Is it appropriate to ask HR about the recruitment process before applying?

Question

Is it reasonable to email the recruiting teams at MBB and Tier-2 in Singapore to ask about their recruitment process before submitting an application?

I’d like to understand which online tests to expect, how many rounds of fit and case interviews there are, and whether there are any additional assessments. My aim is to prepare in advance, as the process could move quickly once I apply.

Would recruiters generally view this as a reasonable enquiry, or could it come across as high-maintenance or presumptuous to ask before passing CV screening?

Answer 1

Hi,

Those are all things you can easily find online, including here on PrepLounge.

An email like that would not be held against you, but I am not sure they would even reply. My sense is that this is information they share with people already inside the recruiting process, because the steps depend on your seniority, your target office and other details, and they are unlikely to go through your profile in depth just to tell you what the process will look like.

So I would do the homework online and get properly prepared before you apply, because once you submit the application things can move quite fast.

If you want something more specific to your situation, feel free to write to me, happy to help.

Best,

Franco

Answer 2

Hi there,

Downside risk: 4 minutes of your time.

Upside risk: They agree to talk to you, remember your name, and potentially look at your resume when you submit.

Pretty simple to me!

Keep the email clean and concise. Ask which assessment is currently used and whether they can point you toward the office's recruiting process. Don't send them a ten question list asking them to explain every round.

And don't wait for perfect information before preparing. The specific process may vary by office and recruiting cycle, but case, fit, math, and chart reading preparation will still help.

Shoot your shot!

If you want a complete preparation system, my 360° Consulting Recruiting Course Bundle covers the journey from applications through assessments and interviews.

Answer 3

Hi there,

I think you can find answers to the majority of these questions through online research. If you feel like you need to clarify something specific afterwards, reaching out to the recruiter is warranted. But if you request a comprehensive process overview suggesting that you know nothing, they will likely just refer you to an FAQ section somewhere or not respond. That would at least be my guess.

Best

Answer 4

It is reasonable to contact recruiting, but do the public research first. A broad request for the complete process is easy to ignore because formats vary by office, role and cycle, and recruiters may not review your profile before you apply.

Send a short email only when you have one or two specific questions that the careers page does not answer. For example: “Which online assessment is currently used for this role?” or “Is the first round expected to include both fit and case interviews?” State the role and office, then stop.

Prepare the transferable core while you wait: case structuring, math, exhibit interpretation, synthesis and fit stories. That work remains useful even if the assessment vendor or number of rounds changes. The message will not look presumptuous if it is concise, informed and easy to answer.

Answer 5

Hey there :)

Yes, it’s reasonable, but I’d keep the email very short. Recruiters are used to candidates asking about timelines and process, especially when recruiting can move quickly.

I’d ask about the general process and expected assessments rather than requesting detailed information on the exact tests. Something like: “I’m planning to apply shortly and wanted to understand the expected recruitment timeline and interview stages so I can prepare appropriately.”

I wouldn’t worry about seeming high maintenance. The key is asking once, politely, rather than sending a long list of questions.

Best, Alessa :)

Answer 6

Hi there,

It's absolutely appropriate. You are a prospective candidate interested in understanding the recruitment process. Reach out to them with a polite email and ask for a 10 minute conversation.

Best,
Cristian