Lazard's 2027 recruitment has three main rounds: online assessments (Round 1), a HireVue video interview (Round 2), and final interviews or assessment centre (Round 3). As an elite advisory boutique, Lazard weights intellectual horsepower and genuine deal interest more heavily than polish.
This guide covers the 2027 intake at Lazard — applications open in 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you the strongest chance. Confirm exact dates on Lazard's official careers page.
Programs & Timelines
Lazard recruits Analysts and Summer Analysts primarily into Financial Advisory (M&A, restructuring, capital markets) and Asset Management, across London, New York, Paris, and other offices. Applications typically open in early autumn for the following year's intake and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Verify current dates on Lazard's official careers page, as boutique timelines move quickly.
Round 1: Online Assessments
The first filter is a set of online tests — usually numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and sometimes logical or situational judgement components. Lazard's bar is high because the applicant pool is self-selected and strong; "good enough" scores from other banks' processes may not clear Lazard's cutoff.
How to prepare: drill timed numerical tests until the question types feel automatic — percentages, ratios, and data interpretation under pressure. Don't neglect verbal reasoning; boutiques use it as a proxy for the clear thinking advisory work demands. Take the tests fresh, on a stable connection, with no distractions.
Round 2: HireVue Video Interview
Clear the tests and you'll get a one-way video interview — typically 4 to 6 questions mixing motivation ("Why Lazard? Why advisory over bulge bracket?"), competency, and sometimes a commercial awareness question. The "Why Lazard specifically?" question is make-or-break: generic answers about prestige fail instantly at a boutique.
How to prepare: have a crisp, specific answer for why independent advisory appeals to you — lean deal teams, earlier responsibility, exposure to senior bankers. Name a recent Lazard-advised transaction and have one genuine observation about it. Record practice runs and cut every filler word.
Round 3: Final Interviews / Assessment Centre
The final stage is usually two to four interviews with bankers from analyst to MD level, sometimes structured as an assessment centre with a group exercise or written case. Expect technical questions (accounting, valuation, merger mechanics), commercial awareness, and deep motivation probing. At a boutique, every interviewer is asking one question: "Would I want this person on my deal team at 2am?"
How to prepare: be flawless on the three statements, DCF, trading and transaction comps, and accretion/dilution basics. Follow two or three live M&A situations you can discuss intelligently. Prepare questions that show you understand what makes Lazard different from a bulge bracket.
FAQ
Is Lazard harder to get into than bulge bracket banks?
The applicant pool is smaller but stronger, and Lazard hires fewer people — so the effective odds are tough. Technical expectations at final round are at least as high as bulge brackets, sometimes higher.
Does Lazard use HireVue?
Yes — a one-way recorded video interview follows the online assessment round. It's not live, and you typically get one attempt per question.
What does Lazard look for in candidates?
Intellectual curiosity, genuine interest in advisory work (not just "banking"), strong academics, and evidence you can think clearly under pressure. Boutique culture fit — low ego, high ownership — matters more than at larger banks.
When do Lazard applications close?
Lazard recruits on a rolling basis and competitive divisions can fill before any published date. Apply in the first weeks of the window and confirm dates on Lazard's official careers page.
Does Lazard hire for off-cycle internships?
Yes — Lazard runs off-cycle programs in several offices alongside the main summer intake. The recruitment rounds are the same, but timelines differ, so check the specific program page for dates.
Applying to Lazard? Our 2027 Lazard Online Assessment & Video Interview prep covers every round — $79 one-time, instant download.
