Evercore is one of the best-known elite boutiques: an independent advisory firm that works on the same size of M&A deals as the bulge brackets, without the lending, trading or research businesses. In New York it's right at the top of the boutique league tables. In London it's smaller but very well regarded, and the analyst class is tiny compared with a big bank.
Why a boutique is a different application
At a bulge bracket you're one of a hundred-odd summer analysts in London. At Evercore you might be one of a handful. That changes what they want:
- They can't hide anyone. A small team means every analyst does real work from week one. The CV has to suggest you can, which means technical evidence: a model you built, a valuation you did, a deal you worked on.
- Fit matters more. You'll be on a team of a few people for very long hours. They're asking whether they'd want to sit next to you at 2am. Your interests line and how you come across in interview carry real weight.
- It's advisory, so say so. Evercore's banking business calls itself advisory, and the summer programme has historically been named along those lines. Use the right programme name in your application and any cover letter.
What a strong Evercore CV looks like
- At least one finance internship with deal content, even at a small boutique you've never heard of. "Built a DCF for a £30m sell-side mandate" is the sort of line they look for.
- Technical interest you can defend: corporate finance or accounting modules, a valuation competition, investment society pitches. Be ready to walk through any of it.
- Fewer, better entries. A boutique screener would rather see three substantial roles than seven thin ones.
Interviews
Expect technical questions earlier and harder than at a big bank: walk me through a DCF, how do the three statements link, what happens to enterprise value if... alongside "why Evercore and not a bulge bracket?". Have a real answer to that second one. Smaller teams, more responsibility, deal exposure from day one, and better exit opportunities into private equity are all fair reasons. "Higher bonuses" is true and also the wrong thing to lead with.