Equity Research Interview Prep
Equity research interviews test your ability to form and defend an investment opinion. We coach you on building earnings models, writing compelling stock pitches, and speaking to sector trends with authority.
1,000+ candidates coached into top-tier firms
What We Cover
Common Equity Research Interview Questions
Pitch me a stock with a buy or sell recommendation.
Walk me through how you would build an earnings model for a consumer company.
What is the difference between sell-side and buy-side equity research?
How do you decide what price target to set?
What sectors are you most interested in following, and why?
How do you think about revenue forecasting vs. consensus estimates?
Tell me about a company you follow — what is the bear case?
How would you structure an initiating coverage report?
What makes a good equity research analyst?
If management guidance is above consensus, how do you think about where to set your estimate?
These are real questions asked in equity research interviews. Our coaching covers how to structure and deliver winning answers.
What Top Firms Look For
Strong writing and communication skills — ER is a publishing business
Genuine interest in following markets and specific sectors
Ability to form a differentiated view and defend it with data
Solid modeling skills — you need to build and maintain complex earnings models
Intellectual curiosity and willingness to deep-dive into industries
Credibility under pressure — you will defend your calls on client calls
A Day in the Life: Equity Research
An equity research associate or analyst spends their day tracking their coverage universe — monitoring earnings, news flow, and industry developments. Mornings start with market open prep and morning notes. Mid-day involves updating models based on new data, writing research notes, and taking calls with buy-side clients. During earnings season, the pace intensifies dramatically with same-day model updates and rapid-fire client calls. Hours are typically 60-70 per week, with spikes during earnings.
How to Break Into Equity Research
ER recruiting is less structured than IB — roles are often filled on a rolling basis
Having a polished stock pitch with a full write-up is the single most important preparation
Sector interest matters — firms want people who are passionate about specific industries
Paths in include direct from university, lateral from IB, or through research associate roles
Publishing your own investment analysis (blog, Substack, personal research) demonstrates genuine interest
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sell-side and buy-side equity research?
Sell-side analysts work at investment banks and publish research reports for external clients (mutual funds, hedge funds). Buy-side analysts work directly at asset managers and hedge funds, generating ideas for internal portfolios. Sell-side is more about communication and client service; buy-side is more about direct investment impact.
How do I build a stock pitch for an equity research interview?
Start with a clear recommendation (buy, sell, or hold) and a target price. Build an earnings model with revenue drivers and margin assumptions. Identify 2-3 catalysts that will move the stock. Include a valuation section comparing your target to where the stock trades now. Finish with key risks. The whole pitch should take 5-7 minutes.
Do I need a CFA to work in equity research?
A CFA is not required to enter equity research, but it is strongly preferred — especially at sell-side firms. Many ER analysts begin the CFA programme during their first year. Having CFA Level 1 passed before recruiting signals commitment to the profession and can differentiate you from other candidates.
What does L3vlup equity research coaching include?
Our coaching covers stock pitch construction and defence, earnings model building, initiating coverage report structure, sector analysis frameworks, and mock interviews. We help you develop a differentiated investment view and practise delivering it under interview pressure.
Your Coach: Surojit Chakraverti
Citigroup · Rothschild · Morgan Stanley · Bank of America · EY
Surojit has worked across investment banking, advisory, and corporate finance at five of the world's leading financial institutions. He has personally coached over 1,000 candidates into roles at Goldman Sachs, Blackstone, KKR, Google, McKinsey, and dozens of other top-tier firms.
Every equity research coaching session is tailored to your specific targets, timeline, and experience level. No generic advice — just the insider knowledge that separates offers from rejections.
Ready to Ace Your Equity Research Interview?
Get 1:1 coaching from professionals who have been through the process and sat on the other side of the table. No generic advice — just what actually works.
Book Your SessionCoached by Surojit Chakraverti — Citigroup, Rothschild, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, EY