How to get a job at Macquarie London
20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Macquarie London actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.
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Your question
“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”
About Macquarie London
Company overview
Macquarie London is a major centre for Macquarie Group's EMEA investment banking and advisory operations. The London office serves clients across M&A advisory, infrastructure finance, and capital markets. Macquarie is known for specialist expertise in infrastructure, energy, and transaction advisory.
Inside the company
Culture & values at Macquarie London
Macquarie emphasises analytical excellence, client focus, and specialist expertise. The organisation values integrity, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Teams are encouraged to develop deep expertise and drive innovation. The culture is collaborative and intellectually stimulating.
The environment balances commercial success with ethical responsibility. Client success is the primary driver.
Why people want to work here
Macquarie London offers access to specialist investment banking, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors. You'll work on complex advisory transactions with deep technical content. The bank invests in development and provides clear progression. Compensation is competitive. London placement provides access to major EMEA clients.
What to expect
Working at Macquarie London
The working environment at Macquarie London reflects the investment bank sector — structured but dynamic, with a mix of planned project work and responsive tasks. Most roles involve regular collaboration with colleagues across different teams and functions, with clear expectations for deliverables and timelines. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are increasingly common, and the organisation recognises that different roles require different working patterns.
As a 2,500+-person organisation, Macquarie London sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.
The culture at Macquarie London shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Technical expertise and Analytical rigor. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Macquarie London recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.
The hiring journey
Macquarie London interview process
Macquarie uses a structured interview process spanning 3-5 weeks. Focus is on analytical capability and specialist knowledge. The bank uses case studies, technical interviews, and panel discussions.
Application & Assessment
45-90 minutesCV submission followed by assessments for relevant roles. Tests may cover numerical, verbal, and case study elements.
First-Round Interview
30-45 minutesInterview covering background, motivation, and commercial awareness. Assessment of understanding of Macquarie's specialist focus.
Technical / Case Round
60-90 minutesCase study or technical interview on infrastructure or specialist finance topics. Candidates typically have time to prepare.
Final Interview
45-60 minutesInterview with senior team members. Discussion of technical capability and cultural fit.
Typically 3-5 weeks from application to offer.
Insider tips
Research Macquarie's infrastructure and energy expertise. Demonstrate knowledge of specialist sectors. Show understanding of Macquarie's positioning in advisory. Be ready to discuss infrastructure financing and transaction structures. Prepare knowledge of recent infrastructure transactions.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your Macquarie London interview
Macquarie London's interview process typically takes Typically 3-5 weeks from application to offer.. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.
4 weeks before
Research Macquarie London thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in banking & financial services and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow Macquarie London on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 4 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at Macquarie London and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Technical expertise, Analytical rigor, Client focus. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Investment Banker or Financial Analyst role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.
2 weeks before
Do a full mock interview covering Macquarie London's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to Macquarie London's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Macquarie London's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.
Stand out from the crowd
What Macquarie London looks for
Technical expertise
Strong understanding of infrastructure finance and transaction structures.
Analytical rigor
Excellent quantitative skills and comfort with complex models.
Client focus
Commitment to delivering client value and solutions.
Specialist knowledge
Deep understanding of target sectors and market dynamics.
Problem-solving
Ability to analyse complex problems and develop creative solutions.
Get through the door
How to apply to Macquarie London
Start by studying Macquarie London's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — banking & financial services employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Project Finance Specialist, research what each role involves at Macquarie London specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Macquarie London's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether Macquarie London offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many investment bank employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.
Before submitting your application, research Macquarie London's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every investment bank employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at Macquarie London on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
As a smaller organisation, Macquarie London values personal connections. Attending industry events where their team members speak or exhibit can be an effective way to build rapport before you apply. In investment bank specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.
Mistakes candidates make
- 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference Macquarie London or banking & financial services-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
- 2Failing to research Macquarie London's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
- 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Technical expertise and Analytical rigor — Macquarie London uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
- 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — Macquarie London's process typically takes Typically 3-5 weeks from application to offer., and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
- 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about Macquarie London and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at Macquarie London simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
Real questions asked
Macquarie London interview questions
20 questions sourced from real Macquarie London candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.
- 1Describe an infrastructure financing structure and key considerations.
- 2How would you approach an energy sector transaction?
- 3What is Macquarie's competitive advantage in infrastructure advisory?
- 4Tell us about recent infrastructure market trends.
- 5How would you structure a complex project finance transaction?
- 6Describe your understanding of public-private partnerships.
- 7What excites you about infrastructure investment?
- 8Tell us about your sector knowledge and interests.
Your career here
Growth & development at Macquarie London
Career progression at Macquarie London follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many investment bank organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.
Macquarie London invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.
For banking & financial services professionals, Macquarie London offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Technical expertise and Analytical rigor — are transferable across the investment bank sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Macquarie London started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.
Compensation
Salary & benefits at Macquarie London
Analyst/Associate roles range from £45k-£70k base. Senior roles (manager+) range from £120k-£350k+. Bonuses typically 25-80% of base depending on role and performance.
Notable benefits
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at Macquarie London
Frequently asked questions
What is the culture at Macquarie London?
Macquarie has a collaborative, specialist-focused culture emphasising technical excellence and deep sector knowledge. The environment is intellectually stimulating and development-oriented. Teams are supportive and mentoring is valued. The bank emphasises long-term expertise building. Work-life balance is reasonable. The culture appeals to those seeking specialist finance experience.
How does Macquarie compare to pure investment banks?
Macquarie is more specialist and sector-focused than generalist banks. Versus JPMorgan/Goldman: Macquarie has deeper infrastructure focus. Compensation is competitive. Culture emphasises specialist expertise over deal volume. Career progression depends on building deep sector knowledge.
What is the career progression?
Career progression depends on building specialist expertise and business development. Internal promotion is favoured. Progression can be steady but thoughtful. Many senior leaders have deep sector experience. Lateral hires are welcome if they bring relevant expertise.
Does Macquarie sponsor visas?
Macquarie sponsors visas for specialists with relevant expertise. The bank values global talent, particularly those with infrastructure knowledge.
What graduate schemes does Macquarie offer?
Macquarie runs graduate programmes across investment banking and operations, typically 18-24 months with rotations. Conversion to permanent roles is strong. Programmes develop sector-specific expertise.
Your Macquarie London interview is coming.
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Practise with real Macquarie London questions, get scored across 6 competencies, and walk in confident you can perform under pressure.
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