Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Financial Analyst at Lazard, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
My interview felt like a fairly smooth investment-banking style screen. After scheduling, I went into a conversation where the interviewer was friendly and the tone stayed calm. What stood out was that it wasn’t just behavioural—there were technical questions early on, but the overall emphasis leaned technical rather than personality-focused.
The process started with an online test and then moved into recorded video questions. The prompts felt very “fit” oriented, even when they were wrapped together, like giving one combined answer about my background, why Lazard, and what would make me a good match for the role.
The interview process typically begins with an online assessment followed by a mix of phone and video interviews, culminating in a superday that features back-to-back interviews with various levels of staff. Candidates should expect a structured timeline with quick turnarounds between stages.
Candidates will face a heavy emphasis on technical questions throughout the process, particularly in valuation methods like DCF and TEV, with many interviews designed to assess core financial competencies rather than soft skills. Expect to demonstrate a solid understanding of finance fundamentals.
While technical skills are paramount, candidates will also encounter behavioral questions aimed at assessing cultural fit and motivations for joining Lazard. These questions may be mixed with technical queries, especially in later rounds.
Some candidates will participate in assessment centers that include group tasks and presentations, which add a layer of pressure and require teamwork and communication skills. Being prepared for collaborative scenarios is essential.
Candidates often report feeling pressure due to the fast-paced nature of the interviews, especially during timed assessments and video responses. Effective time management and clarity in communication are crucial to navigate this aspect successfully.
The interview process includes interactions with a range of interviewers from junior analysts to senior executives, which means candidates should be prepared to adjust their responses based on the audience's level of expertise and focus.