I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Ares Management (London, England) in Dec 2024
Interview
The interview process was relatively straightforward, though the communication could definitely have been better. I was left without any updates for about two weeks after the final round, which was quite anxiety-inducing.
The first stage was an HR screening. Passing this seems somewhat random in the current graduate market, but if successful, you move straight into a four-hour assessment centre. This involved three individual interviews, an Excel test, and a group exercise. I made it through to the next round and was told I was one of the final two candidates but, unfortunately, didn’t receive an offer.
Everyone I met throughout the process was lovely, and the company culture seems really positive—a great place to kick-start your career. That said, I was disappointed with the feedback I received after the final round. The decision was based on the other candidate speaking three languages while I only spoke English, which felt unconstructive, but alas - that's just how the cookie crumbles.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why Ares? Why Investor Relations? Do you know what an LBO is? What is an interesting fund you have researched?
Application then phone interview then video interview then AC. Technicals are like IB technicals, need good industry awareness and very strong motivationals. Show you have thoroughly researched firm. Also make sure Excel Skills are advanced as this will likely be tested.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Walk Through a DCF, how does a leveraged dcf change the outcome vs an unleveraged dcf
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Ares Management in Oct 2023
Interview
Fairly normal interview process, interviewed with a VP and basically asked a lot of behavioral questions such as Who are you? Why Ares? They asked a lot about my previous internship experience as well.