Recommended resources for Evercore interviews

Preparing for a finance interview takes more than just technical knowledge. The first step is to build a strong foundation through self-study – covering everything from accounting and valuation to the basics of M&A. Once that’s in place, practicing with peers helps you apply your knowledge in realistic settings and gain confidence in answering typical interview questions.If you want to deepen your preparation and address specific weaknesses, professional coaching can be a valuable next step. Especially in the final phase of your prep, it can help reduce uncertainty, highlight your strengths, and refine your delivery so you leave a strong impression in the interview. Why Coaching Can Be a Game-Changer in Finance InterviewsA professional interview coaching session can significantly improve your preparation, particularly if you already have a solid grasp of the content and want to focus on your overall performance. Training with an experienced coach offers several key benefits:Personalized feedbackA coach will quickly spot where you’re still uncertain – whether it’s your structure, technical depth, or communication. You’ll receive honest, direct feedback and know exactly what to work on.Realistic interview simulationsCompared to peer practice, coaching sessions often feel more like the real thing. You’ll train under realistic conditions and learn to stay composed under time pressure, respond to follow-up questions, and handle unexpected situations.Deep technical insightMany coaches have firsthand experience in investment banking, private equity, or M&A. They not only evaluate your responses technically but also show you what interviewers in practice are really looking for.Structure and clarityA coach will help you structure your preparation efficiently. You’ll know what to review and where it’s worth diving deeper, so you can stay focused and avoid unnecessary detours.Time savingsWith targeted sessions, you can make meaningful progress quickly. Instead of working through materials alone, you get precise feedback and actionable suggestions.Greater confidence in interviewsIn the end, it’s about how you present yourself. Being well-prepared and knowing what to expect builds your confidence and helps you leave a professional impression. What You Can Work on with a CoachA coaching session gives you the chance to focus on the areas that matter most for your specific situation. Depending on your background and target role, you can set clear priorities and walk through typical interview scenarios in a structured way.Common coaching topics include:Technical questions on accounting, valuation, and capital structureFundamentals of DCF, multiples, and LBO logicHandling stress questions or challenging follow-upsPersonal fit, motivation, and career goalsMini-cases or short valuation exercisesClear and structured communication of your ideas How to Find the Right Coach on PrepLoungeThinking about booking a coaching session but unsure where to start? On PrepLounge, you’ll find a wide selection of experienced coaches from backgrounds including investment banking, private equity, and M&A.Finding your coach is easy:Browse coach profiles to compare experience, specializations, and past reviewsRead what other candidates have said to better assess fit and styleSchedule an introductory call – many coaches offer short calls to get to know each otherBook a session and get started once you know what you need👉 Visit our coach overview to find finance interview experts with real industry experience.

Preparing for a finance interview can quickly feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first in-person interview at an investment bank, private equity firm, or venture capital company. These interviews are often quite challenging, typically testing your technical knowledge, personal fit, and even mental math skills right on the spot. To make a confident impression, you’ll need more than just what you learned in class.With a structured plan, you can build your preparation step by step and focus on the topics that truly matter in the interview. Key Components of a Strong Finance Interview PreparationTo prepare effectively for a finance interview, you should understand the interview process, master the technical basics, practice typical interview questions, and polish your personal presentation. These components are interconnected and the better you align them, the more confident you'll be during the interview.Here’s how to approach your preparation step by step, so you can impress both technically and personally.1. Understand the Interview Process in the Finance Industry.A typical finance application process involves multiple stages. After the CV screening, there are often online assessments and short phone or video interviews. These early steps primarily assess your motivation, communication skills, and basic numerical understanding.However, the most critical step is the in-person interview. This is where it’s decided whether you can impress not only on paper but also in person. Most companies structure this interview in two parts:The technical interview tests your knowledge of balance sheets, income statements, cash flows, key metrics, and valuation methods. The key isn’t just having the right answers, but being able to explain complex topics clearly and logically under time pressure.The personal fit interview assesses whether you fit the team and company culture. Interviewers look for motivation, behavior, resilience, and relevant examples from your academic or professional background that highlight your soft skills.Keep in mind: Every company may structure its process and interviews differently. Be sure to research the specific companies you’re applying to and gather insights from other candidates. You can use our Q&A section or browse our finance blog for company-specific interview guides that show what to expect in each selection process.2. Build Up Your Financial Knowledge Strategically.To stand out in a finance interview, it’s not enough to just memorize terms. You need a solid understanding of how everything fits together and the ability to explain it clearly. Make sure to cover the following key topics:Balance sheet: Understand the structure of assets and liabilities and how different transactions impact the balance sheet.Income statement (P&L): Know the flow from revenue to net income and understand items like depreciation and interest expenses.Cash flow statement: Learn the distinctions between operating, investing, and financing cash flows, and how it links with the balance sheet and P&L.Working capital: Understand how receivables, payables, and inventory affect capital tied up and why it matters for daily operations and valuations.Free cash flow: Be able to explain how it’s calculated and why it's a key metric for investors.DCF model for valuation: Grasp the basic structure of a DCF model (forecast, discounting, terminal value), including concepts like WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital) and FCFF (Free Cash Flow to the Firm).Valuation multiples: Be ready to explain how EV/EBITDA or P/E ratios are used and what to watch out for.These examples offer a great starting point, but it’s important to dive deeper into other finance concepts and models to build a broad and solid understanding.3. Practice Technical Interview Questions.Once you’ve understood the key finance concepts, focus on applying them in interviews. Technical questions are a standard in nearly every finance interview – whether you’re applying for investment banking, corporate finance, or private equity.These questions aren’t meant to trip you up with complex formulas. Instead, interviewers want to see if you think logically, understand the material, and can explain it clearly. Regular practice is essential.Typical questions you may encounter include:Can you explain how the three financial statements are connected?What’s the effect of increased depreciation on the financial statements?How is a company valued using the DCF method?👉 Check out these comprehensive question sets from our Case Library with typical technical questions to practice with: