How to excel in preparing a one-pager for technical interview tests?

During technical interviews, recruiters may ask you to prepare one-pager. This exercise is designed to test your ability to synthesize and effectively present key information about a target company. It is often a crucial step in securing an interview, as it demonstrates your understanding of the business model, financial figures, and shareholder structure. Here is a detailed guide to preparing an effective one-pager for your interviews.

Top left: company at a glance

This section should summarize the essential company information in a few bullet points:

• Company name

• Year of foundation

• Headquarters and number of offices

• International presence (if relevant)

• Number of employees

• Main operational sites

• Industry and market positioning

• Patents or notable awards (if applicable)

• A key point on the business plan or future objectives

The goal of this section is to provide a quick and concise overview of the company’s fundamentals.

Top right: revenue and gross margin evolution

This section should include a graph illustrating revenue and gross margin trends over the past years. These are key indicators to assess the company’s growth and profitability, giving insight into its overall financial performance.

• Choosing the Right Graph:

Opt for a line chart (to highlight trends) or a bar chart (to compare yearly values). Ensure that axes and labels are clear for easy data interpretation.

• Adding Context:

Don’t just display numbers—highlight major events that explain significant variations, such as:

1. Rapid growth after a fundraising round or acquisition.
2. A sudden decline due to an economic crisis, regulatory changes, or the loss of a key client.
3.  A margin improvement due to operational efficiencies or a strategic product shift.

By incorporating these elements, you demonstrate not only your understanding of the numbers but also your ability to analyze them in a broader context. A well-structured one pager doesn’t just present raw data—it tells a coherent and insightful story.

Bottom left: business model overview

This section should allow the reader to quickly grasp how the company operates. It should include:

• The business model: products/services offered and customer segmentation.
• The main revenue streams: subscriptions, direct sales, service contracts, etc.
• Geographical revenue breakdown: percentage by region (if relevant).

Using diagrams or tables can help structure this information clearly and efficiently.

Bottom right: shareholders and management

This section is crucial to understanding who owns and runs the company. It can be split into two parts:

1. Shareholders: Founders, investment funds, stock market capitalization (if applicable).
2. Management: CEO, CFO, key board members.

If available, also mention recent changes in ownership or leadership, such as:

• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
• Fundraising rounds
• Executive team reshuffles

Key tips for a successful one-pager

• Clarity & Conciseness: Use bullet points and impactful visuals
• Structured Design: Keep the format clean and professional, with subtle colors for readability
• Accurate & Recent Data: Use reliable sources to support your analysis. Recruiters may ask for your sources, so ensure that every piece of information is backed up
• Ability to Explain: Be prepared to comment on each point during your interview. If revenue declines significantly in a given year, there should be an explanation—mention it directly in the one-pager or be ready to discuss it verbally

A well-crafted one-pager reflects analytical thinking and the ability to extract key insights. By following this methodology, you maximize your chances of acing the technical test and convincing recruiters of your rigor and professionalism.