Equity Resume Template

Here is a basic breakdown of what your resume should look like from top to bottom. 

The header

This is for your personal information. Your name should be at the top in the center. You can make this a larger font to stand out. Underneath you should have your contact information, but keep the font small. 

Example:

Kevin Smith

kevin@smith.com • 123 Main Street, San Francisco, CA 12345 • +1 (555) 555-1234

Work experience

Next up is work experience, it’s tempting, but don’t have a personal section under the header. You need to get right into what you’ve done and why it makes you the best candidate. 

Start with the name of the employer, your job title, three bullets describing your role, and lastly projects or deals you’ve worked on. 

For example:

General Atlantic

Private Equity Associate

• Performed financial valuation analysis through the use of discounted cash flow. Analyzed market trends with senior investment bankers to recommend optimal financing alternatives.
• Worked with the lead investment banking analyst, performing strategic financial alternatives analyses.
• Performed in-depth financial and operational due diligence for client companies and assembled extensive due diligence materials.

Selected Transactions:

A list of 1-3 key projects and deals worked on at the company. Here is a breakdown of what to include: 

Transaction type, companies involved, and size: bank’s role (transaction status).

Worked example: Sale of LinkedIn to Microsoft for $26.2 billion: Sell-side advisor to LinkedIn (Closed: June 2016).

Education

Include a list of your undergrad and MBA schools along with your GPA and major achievements. 

For example:

University Name

(Degree obtained)

• GPA:
• Honors and awards:
• Leadership roles: 

Worked example:

Harvard

Bachelors in Finance

• GPA: 3.9
• Winner of the 2022 Best Paper Award on Finance in Management Science from the Finance Section of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
• President of the Finance Future Club, President of Capa Gama Finance.

Personal

Keep this as brief as possible, only mentioning a few interests, languages, and awards. Here’s an example:

• Fluent in Mandarin, French, and German.
• Avid climber: Reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021.

Well done, you’re all set to go. But remember, this is only part of the puzzle. You need to work on your interview skills to get the offer. 

Tailoring Your Private Equity Resume for Specific Roles

When it comes to private equity, one size does not fit all. The type of firm, the specific role you’re targeting, and the stage of your career all influence what should be highlighted in your resume. Here’s how you can tailor your resume for different private equity roles and firm types to ensure it resonates with the right audience.

1. Tailoring for Different Firm Sizes

• Large PE Firms: If you’re targeting a position at a large, well-established private equity firm, your resume should emphasize your ability to work on high-stakes, large-scale deals. Highlight your experience with big-ticket transactions, complex financial models, and managing or being part of a large team. Large firms often look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to handle high-pressure situations and can contribute to multi-billion-dollar deals.
• Mid-Market or Boutique PE Firms: For smaller firms, versatility is key. Your resume should reflect a broader skill set, including both analytical abilities and hands-on deal experience. Emphasize your adaptability, ability to take on multiple roles, and experience in managing the entire deal process from start to finish. Smaller firms value candidates who can wear many hats and are comfortable in a more dynamic, less structured environment.

2. Early-Career vs. Experienced Professionals

• Entry-Level and Early-Career Candidates: If you’re just starting out, focus on your educational background, internships, and any relevant coursework that aligns with the private equity field. Highlight your analytical skills, proficiency with financial tools, and any experience you’ve had in investment banking or finance-related internships. Demonstrate a strong foundation and eagerness to learn and grow within the industry.
• Experienced Professionals: For those with more years in the industry, your resume should focus on specific achievements and leadership roles. Detail your track record of successful deals, team management, and strategic decision-making. Experienced candidates should also showcase any thought leadership, such as published articles, speaking engagements, or contributions to industry-related discussions.

3. Sector-Specific Expertise

• If you’re applying to a firm that focuses on a particular sector (e.g., technology, healthcare, energy), tailor your resume to highlight relevant sector-specific experience. Detail your knowledge of industry trends, regulatory environments, and your experience with sector-specific deals. Firms value candidates who can hit the ground running with a deep understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities within their focus area.

FAQs

Is it hard to get a job in private equity?

It’s not easy. That’s why it’s important to work on your resume, making it as impressive as possible to get you to the top of the resume pile. Financial analysis is a mix of theory and practice, so you’ll need both. If you need more resources, check my Top 10 Private Equity books.

Can’t I just make it sound like I was involved in a deal?

No! Never lie.  You’re playing with fire, and experienced private equity recruiters know when you’re lying.  Instead, what I recommend is to put your best foot forward by describing your accomplishments and experiences in a truthful and relevant way.  But be ready to discuss each project as if it was an investment deal you were working on!

Conclusion

Having a well-crafted resume is critical for landing a job and starting your career in private equity. 

You can avoid common mistakes, highlight your relevant deals and experience, and use our sample template to create a polished and effective private equity resume by following our guide. 

With these suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential employers and landing your dream job in private equity.