PJT Partners Interview Questions: Technical, Behavioral & Fit (2026)
The most common technical, behavioral, and fit questions asked in PJT Partners investment banking interviews. Based on real interview experiences from successful candidates.
Last updated April 2026 · By the Superday AI editorial team
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Technical Questions
- Walk me through the restructuring of a company with a complex capital structure: senior secured debt, mezzanine, unsecured bonds, and equity. How do you determine the recovery waterfall?
- A company is in financial distress with $400M in debt and $40M EBITDA. Walk me through whether you would advise an in-court or out-of-court restructuring and the key factors driving that decision.
- Explain the difference between a Section 363 asset sale and a plan of reorganization in Chapter 11. When would you recommend each approach?
- Walk me through how you would value a company emerging from bankruptcy. What adjustments do you make to a standard valuation framework?
- A client is considering a strategic M&A transaction financed with 60% debt. Walk me through the credit analysis you would perform and how you would stress-test the capital structure.
Behavioral Questions
- PJT Partners was founded by Paul Taubman with a specific vision. What do you know about that vision, and why does it align with your career goals?
- Describe a time you had to learn a complex subject from scratch under time pressure. How did you approach the learning curve?
- PJT's analyst classes are intentionally small. How do you perform in environments where your individual contribution is highly visible?
- Tell me about a time you had to work through ambiguity and uncertainty to reach a conclusion. What was your process?
- Why PJT over Lazard for restructuring, or over Evercore for M&A? What specifically about our platform differentiates us?
Fit Questions
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
- Describe a time you failed.
- How do you handle pressure?
- What questions do you have for me?
Tips for PJT Partners Interviews
- PJT's restructuring practice (Park Hill + legacy PJT) is its crown jewel. Prepare for detailed restructuring questions: recovery analysis, DIP financing, creditor negotiations, and the Chapter 11 process. This is tested more rigorously here than at any bank except Lazard.
- Paul Taubman's founding vision emphasizes senior banker involvement and a client-first advisory model. Understanding this philosophy and articulating why it resonates will distinguish you from candidates who only know PJT by reputation.
- PJT's small analyst classes (20-30 per year) mean interviewers are highly selective about cultural fit. Demonstrate that you thrive in environments with high visibility and direct senior engagement.
- The firm has both an M&A advisory practice and a restructuring practice. Show awareness of both and articulate which area interests you more, while demonstrating respect for the other.
- PJT interviewers value intellectual precision and clarity. Practice delivering structured, concise answers to complex questions. Rambling will cost you.
More PJT Partners Resources
Sources
- PJT Partners - Careers. PJT Partners (accessed 2026-05-14)
- Discounted Cash Flow Valuation - Aswath Damodaran. Aswath Damodaran (NYU Stern) (accessed 2026-05-14)
- Equity Valuation - CFA Institute Refresher Reading. CFA Institute (accessed 2026-05-14)