Effective preparation is critical for success in your interviews. Focus on understanding the key evaluation criteria that Ares Management uses to assess candidates.

Role-related knowledge – This is your understanding of financial markets, investment analysis, and relevant analytical tools. Interviewers will evaluate your technical expertise through both direct questions and case studies. Strengthen this area by familiarizing yourself with industry trends, investment strategies, and financial metrics.

Problem-solving ability – Your capability to approach and structure complex challenges will be under scrutiny. Demonstrate strong analytical thinking by articulating your thought process clearly and effectively. Practice structuring your answers to show how you tackle problems methodically.

Culture fit / values – It’s important to align with the company’s culture and values. Interviewers will assess how well you collaborate with others and navigate uncertainty. Illustrate your understanding of Ares Management's mission and values, and share examples of how you embody these principles in your work.

The interview process at Ares Management is designed to evaluate candidates comprehensively, emphasizing both technical skills and cultural fit. You can expect a structured approach that includes multiple stages, often beginning with an initial screening followed by interviews with team members. The interviews may involve a mix of behavioral questions, technical assessments, and case studies.

Throughout the process, you should prepare for a methodical evaluation of your skills and experiences. Interviewers at Ares Management aim to understand not only your analytical capabilities but also how you think critically about investment opportunities and challenges. This emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decision-making distinguishes the process and reflects the company's commitment to excellence.

The visual timeline illustrates the typical stages of the interview process, including initial screenings and subsequent interviews with team members. Use this timeline to plan your preparation, ensuring you allocate sufficient time for each stage and manage your energy effectively throughout the process.

Understanding how you will be evaluated is crucial for presenting your best self during interviews. Here are several major evaluation areas critical for the Research Analyst role:

Role-related Knowledge

This area is pivotal as it assesses your understanding of financial analysis and investment principles. Interviewers will evaluate your ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Strong performance is demonstrated through clear articulation of financial metrics and analytical techniques.

• Financial modeling – Understand different types of financial models and when to apply them.
• Investment valuation – Be prepared to discuss various valuation methods such as DCF, comparables, and precedent transactions.
• Market analysis – Demonstrate your ability to analyze market trends and their implications for investments.

Example questions:

• "What is your approach to building a financial model?"
• "How do you determine the intrinsic value of a stock?"

Problem-Solving Ability

This evaluation area focuses on your analytical reasoning and how you approach complex problems. Strong candidates will clearly outline their thought process and demonstrate structured problem-solving skills.

• Analytical frameworks – Be familiar with frameworks that can help dissect problems, such as SWOT or Porter’s Five Forces.
• Quantitative analysis – Showcase your ability to interpret data and derive actionable insights.
• Scenario-based thinking – Be prepared to walk through hypothetical scenarios and describe your decision-making process.

Example questions:

• "How would you evaluate the potential risks associated with a new investment?"
• "Describe a situation where you had to make a decision with incomplete information."

Culture Fit / Values

Aligning with the core values of Ares Management is crucial. Interviewers will assess your interpersonal skills and how you fit within the company culture. Strong candidates exemplify teamwork, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.

• Team collaboration – Provide examples of how you work effectively within teams.
• Adaptability – Show your willingness to embrace change and navigate ambiguity.
• Commitment to excellence – Demonstrate your passion for delivering high-quality work.

Example questions:

• "What does teamwork mean to you, and how do you embody that in your work?"
• "How do you handle constructive criticism?"