There are several components to the management consulting interview, one of which focuses on the fit of a candidate to the firm. Most top consulting firms look for similar characteristics in candidates. Therefore, if you fit at one of the leading firms, you may fit at another.
As with common characteristics, there are also common mistakes heard by the hiring committees McKinsey Interview Cases of these firms during the interviewing process. Consulting firms, such as A.T. Kearney and Booz report hearing the same issues among candidates. While most candidates who clearly will not fit into the firm are culled, qualified but ill-prepared candidates often make it through; recruiters will see immediately which candidates have done their homework and practiced for the interview.
Below are some of the most typical management consulting interview questions and common mistakes made in answering them. You will benefit from interview practice leading up to your management consulting interview; make use of friends, colleagues or even yourself to rehearse successful interview skills.
what skills define a successful management consultant
A McKinsey recruiter reported that the most common question asked during the interview at their firm is what the candidate thinks are the good characteristics of a management consultant. Many firms, such as BCG and Bain, ask ‘what skills define a successful management consultant?’ One of the biggest mistakes made in answering this question is refraining from promoting yourself. The answer to this question is twofold, with you explaining what you perceive to be the most important qualities in successful management consultants and then supplying tangible examples of how you also exhibit those qualities. The interviewing team is really wanting to know how you personally posses the skills you just talked about.
Another common question asked at a management consulting interview is if you have ever had to deal with a difficult boss or troublesome situation. You may rather be asked, ‘have you had conflicts or disputes with your manager or superior?’ The common mistake made in answering this question is to provide a cliché that everything worked out smoothly. Too many candidates offer up this answer, and it lacks substance and actual communications that take place when resolving a situation at work. In order to effectively answer this question and set yourself apart from the majority of those interviewing for a management consulting job, craft a conversational answer that reveals conflict resolution skills. It is important to be honest and even admit partial fault, but avoid getting emotional or offering up a cliché answer.
Some firms inquire about a candidate’s weaknesses, when they ask the interviewee to tell them about their professional downsides. In the past, candidates were asked about their weaknesses in order to assess whether there were strengths hidden as weaknesses. This is not the case anymore. Honesty and sincerity rank highly among management consulting recruiters in answering this question. It is wise to offer an anecdote or personal example that details the answer to the question, as well as a couple of moral takeaways that you learned through the experience.
An important question, which virtually all the major firms pose, is ‘why did you apply to work at X Company?’ Candidates may also hear this question phrased as ‘what interests you about our company’ or ‘why are you interested in Bain, for example, over BCG?’ The answer to this question should be articulated well and rehearsed ahead McKinsey Case Course of time. Don’t play it safe in answering this question by telling the hiring committee that you see the passion among its employees, but rather share some specific anecdotes or encounters you have had.
Remember, preparation is the key to success when answering management consulting interview questions. Do your homework ahead of time, study the company website and be prepared with creative answers that set you apart from the other candidates.