Your resume has passed the first test, and you earned an interview. Congratulations!
For many professionals, however, the interview process is the most daunting part of a career move. Suddenly, every aspect of yourself matters: how you explain your background, how you answer difficult questions, how you present yourself, and even how quickly you follow up.
At Pinnacle Group, we work with investment firms across the country, and we see firsthand what differentiates strong candidates from those who fall short. While every firm is unique, the expectations and evaluation criteria are remarkably consistent.
Listed below are our most important interview tips designed to help you tell your story clearly, present yourself confidently, and stand out at every stage of the process.
1. Craft your narrative with intention.
Firms are not just evaluating your skillset; they are also evaluating your story.
Can the interviewee tell a chronological, cohesive, and meaningful story about who they are, what they do, and why they are here? Be prepared to detail your relevant background and experience, why you made those choices, what you learned from them, and how they led you to the present moment.
Most importantly, you should be able to defend your decisions and connect them to the role in question. Tell your story, but reserve time for what is most relevant to the position. Do not spend excessive time on internships or outdated experiences, unless this is your primary experience or particularly relevant to the role.
A note on Endowments & Foundations: Mission alignment matters deeply in this space. Be prepared to explain why the organization’s mission resonates with you and how it fits into your narrative.
2. Remain positive regardless of the questions asked.
Why you are leaving your current role can be a make-or-break moment. It is also a great opportunity to successfully craft your narrative. Avoid framing your response as a complaint. Instead, communicate what you are attempting to move toward. This intention will showcase self-awareness, professionalism, and emotional maturity.
- “I am looking for a new job that allows for a meaningful quality of life.”
- “I am seeking an opportunity to allow my skill set to grow and gain more responsibility.”
3. Avoid controversial subjects.
Politics, religion, and other sensitive subjects do not belong in an interview. While it is unlikely that these subjects will arise in an interview, make sure that you are not the one bringing them up!
4. Evaluate your potential employer just as they are evaluating you.
The interview process, though largely focused on the candidate’s performance, should not be one-sided. This is an opportunity for you to assess the firm, including its culture and values, and how it aligns with your own interests. For more guidance on evaluating an offer/firm, see this article.
5. Prepare relevant, thoughtful questions.
Firms seek candidates with intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in the profession. Asking questions that reflect this interest will only add value to your candidacy and provide further insights that will help in decision-making.
For single and multi-family offices: Be smart about the questions you ask. Discretion is critical, and they will pay attention to the types of questions you ask. Ask about strategy, or areas of particular investment interest – not how much money they manage, or how many houses the family owns.
6. Treat a virtual interview like an in-person interview.
Dress professionally. Secure a quiet, well-lit, undisturbed space with a neutral background. Do not take the fact that it’s a video interview to mean it’s casual. Turn on your camera, ensure good lighting and audio, and make eye contact.
7. Research your interviewees.
Utilize LinkedIn and PitchBook to learn the profiles of your interviewers. This is a good opportunity to find points of connection in their background, professionally or personally.
8. Do your due diligence.
You do not need to know everything, but this is a good opportunity to show the interviewer that you are serious about the role. You should understand the firm’s history, investment focus, competitors, mission, and culture.
9. Be authentic, articulate, and engaged.
It is normal to have responses that are prepped and polished, but remember to be yourself and let the interviewer get to know you. Be polite and cordial when speaking by staying engaged in the conversation. It is entirely acceptable and encouraged to smile and show some excitement, curiosity, and enthusiasm in your responses. Let them see both your professionalism and your personality.
10. Be on time, always.
“On time” means 10-15 minutes early. This applies to a virtual interview as well.
11. If it’s an investing role, speak like an investor.
Investors are seeking candidates who can give a concise, intelligent description of the “why” for a given investment, especially if you’ve only been in an advisory role previously. If you are making a move into an investing role, it is a big deal, and they want to see if you can talk about investments as an investor.
12. Send a thank you email and stay responsive.
A thank-you email is not negotiable. Keep it brief, personal, and timely (within 24 hours). Firms notice this effort in professionalism and will end candidacies without one. In the email, touch on one topic/part of the interview, reiterate your interest in the role, and thank them for their time.
This advice applies to your recruiter and hiring team. Prompt, professional communication reflects how you operate in the workplace and will shape the interviewer’s mindset toward you.
What the Interview Process Typically Looks Like
While every firm is unique, most follow a similar structure:
- Introductory Virtual Interview (30-45 minutes)
- Case Study or Skill Assessment
- Follow-Up (Case Study Defense or In-Person Interview)
- Final Rounds (Super Day, Social Event, Additional Screenings)
Whatever the process entails, when you prepare with intention and approach the process professionally, you give yourself the best chance of success.
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