The One Question Most Operating Partners Get Wrong in Private Equity Interviews
April 2, 2025
At A Glance
Operating partners play a crucial role in private equity firms, driving value creation and optimizing portfolio companies for success. Yet, despite their expertise, many struggle to answer one key interview question effectively: “What is your value creation strategy?” Having interviewed hundreds of operating partners, we’ve seen this question trip up even the most seasoned professionals. The issue isn’t a lack of capability, it’s a failure to articulate strategy in a way that resonates with private equity investors.
How to Nail Your Answer
To stand out in a competitive hiring process, follow this structured approach:
1. Identify Key Constraints
Most executives jump straight to solutions. Instead, start by explaining how you identify constraints within a portfolio company. PE firms want to see your analytical approach, how do you determine the biggest bottlenecks affecting growth?
2. Measure ROI Before Acting
Once you've identified constraints, outline how you prioritize them based on potential return on investment (ROI). Private Equity firms want to know that your strategy is data-driven, not just based on instinct or past experience.
3. Leverage Your Playbook
Investors want to see a repeatable, structured approach to value creation. Highlight how you use a playbook to guide execution and ensure consistency across different companies and industries.
4. Coach, Don’t Just Execute
One common mistake operating partners make is acting as an extension of the management team rather than a strategic guide. Show how you empower portfolio executives to execute strategies rather than stepping in to do the work yourself. This ensures long-term impact and protects the firm’s exit multiple.
5. Showcase Results & Impact
PE firms invest based on measurable outcomes. Be specific—share examples of cost savings, efficiency improvements, revenue growth, or successful integrations. Use hard data to back up your claims.
6. Reflect & Adapt
Finally, demonstrate your ability to learn and improve. What did you take away from past experiences? How has your strategy evolved across different industries? Showing adaptability signals that you’re a valuable long-term asset.
Stand Out in Your Next PE Interview
By structuring your response around these key steps, you’ll position yourself as a strategic thinker who can deliver measurable results.
Looking for your next opportunity in Private Equity? Raw Selection specializes in placing top Operating Partners, reach out to our Founder and Managing Partner:
T: +1 954 928 9748
E: alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com
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Raw Selection favors a meticulous approach to talent research. Our process for selecting the right talent means we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged C-Suite clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.
If you are looking for new talent, contact us now.

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