Search Fund Accelerator Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 63 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
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7 roles · 63 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Search Fund Accelerator.
Search Fund Accelerator
Searcher
Mid Average Neutral experience Decline offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral
This SFA role looks at your past experiences and your knack for entrepreneurship. It's about combining real-world experience with a history of leadership. They really care about common sense and if you can operate well in a smaller team, even with incomplete info.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss's decision and how you managed the situation.
Search Fund Accelerator
Private Equity Intern
Intern Average Neutral experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Case
The interview process included a first round via Zoom, which was mainly behavioral, focusing on understanding the company's operations. Next, there was a screening test where candidates received study materials and had a week to complete it. The final round involved a technical and case interview, including basic accounting questions and a case study based on the provided materials.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- For the initial Zoom interview, mostly behavioral questions were asked; be sure you understand the company's business and operations.
- The second round was a screening test, with study materials provided a week in advance for completion.
- The final round was a technical and case interview, featuring some fundamental accounting questions and a case study applying the information you were given.
Search Fund Accelerator
Private Equity Intern
Intern Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen Onsite Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Case Presentation
The first round was a video interview where they asked basic questions about search funds, how they differ from normal private equity, and the definition and usefulness of EBITDA. Then, they sent over a list of companies and asked for my buy/not buy decision. The second round was in-person. They asked how I would prioritize the company list and why. Following that, I was given a list of companies and specific searching criteria to determine if they were a good fit.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you explain what a search fund is and how it differs from private equity?
- Could you define EBITDA and explain its relevance?
Search Fund Accelerator
Private Equity Analyst
Entry Easy Negative experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Take home
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
Applied online and got contacted back about two weeks later. Had a phone interview, and after that, moved to the second part which was an Excel test. The test involved analyzing companies for acquisition potential by looking at things like industry cycle and productivity. I had 3 days to submit it. After submitting, I heard nothing back! Not even a rejection notice. It was pretty disrespectful given the effort and time it took (over 20 companies to analyze). Thinking about it now, I don't want to join a company that doesn't care about candidates, pays minimum wage for a private equity analyst, and profits off international students' desperation.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you tell me about your background?
- Are you familiar with search fund accelerators?
- What makes you interested in our company?
Search Fund Accelerator Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Search Fund Accelerator interview reports.
“Can you tell me the difference between EBITDA and net income?”
Read reports →“Could you define EBITDA and explain its significance?”
Read reports →“Could you explain the distinction between operating profit and EBIT?”
Read reports →“Can you explain the impact of a $10 increase in depreciation on the three financial statements?”
Read reports →“Can you explain the difference between equity value and enterprise value?”
Read report →“Could you define EBITDA and explain its relevance?”
Read report →“Could you explain what the PE ratio is?”
Read report →“What is the role of Search Fund Accelerator?”
Read report →“Can you explain what a search fund is and how it differs from private equity?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 63 Search Fund Accelerator interview reports.