If you could change one thing about this job, what would it be?

A good answers shows you understand the challenges of this job but at the same time keep a positive additude about it and are looking for solutions. When applying for a job as investment banker you might say things like 

"Investment banking is known for its demanding hours. If I could change one thing, I would focus on making processes more efficient so that teams can work smarter rather than just longer."  

"Investment banking relies heavily on data and analysis, but many processes are still quite manual. If I could change one thing, I would push for greater investment in technology to automate repetitive tasks like financial modeling and presentation creation"

or 

"If I could change one thing, it would be to enhance mentorship and structured learning opportunities for junior bankers. The role is fast-paced and demanding, and having a more structured approach to coaching could help young professionals develop faster, take on responsibility sooner, and ultimately contribute more effectively to the team."

When answering "If you could change one thing about this job, what would it be?" in a Personal Fit interview for growth equity or VC roles, the goal is to demonstrate self-awareness, alignment with the role, and constructive thinking. I would choose an aspect of the job that allows me to suggest a minor improvement while reinforcing my enthusiasm for the position. For example, I might say: "I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to evaluate high-potential companies and drive value creation in this role. If I could change one thing, it would be to incorporate even more cross-functional collaboration with portfolio companies’ management teams early in the due diligence process. I believe this could enhance our understanding of operational challenges and uncover additional growth opportunities, aligning perfectly with the firm’s goals of scaling businesses effectively."

This response works because it shows I’ve thought about the role’s responsibilities, proposes a positive tweak that complements the firm’s objectives, and avoids criticizing core aspects of the job. It also subtly highlights my collaborative nature and focus on value creation, which are key traits for both growth equity and VC roles. Given your prior interest in preparing for finance interviews, I’d recommend tailoring your answer to reflect your understanding of the firm’s investment philosophy, using specific examples from your experience to support your suggestion. For instance, you could draw on your analytics background to propose a data-driven improvement, ensuring it aligns with the firm’s focus on either early-stage innovation (VC) or operational scaling (growth equity).

The crazy working hours!

Hi There!

In a personal fit interview, this question is a good chance to show self-awareness and balance. I would pick something that acknowledges a real challenge in the role but frame it in a constructive and thoughtful way. For example, I might say that one thing I would change is the occasional lack of feedback in fast-paced environments. In investment banking, teams often move so quickly that there isn’t always time for consistent feedback, even though it's key to improving and growing.

I’d then explain how I’ve learned to adapt by actively seeking feedback from teammates and mentors, and by reflecting on my work to identify areas to improve. This shows that I recognize the demands of the job but am still proactive about my development. It’s important to show that you’re realistic about the role while staying positive and solutions-oriented.