I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Cliffwater (Los Angeles, CA) in Mar 2021
Interview
Interview process includes four rounds:
- interview with junior employee
- interview with senior employee
- case interview (easy, had to complete it in 2 days and return it back, included vlookup exercises etc.)
- interview with head
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Cliffwater
Interview
heard about this from my recruiter and the initial interview was online with 4 people, then went in person for 2 rounds (first with same 2 people from the virtual call, and then the 2 other people from the call plus 2 other analysts)
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Are you okay with it being an analytical role? Tell me about yourself
Avoid this firm--unprofessional and a bad place to start one's prospective high finance (PE, HF) career or otherwise. Came across as uninterested, dull, disrespectful, and somewhat arrogant at times in a series of MD-level interviews.
Firm has serious racism and cultural issues (Google their 2020 lawsuit) and it came across during the process I went through. Do not share information with them you aren't comfortable sharing! Wouldn't go as far as to say they employ predatory behavior in their work but there was something off / nasty about their attitude towards best practices under the surface.
Definitely not a good place for junior folks, as mentioned. If there are a number of newer and suspicious positive interview reviews after this negative one, be wary.