Hi Team,
I have an MBB interview lined up, but I feel like one skill that I want to improve is being more commercial. Do you have any advice or resources on how to improve it? This was one of the biggest pieces of feedback I received in previous interviews. Thanks!
Hi,
My 2 cents:
Unless you are interviewing for a Partner-level role, commercial ability is not tested in interviews, and it is not one of the core skills expected from a candidate entering the firm.
What may have been meant by that feedback is something slightly different, for example being more business-oriented in your case solving: focusing on what drives revenue, costs, profitability, customer behavior, competitive dynamics.. and the practical implications of your analysis.
If you are applying for a Partner-level position, then commercial skills should already be evident from your background and track record.
So in short, for a standard MBB interview, I would focus much more on case structuring, business judgment, quantitative accuracy, synthesis, and communication rather than trying to develop “sales” or commercial skills specifically.
Hope this helps
Franco
Hey there :)
I’d focus less on memorizing “commercial” frameworks and more on constantly asking yourself: “So what does this mean for the client?” When you solve a case, push yourself to connect every calculation or exhibit to revenue, costs, customers, competitors or the client’s strategic decision.
A good exercise is to take random business news or case exhibits and force yourself to explain the key takeaway and what you would recommend in 30 seconds. Practicing this in live cases is probably the fastest way to improve.
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out!
best, Alessa :)
