The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Lazard (City of London, England) in Feb 2010
Interview
When applying on their website I recall a standard mathematical aptitude test. Next step was a phone interview with an external recruitment firm. Quite technical to be a phone interview, with the interviewer asking detailed questions on the steps of a DCF valuation and which factors could affect the outcome. The final step was an assesment center at their London office, with approximately 25 applicatants fighting for what I believe were 7 spots. The day started off with a math test, after which we were split into groups of 8. In the group we recieved two separate cases which we were to discuss and present an outcome. The bankers present seemed to have created a pre-concieved picture of the candidates, as the criticism I recieved was that I didn't perform the way they would have wanted me to - not saying that I performed badly. After eating a lunch with a few of the analysts present, half the group was cut, and the other half had 1-1 interviews with MD's.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Which 6 people (from a list of appr. 20) would you choose to become the management of a newly formed firm?
I applied online. I interviewed at Lazard in Mar 2026
Interview
I interviewed for a non-finance-related position, and the first round was a 30-min chat. The interviewer was friendly, and we discussed a lot of issues based on my interest/role. Questions range from technicals for the role, client expectations, quantitative skills, and regional expertise. There was some pushback on my answers, but it was very respectful and prompted me to think. Overall good experience.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
The client wants to understand xxx, how would you approach it?
The interview was fairly straightforward. There were no technicals, only 3 behavioural questions. Very typical Investment Banking first-round interview. No surprises, and should be simple for someone who has interviewed for an investment bank before.
It was a phone screen where I asked a variety of behavioral and technical questions related to the health care group. Overall more technical than I thought for a phone screen.
