Carlyle Interview Toolkit
This one-pager dives into Carlyle’s expertise-driven PE philosophy and highlights what the firm values in candidates. It covers Carlyle’s investment strategies, pay data, recent deals, and real interview questions to help you prepare in line with the firm’s hiring approach.
Firm Facts Carlyle’s PE philosophy Build stronger businesses through collaborative partnerships, applying deep industry expertise and responsible investment practices to realize sustainable growth. Values Integrity Excellence Diversity and inclusion Collaboration Innovation Community engagement Leadership Harvey Schwartz CEO and Director David Rubenstein Co-founder & Co-chairman Interview Insights How to answer “Why Carlyle?” If you’ve networked with firm employees, reference those conversations here Demonstrate a deep understanding of Carlyle’s culture by tying its values to the influence of its founders and leadership team Recommended listening: Life, Leadership, and LBOs with David Rubenstein Carlyle candidates were tested on Strategic reasons for not accelerating debt repayment in distressed situations Estimating a company’s equity value based on discounted bond prices Building a timed LBO model with revolvers, PIK notes, and a cash sweep Analyzing payout waterfalls and complex capital structures Speak the firm’s language Show you consider ESG when evaluating investment opportunities Focus on long-term macro themes over short-term plays (e.g. the energy transition) Demonstrate awareness of regional deal variations to align with Carlyle’s global approach In the Media Interview toolkit www.carlyle.com Talk Carlyle’s fee-earning assets drop The New Joule Order explores the forces shaping energy markets Transactions Carlyle reports best results since recruiting Harvey Schwartz Carlyle to ramp up pace of IPOs as it eyes up to $5 billion of exits in 2025 Watch Fireside with David Rubenstein View from the Carlyle Group | CEO Intelligence Advantage Dive deep into their website to understand investment criteria, portfolio companies, and recent deals. Read the article Andrea Benson Managing Director at Prospect Rock Partners Pay breakdown for a Carlyle associate Base pay Bonus pay 64.2% 35.8% $288K median total pay* $185K $103K Source: Glassdoor *As of Apr 10, 2025 Investment strategies Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs) - company acquisitions using debt and equity Growth Equity - high-potential tech and healthcare firms Middle Market - via fund commitments, secondaries, and co-investments Real Assets - real estate and infrastructure for long-term value Credit Strategies - including direct lending, distressed debt, and opportunistic credit Global Thematic Investing - aligned to macro trends (e.g. the energy transition)