What KKR Looks For
KKR uses Workday to pre-screen every application before a human reviewer sees it. Your CV must contain the right keywords and formatting to clear this first filter.
Target Sectors
- Private Equity
- Real Assets
- Credit & Markets
- Infrastructure
- Growth Equity
ATS Pre-Screen
Your CV is auto-scanned before any human sees it. Missing key terms or using non-standard formatting gets your application filtered before a recruiter reviews it.
8 firm-specific CV tips below
WorkdayATS & Application Process at KKR
Understanding how KKR screens applications is the first step to getting your CV in front of a human reviewer.
ATS Platform in Use
Workday
KKR uses Workday as its enterprise ATS for most hiring globally. As of Q1 2026, KKR manages approximately $758 billion in AUM across private equity, infrastructure, real assets, credit, and insurance — making it one of the world's largest alternative asset managers. In January 2024, KKR completed the full acquisition of Global Atlantic Financial Group, significantly expanding its insurance business alongside the core PE and infrastructure platforms. The ATS performs keyword screening for PE-specific terms (LBO, leveraged buyout, IRR, MOIC, EBITDA) before any human review. Applications with multi-column formatting or embedded images are frequently mis-parsed by Workday.
Key Divisions at KKR
Each division has distinct ATS keyword requirements and CV expectations. Tailor your application to the specific division you are targeting.
Private Equity (Americas, Europe, Asia)
KKR's flagship LBO business spanning large-cap buyouts, corporate carve-outs, and growth equity across three geographic platforms. Historically active in consumer, industrials, healthcare, and technology. KKR ranked #1 in the PEI 300 as of 2025. Portfolio companies often become major operational transformation projects managed through KKR Capstone.
Real Assets (Infrastructure & Real Estate)
One of the largest infrastructure investors globally, covering core and core+ infrastructure (utilities, transportation, energy, communications infrastructure) and real estate equity and credit. Energy transition and digital infrastructure are key deployment themes in 2024–2026.
Credit & Markets
Manages leveraged credit, direct lending, mezzanine, opportunistic credit, and distressed strategies. One of the largest alternative credit managers globally, deploying capital across the capital structure.
Insurance (Global Atlantic)
KKR completed 100% acquisition of Global Atlantic in January 2024 for approximately $2.6 billion. Global Atlantic manages life, annuity, and reinsurance products, providing KKR with a permanent insurance capital base to deploy across its investment strategies.
Growth Equity
Next Generation Technology Growth fund investing in technology, software, and internet businesses at the growth equity stage. Targets profitable or near-profitable technology companies, sitting between traditional PE buyout and venture capital.
CV Tips for KKR Applications
Apply these KKR-specific tips before submitting your application. Each one directly addresses what their ATS and recruiters look for.
For PE applications, quantify every deal with enterprise value in $M/$B, your role (lead model, due diligence work stream owner, senior support), and outcome (IC approved, IRR achieved, add-on completed).
Include KKR PE keywords: LBO, leveraged buyout, carve-out, add-on acquisition, platform investment, IRR, MOIC, EV/EBITDA, investment committee, due diligence, KKR Capstone.
For Infrastructure roles, include: infrastructure equity, core infrastructure, concessions, regulated utilities, PPP, infrastructure debt, energy transition, renewables, digital infrastructure.
Credit candidates should include: direct lending, unitranche, second lien, mezzanine, CLO, leveraged loans, credit underwriting, distressed.
KKR has historically recruited heavily from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and MBB consulting — your prior employer brand should be clearly visible and early in the CV.
Demonstrate a value creation mindset: show how you contributed beyond modelling to actual business improvement at portfolio companies or in deal structuring.
Keep strictly to one page at analyst and associate level. KKR deal professionals reviewing CVs for pre-MBA roles expect a single, dense, accurate page.
For Growth Equity roles, include SaaS metrics (ARR, NRR, CAC, LTV) and any VC or growth investing experience alongside financial modelling credentials.
Related CV Guides
Sector-specific guides with ATS keywords, formatting requirements, and tips tailored to KKR's key business areas.
KKR Resume FAQ
What ATS does KKR use?
KKR uses Workday for its global applicant tracking. Applications are automatically screened for PE, real assets, and credit-specific keywords before reaching investment professionals. CVs with multi-column layouts or embedded images are frequently mis-parsed by Workday.
What is KKR's total AUM in 2025-2026?
As of Q1 2026, KKR manages approximately $758 billion in AUM across private equity, infrastructure, real assets, credit, and insurance. This includes the assets managed through Global Atlantic, which KKR fully acquired in January 2024 for approximately $2.6 billion.
What does KKR look for in a Private Equity CV?
KKR PE looks for quantified LBO and M&A deal experience, a track record of value creation thinking (beyond pure modelling), strong financial modeling skills, and typically a top-tier IB or MBB background. Each deal bullet should include enterprise value, your specific work stream, and a quantified outcome.
What sectors does KKR focus on for Private Equity?
KKR PE focuses on consumer & retail, industrials, healthcare, technology & software, and financial services. Separate dedicated strategies exist for growth equity (technology) and energy transition/infrastructure. Your CV should highlight sector-relevant experience aligned to KKR's active strategies.