Spring Intern at Lazard Application Guide
This guide covers the complete application process for Spring Intern at Lazard, based on a real candidate's first-hand experience. Below you'll find a step-by-step walkthrough of every stage, including example questions asked, how long each stage takes, and the specific strategies that helped this candidate land an offer at Lazard.
Use this as your preparation roadmap. Each stage includes what to expect, how to prepare, and honest advice from someone who has been through it.
Online Application
This process will take around 30 minutes to complete. Lazard typically requires you to fill in personal information and submit your CV. The Spring Week for Lazard is not division specific and as such is just grouped as ‘Financial Advisory’.
Expect a 1 to 2-day wait before progressing to the next stage.
Virtual Interview
Ruan watched a short introductory video explaining the details of how the interview is conducted before being asked questions from a pre-recorded clip. There are usually 5 questions for you to answer within 1.5-3 minutes. For each question you will have 30 typically seconds to prepare before your response will be recorded.
Example task
Questions are purely focused on motivational and situational ones. For example, "Why did you apply for Lazard?", "Why did you apply for financial advisory?"; "Tell us about a time you worked in a team" or "Tell us about a recent story/news article that interests you".
How to respond for success
For video interviews, dress as you would for an in person interview (Ruan wore a full suit with a tie). You can make notes when preparing but it is best not to have to look down as this is easily noticeable. It is important that you speak directly into your camera most of the time (try not to look at yourself speaking). Most importantly, it is clear that Lazard is looking for you to be as personable as possible.
Try to show-off your uniqueness when drawing upon your experiences to questions. Ruan recommends to aim for a good mix of finance/school/work experiences examples with some fun creative ones thrown in there!
Expect a 1 to 2-month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Final Interview
The final stage for the Lazard Spring Week Programme is a single hour long interview (virtually due to Covid-19). This interview is typically with a junior banker and an HR representative.
Example task
They will both ask you situational and motivational questions. Ranging from "Why did you apply to Lazard?", "Tell me about a time you had a difficult team member and how you went about dealing with that", "What are your interests?", to "If you could have dinner with any one person in history, who would it be?".
How to respond for success
Lazard focuses on employing personable people. The question you are trying to address in their heads is "Can I see myself working with this person?", in order to fulfil that you need to show off your personality! Do not try to conform to a certain rigid stereotype - just be yourself.
Expect a 1 to 2-week wait before receiving your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Lazard application process take?
Based on this candidate's experience, the full Spring Intern at Lazard process takes several weeks to months from initial application to final offer. Timelines vary by intake cycle and candidate volume. Apply as early as possible, as many programmes use rolling admissions and close once places are filled.
What should I wear for Lazard interviews?
Dress professionally for all interview stages, including virtual ones. Most successful candidates wore business formal attire. Even for video interviews, dressing as you would for an in-person meeting helps you feel confident and signals that you take the opportunity seriously.
How should I prepare for the Lazard application?
Start by researching Lazard thoroughly, including recent news, company values, and the specific division you are applying to. Prepare examples using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for competency questions. Practice any numerical or situational judgement tests using free resources online. Finally, prepare a clear answer for why you want to work at Lazard specifically, not just in the Finance sector generally.