Private equity firms have been on such a hiring spree that private equity analysts have become one of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States. The number of private equity analyst hires increased by 40% in 2024, according to a report released by LinkedIn.

Despite broader economic uncertainty, private equity firms seem to believe they can continue finding success in the technology industry. However, delivering profits above what the stock market can produce demands specific skills. 

Current hiring trends in investment analyst recruitment show preferences for candidates with experience in areas such as financial modeling, equity valuation research, and deal sourcing.

What’s Fueling Demand in Private Equity?

The Global Economic Policy Uncertainty Index reached its highest recorded level in January of 2025. Uncertainty is also very high within the United States. Only two months since 1985 have had higher uncertainty indexes than February of 2025.

Given these numbers, you might find it surprising that private equity firms are making such bold moves. However, a closer look suggests that these firms might want to hire more analysts because uncertainty creates profit opportunities, especially when investors can use financial modeling to manage risk.

Private equity firms also find themselves sitting on large amounts of unallocated capital (called dry powder in the industry). They have ample sums to bet on companies they believe will thrive in the coming years.

Increasingly complex portfolios are also driving private equity hiring trends. The more complicated portfolios become, the more professionals private analysts need to hire before they feel comfortable investing in healthcare, tech, and logistics. These private firms want to take advantage of opportunities, but they need data analyzed before they’re willing to commit.

What PE Firms Are Looking For

The most successful private equity firms know what skills they need from useful job candidates. Generally speaking, they want to find professionals with experience in areas like financial modeling, valuation, and market analysis. These are the types of skills that help firms choose investments that will most likely generate long-term profits. 

PE firms are looking beyond specific technical skills, though. The LinkedIn report indicates that firms prefer job candidates experienced in investment banking, consulting, and corporate strategy. These preferences might suggest that the PE firms plan to manage the companies they invest in. They might even choose to combine assets to create more efficient businesses and generate higher revenues.

Finally, private equity firms understand the importance of soft skills, so they often choose people with the ability to remain calm and calculating during high-stakes negotiations, adjust to changing circumstances, and make deals that benefit their employers.

A Private Equity Talent Strategy That Works

High demand within private equity firms means that companies might need to reconsider their investment analyst recruitment plans. After all, you need to fill positions with extremely talented job candidates. Letting other firms take all of the talent would only mean you can’t compete.

What are some of the most important ways this will influence your hiring and private equity talent strategy?

First, you must recognize that speed and precision matter. Top candidates get hired quickly, so you can’t spend a lot of time weighing your options. When you find the right person, you need to make an offer before someone poaches them.

Second, consider using executive recruiters to fill mid-level and junior roles. While these roles don’t make the biggest decisions within your organization, they do provide critical data that helps leaders decide how to act. Executive recruiters are especially useful here because they know how to match candidates with the skillsets you want to fill.

Third, you want to emphasize retention strategies that keep employees satisfied. With so many other private equity firms, your best employees know they have other options. Build a culture that recognizes their accomplishments, provides ongoing opportunities, and trains them to keep up with emerging trends.

How MRINetwork Can Help

Private equity hiring requires a nuanced approach that identifies qualified candidates while moving quickly. At MRINetwork, our recruiters understand the pace, pressure, and precision needed in private equity hiring. We have established pipelines that make it easy for our recruiters to connect with qualified candidates. That way, we can move quickly and ensure your next hire is ready to perform from day one.

MRINetwork also understands the value of forming partnerships with our clients. As your firm scales, we can adapt to meet your evolving needs. We can respond rapidly because we take time to know your unique needs and challenges.

Winning the Private Equity Talent War

Private equity firms need to invest in smart hiring strategies to gain a competitive edge. Your firm’s success depends on hiring and retaining the right people.

Connect with MRINetwork today so we can start filling your open positions with qualified professionals who demonstrate expertise in the skills you need.