With executive searches down by up to 40%, pay for investment professionals flat and a surplus of talent in the market, competition for jobs is said to have reached a record high. However, candidates face a further challenge – ensuring their CV is diversified enough to fit the changing nature of the buyout industry.

The credit crisis has led many private equity firms to re-evaluate the skills needed to manage their investments. While in the boom years many large firms focused on highly leveraged quick flips, much of the focus has shifted to traditional operational improvement and turnarounds.