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How to prepare for management consulting interviews |
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Written by Kevin Gao - Management Consulted
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Saturday, 16 May 2009 02:50 |
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Here, I'll focus on 10 important steps to prepare for business consulting interviews. As an overall piece of advice, the best way to become a strong interviewer is to interview in live situations frequently - thus the reasoning behind spreading a very wide net and applying to many different consulting firms.
by KevinGao-ManagementConsulted
Here, I'll focus on 10 important steps to prepare for business consulting interviews. As an overall piece of advice, the best way to become a strong interviewer is to interview in live situations frequently - thus the reasoning behind spreading a very wide net and applying to many different consulting firms.
Preparing for case studies
1. Read Case In Point - a thorough, 100% case study-focused resource
2. Peruse Victor Cheng's website www.caseinterview.com - as a former McKinsey consultant, Victor has a strong grasp of successful case study techniques and strategies
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 case studies with friends - if no friends have relevant experience, search Craigslist, consulting forums, and the like for practice buddies
5. Practice sizing questions as you're walking (eg, if you see a BMW while driving, think about how many BMWs are manufactured in Europe). May seem silly to you, but this is how you become fast and flexible in your thinking
The most important thing: practicing case studies with current or former consultants. Never underestimate their willingness 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 answering in front of a mirror - this helps familiarize you with body language, pacing, volume, and more
3. Practice with friends and family - have them ask you questions where you don't have prepared responses. Improvisational interview skills will serve you well for consulting interviews
General interview preparation advice
1. Wear something that looks sharp and makes you feel confident - first appearances are incredibly powerful. Dress like a consultant to convey the right message.
2. Talk to as many consultants as you can - the better you understand the actual job, the more comfortable you are with consulting terms like "5,000 mile view" and "good client hands", the better you'll do. It's also great for consulting job networking
That wraps up our tour of the necessary steps to prepare for management consulting interviews. Good luck!
About the Author:
Management Consulted is a resource for understanding business consulting. Written by a former McKinsey consultant, its main purpose is to help readers land consulting jobs. Read the insider's guide to consultant interviews today!
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