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Interview formats used by consultancies in G&A

Dear coaches/community,

I plan to apply to a broad set of consulting firms (all T1/T2), all in Germany. I am trying to think about my preparation well ahead and identified an important question to clarify, hope you can help!

I heard from friends who went through the process before, that the case interview formats differ significantly, e.g.:

- quite short 20 min self-timed case at BCG (+ the Real Life format)

- having to create slides to pitch results at end of RB case

Therefore I wondered: Does anyone have or knows an overview on the different case formats of these firms (duration, unique formats), if possible even as done in Germany? That would come in really handy and would, I guess, also help a lot of other candidates!

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Top answer
on Oct 31, 2023
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Yes, that would be a great resource.

But nobody is putting it together not because it would be a lot of work, but because it would become very quickly irrelevant.

Realistically, each firm and then each office is free to adjust their recruitment process. They often experiment with something and then decide not to stick with it. They sometimes adjust the recruitment process for a specific role. 

So there's so much information and it changes so fast that nobody can be bothered to maintain this sort of database.

What I always recommend to people is to reach out to the source i.e., the recruiter and also build relationships in the process.

This way you at least know that you have the latest understanding of how the process works. 

Best,
Cristian

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Raj
Coach
on Oct 31, 2023
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

Hello! As a seasoned strategy consultant with experience in Germany, I can provide some insights into the case interview formats of consulting firms in the country. While I don't have an exhaustive overview, I can share some general information based on my knowledge and experience.

In Germany, top-tier consulting firms like BCG, McKinsey, and Bain typically use case interviews as part of their selection process. The case interview formats can vary slightly between firms, but they generally aim to assess your problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and ability to communicate effectively.

BCG, for example, is known for its short 20-minute self-timed case interviews, where you are given a case prompt and have a limited amount of time to analyze the problem, develop a framework, and present your recommendations. BCG also uses the Real Life format, which involves discussing a real business situation or challenge that the firm has faced.

McKinsey often uses a case interview format that involves creating slides to pitch your results at the end. This format assesses your ability to structure your analysis, synthesize information, and present your findings in a clear and concise manner.

Bain, on the other hand, may use a combination of case interviews and written case interviews. In a written case interview, you are given a case prompt and have a set amount of time to analyze the problem and provide a written response.

It's important to note that these are general descriptions and the specific case interview formats may vary between offices and even individual interviewers. Therefore, it's crucial to research and prepare for each firm's specific interview style and format.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the case interview formats used by consulting firms in Germany, I recommend reaching out to current or former employees of these firms, attending networking events, or utilizing online resources that provide insights into the interview experiences of candidates who have gone through the process.

If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask. Best of luck with your preparation and applications to the consulting firms in Germany!

on Nov 01, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Agree with Cristian here. warm regards, Frederic 

Ian
Coach
on Nov 04, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

So there's actually a fair amount out there. However, be careful. While there are general formats/guides, anything can happen.

Better to train yourself in the fundamentals and be ready for anything . You literally only need to be ready for a) Case b) Behavioral c) Brainstorming d) Written case e) Online assessment and they use the same core skills.

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