Business consulting interviews: 10 important steps to prepare
Here, I’ll focus on ten critical steps to prepare for management consulting interview rounds. As general advice, by far the best way to become a distinctive interviewer is to get live experience – thus the reason why you should spread a wide net in your search for different consulting firms.
Case study prep
1. Browse Case In Point – a very high-quality, 100% case-focused preparation guide
2. Browse Victor Cheng’s site www.caseinterview.com – Victor’s a former McKinsey consultant who provides great case tips and techniques
3. Practice case studies online – most company sites have plenty of real cases (some like Bain even have video run-throughs). The key is to answer the question yourself before reading the suggested answer. There are several consulting websites with case study materials as well, one example is Rice’s Consulting Club
4. Practice with friends – if no friends can be found, search sites like Craigslist, consulting forums, and the like for suitable partners
5. Practice estimation questions in spare moments (eg, if you see a Chrysler while driving, think about how many Chryslers are manufactured in the U.S.). It seems silly, but this is how you become quick and agile in your thought process
The most critical thing: practicing cases with current consultants. Don’t underestimate their ability to help.
Experiential/behavioral interview prep
1. Create example fit interview questions and prepare example replies – avoid simple memorization, but outline your key talking points.
2. Practice responding in front of a mirror – this helps you with body language, pacing, hand gestures, and so on
3. Practice with friends and colleagues – ideally have them ask you unexpected questions. Becoming good at improvising is crucial to acing consulting interviews
General interview prep suggestions
1. Wear something that looks clean, sharp, and makes you feel confident – first appearances are deceptively powerful. Dress like a management consultant, and people will think you deserve an offer.
2. Talk to current and former consultants – the better you understand the job and lifestyle, the more comfortable you are with consulting lingo like “on the beach” and “5,000 mile view“, the better you’ll do. It’s also great for recruiting and networking
That wraps up our tour of the necessary steps to prepare for management consulting interviews. Good luck!