I work in MBB and I am doing interviews for another job. How would you manage interviews while working full-time?

Hi there,

I was in a similar position to you (interviewing while working on a BCG project). You're luckier than I though...much easier to hop onto an interview from WFH than having to rush to a physical location in the middle of the day in between stressful deliverables!

My guess is that you're not actually asking about how to prepare for interviews (as you go into MBB, you know the drill), but rather how to manage the interview scheduling itself.

You have a few options:

1. Leverage "doctor appointments" as much as possible. This let's you schedule in times in advance
2. Figure out when there will be lulls in your project (i.e. the day or two after a big SteerCo) and schedule interviews then
3. Flag to your interviewers that you have high demands in your current role (they know) and that you appreciate flexibility on their end. Highlight that your job and duties are your #1 priority and apologize in advance for any schedule changes. They will appreciate this...it's actually a great way to sell yourself as they know you will make them your #1 when you join!
4. The safest bet is to take annual leave (and/or sick days) on your interview dates. You do not have to defend this decision when requesting leave.

Good luck!

Hello there!

Time-management would be the key to succeed in the process.
Here is what you could do:

• devote time to prepare at the weekends
• do some final polishing after work as well
• take days off on the interview days

If you have difficulties with self-preparation, I would suggest finding a coach and spend the time you have on sessions, that would make the process faster.

Hope it helps and good luck!

GB

Hello!

I had the same situation and don´t worry, it can be handled. Furthermore now, everything is more flex. 

I would try to get as much working from home time as you can the days that you have the calls, since it´s always more stressful doing them in the workplace. Even if that is the place, book a separate room, there are plenty, and none will ask questions. 

Best of luck with that change :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Totally depends on how much effort is required. If you need to put in a lot of time to prep for interviews you should consider using PTO as MBB does not leave much time for prep. If a lot of the interviews are focused on questions you do not need to spend time learning (so non technical questions) then you can usually manage by setting aside some time on weekends.

Best,

Udayan

Hi,

Several options here:

• Taking a leave (you'll need at least a month)
• Doing cases after work / weekends
• Coaches to speed up

Best

Hi, 

Talk to the HR! They're here to help you with these situations.

Good luck.

Antonello

Hi,

In the times before Covid, I prefer to do interviews in early morning or after office hour.

In current time it supposed to be easier to manage. However, I would suggest you use an agreed regular blocked time in the week to do the interviews

Best,
Iman.

Hey there,

I'd take a day off to be out of the engagement loop and able to fully focus on the interviews. 

If you are working from home and the interviews are virtual, you could also block that time of the day in your calendar. However, some other meetings or urgent priorities might creep into that timeslot. Hence --> take a day off.

All the best with your interviews.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

If you mean how to find the time to prepare for interviews, your main options are:

• Maximize the time during weekends for preparation
• Invest in courses/coaching to speed up the learning

If you mean how to organize the interview day, it makes sense to take the day off.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Either take the day off or manage expectations in your case team explicitly and tell them you're off for an hour for a personal appointment.