20 Ares Management Interview Questions and Answers

Ares Management is a leading global alternative asset manager. Ares Management’s investment strategies include credit, private equity, traditional private equity, growth equity, real estate and infrastructure.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Ares Management, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, qualifications, and goals. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of sample Ares Management interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Ares Management Interview Process

The interview process at Ares Management can be quite lengthy, with some candidates reporting up to eight rounds of interviews. However, the majority of candidates report between two and five rounds of interviews. The first round is typically industry-specific knowledge, followed by a case study in front of evaluators. Behavioral questions are also common, particularly in the later rounds.

1. What impact do you think the current political environment will have on private equity?

Ares Management is a private equity firm, so the interviewer may want to know how you will approach political issues that could affect their business. Use your answer to show that you can be objective and make decisions based on facts rather than emotions.

Example: “I think it’s important for Ares Management to remain politically neutral as much as possible. I would never allow my personal beliefs or opinions to interfere with our company’s operations. However, if there was ever an instance where politics directly affected our business, I would do everything in my power to ensure we were prepared for any changes. For example, if the government passed new legislation regarding tax rates, I would work with our accountants to ensure we were following all of the rules.”

2. Why are you interested in working at Ares Management?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your intentions for applying to their company. They may want to know what you like about working at Ares Management and how it differs from other companies. Use this opportunity to show that you have done some research on the company and understand its goals and values.

Example: “I am interested in working at Ares Management because of its reputation as a leader in the financial industry. I’ve heard great things about the culture here, which is something I’m passionate about. I think my skills would be an excellent fit for this role, and I hope to contribute to the company’s success.”

3. Give an example of a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

When working in a team environment, conflict is likely to occur. Employers ask this question to make sure you can work well with others and resolve conflicts effectively. In your answer, try to show that you are able to communicate clearly and respectfully. Explain how you helped the group reach a solution or compromise.

Example: “In my last job as an accountant, I was part of a large project where we had to collaborate with other departments. One day, one of the marketing managers came to me asking for more money because they needed to hire another person. I told her that I would have to check with our budget first before making any changes. She got upset and stormed off.

I went to my supervisor and explained what happened. He said he would look into it and get back to us later. Later that week, he informed us that there was enough money in the budget to hire someone else. The marketing manager thanked me for being honest and respectful.”

4. Tell me about a time where you had to prioritize, how did you choose what comes first?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and what steps you take to ensure that you complete tasks in a timely manner. Use examples from previous jobs or describe a time when you had to choose between multiple projects and how you decided which ones were most important.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for managing several different accounts at once. When it came to prioritizing, I looked at each account’s budget and determined which one needed attention first. For example, if an account was running low on funds, I would focus more of my attention there until it was back within its budget. If all of the accounts were within their budgets, then I would look at which ones were due for reports.”

5. How would you explain your role as an analyst to someone who has no experience with finance?

This question is a great way to test your ability to communicate complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner. It also allows the interviewer to assess whether you have any experience teaching others about finance and accounting.

Example: “Analysts are professionals who use financial data to make predictions about future trends. They look at historical information, such as sales figures or inventory levels, to predict how these factors will affect the company’s bottom line. For example, if a company has been experiencing high sales over the past few months, I would expect that their profits will increase by a similar amount. However, there may be other factors that could change this prediction, so analysts must remain flexible.”

6. Have you ever worked for a company that deals with investments? If so, tell us about it.

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new employer. It’s also an opportunity for you to share any relevant experience that may not be listed on your resume. If you don’t have direct investment experience, consider sharing a previous job where you worked with money or financial planning.

Example: “I’ve never worked directly in the field of investments, but I do have some experience working with money and finances. In my last position as a personal banker, I helped customers open accounts, set up automatic payments and provided customer service when they had questions. I learned how to work with multiple types of people and manage my time effectively.”

7. Describe a situation where you had to work under pressure.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you were able to overcome pressure and perform well. This can show the interviewer that you are capable of handling high-pressure situations and performing under them.

Example: “In my previous role as an account manager, I had to work on a project with a tight deadline. The client was expecting our team’s proposal within two weeks, but we didn’t have all of the information needed for the proposal yet. My team and I worked hard to gather the necessary information before the deadline so we could submit the proposal on time. We ended up getting the contract.”

8. Do you feel comfortable communicating with senior management?

This question can help the interviewer determine how comfortable you are with your communication skills and whether or not you feel confident speaking to a senior manager. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you have experience communicating with management in previous roles and discuss what made you feel comfortable doing so.

Example: “I’ve had several opportunities to speak with senior management throughout my career, and I always felt prepared for those conversations because of my thorough research on the topic at hand. In my last role, I was tasked with presenting our marketing plan to the CEO, and although I was nervous, I used my confidence from past presentations to help me get through the meeting.”

9. Can you describe some ways you can build relationships with clients?

Ares Management is a client-focused company, so it’s important that you can build relationships with clients. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience in this area and how you would apply those skills to your new role. Use examples from previous jobs where you’ve successfully built strong relationships with clients or customers.

Example: “I believe one of the most important aspects of my job as an account manager is building relationships with clients. I find that establishing trust and open communication are two ways I can help clients feel more comfortable working with us. In my last position, I had a client who was hesitant about our services. I spent time getting to know them better and asking questions about their business. By doing this, they felt more comfortable sharing information with me and eventually became a long-term client.”

10. What is your experience using Microsoft Excel?

This question is a common one for Ares Management interviewers to ask. Excel is the primary program used by accountants, and it’s important that you have experience using it. If you don’t have any accounting or bookkeeping experience, consider taking an online course in Excel before your interview.

Example: “I’ve been using Excel since I was in college. In my last job as a marketing manager, I had to use Excel daily to create reports on our social media campaigns. I also created weekly reports for my team members to review. I’m comfortable with all of the basic functions of Excel, but I would like to take some time to refresh myself on more advanced features.”

11. Are you able to travel up to 30% of the time?

Ares Management is a global company, and they want to know if you’re willing to travel for work. This question helps them determine whether or not you can adapt to different locations and cultures. In your answer, explain that you are comfortable with traveling. Explain how you plan to prepare yourself before each trip.

Example: “I am very comfortable with traveling. I have been on many business trips in the past, so I understand what it takes to be prepared for a long flight or drive. Before every trip, I make sure my passport is up-to-date and I pack all of my essentials. I also like to get some sleep before leaving so I’m well-rested when I arrive at my destination.”

12. How do you stay organized?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you approach your work and whether you have strategies for staying on top of deadlines, organizing files and other responsibilities. Your answer should highlight your organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Example: “I use several different tools to stay organized. I keep all my documents in an online file storage system that allows me to access them from any device. I also use a calendar app to schedule important tasks and appointments so I don’t forget anything. Finally, I make sure to leave myself enough time to complete projects before submitting them.”

13. What do you like most about being an executive assistant?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It also helps them determine if you would be a good fit for Ares Management, as it allows them to see how your personality might fit in with their company culture. When answering this question, try to focus on specific aspects of being an executive assistant that you enjoy most.

Example: “I love helping others succeed. I find great satisfaction in knowing that my work is making someone else’s job easier or more efficient. I am always looking for ways to improve processes and make things run more smoothly. Another thing I really like about being an executive assistant is getting to meet new people every day. I have met so many interesting individuals through my career, and I still learn something new from each person.”

14. What skills do you have that make you successful as an executive assistant?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills that relate to the job description.

Example: “I believe my ability to multitask is one of my greatest strengths as an executive assistant. I am able to manage many projects at once while still meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work. Another skill I have is my communication skills. I am always willing to ask questions when needed and provide clear instructions for tasks. This helps me ensure that my managers receive the information they need.”

15. How would you deal with difficult clients or customers?

This question can help interviewers assess your interpersonal skills and ability to resolve conflicts. Use examples from previous work experiences where you had to deal with a difficult client or customer, and highlight how you resolved the situation successfully.

Example: “In my last role as an account manager for a marketing agency, I worked with several clients who were unhappy with their campaigns. In these situations, I would first listen to what they had to say and ask questions to understand their concerns. Then, I would offer solutions to address their issues and find ways to improve their campaign. This helped me build strong relationships with my clients and show them that I cared about their satisfaction.”

16. How would you go about creating a filing system?

This question is a great way to test your organizational skills. It also allows the interviewer to see how you would implement and maintain an important aspect of their company’s operations. In your answer, try to show that you can create a system that will be easy for others to use as well.

Example: “I would first start by creating a filing cabinet with labels that are clear and easy to understand. I would then organize all documents into folders based on client name or type of document. This makes it easier for me to find specific documents when needed. I would also make sure to keep track of any documents that need to be filed away in storage so they don’t get lost.”

17. What do you know about our company?

This question is a great way to test your research skills and show the interviewer that you are serious about this position. Before your interview, read up on Ares Management’s website or any other sources of information you can find online. You should be able to answer questions about their mission statement, values and goals as well as how they differ from competitors.

Example: “I know that Ares Management has been in business for over 20 years and has grown into one of the largest management companies in the country. I also understand that you have a reputation for being an innovative company with a strong focus on employee satisfaction. I am excited to learn more about what makes Ares Management so successful.”

18. Tell me about a time you had to adapt quickly to changing conditions.

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to challenges and adapt your skills to meet new demands. Use examples from previous roles that highlight your ability to think critically, solve problems and make quick decisions.

Example: “In my last role as a project manager, I had to manage several projects at once. One day, one of the team members called in sick, which meant I needed to find someone to fill in for them on short notice. I asked another team member if they could take over the task, and they agreed. They were able to complete the work with no issues, but it was important to me that I didn’t leave anyone without work to do. So, I found other tasks for everyone else to keep them busy until our original employee returned.”

19. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question is a common one in interviews. It allows the interviewer to see if you have career goals and aspirations beyond this position. Your answer should include your short-term goals, such as promotions or certifications, and long-term goals, such as starting your own business or working for a specific company.

Example: “I would like to be managing my own team within five years. I plan on taking additional courses through Ares University to earn my MBA. This will help me develop my management skills and learn more about how Ares operates. In five years, I hope to be running my own department.”

20. Can you give us an example of a time where you showed integrity in the workplace?

Integrity is a key value for Ares Management, and the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your moral compass. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example that shows you are honest and trustworthy.

Example: “In my last position as a financial advisor, I had a client who was looking for investment opportunities. While they were interested in making money, they also wanted to invest ethically. I spent time researching companies that met their criteria and helped them make informed decisions. They ended up investing in several companies that aligned with their values.”