I applied through a staffing agency. I interviewed at Blackwood (London, England)
Interview
Got to second stage before withdrawing.
First stage is a pleasant phone/ video call with one of the Associates. Generally friendly, asking about experience, interests, rapport building etc.
Second stage was in person when it went downhill. 2 pairs of associates interviewing you . Atmosphere is pretty negative and hostile. They sat there with arms crossed looking miserable the whole conversation, made no attempt to lighten the mood, get to know you or build chemistry. First pair was repeating process from the video call, second pair was literally reading out competency questions of a piece of paper. I say literally, I mean it. They said 'we're now going to ask you competency questions' and stared at a sheet they'd been given to do so
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
-How did you overcome a difficult situation in a search
-How did you influence the direction of a search for the better
can't remember further specifics but this kind of thing
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Blackwood (London, England) in Oct 2025
Interview
Initial VC with head of practice discussing experience and nature of the company and role followed by a 2nd stage in person meeting with a Principal and associate going through your experience and any questions you may have.