I have an interview coming up as a specialist, can anyone share their interview experience process?
So far I have had the initial HR screen and soon I have a case study with HR. Beyond that I am expecting more case interviews with folks on the team I'd be working with.
Would love to hear other specialist interview questions/experiences!
Hi Sammy!
First of all - always, always ask HR about the process. I can tell you the process I had with my candidates that were applying for specialist roles, but that doesn't mean yours won't be different.
Now, in terms of what you can expect, they usually have the same mix of case study and personal fit compenents, but for specialist roles they also add a technical interview.
The technical interview can either be composed of another business case where they focus now not only on your skills for solving the case, but also the critical knowledge that you have for solving the case.
OR
The technical case can consist of a set of technical questions that test your knowledge in your target area.
Regardless, if you're really keen on the role, I'd recommend you run a practice session with an expert to identify the blindspots.
Best,
Cristian
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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies
Hi Sammy!
Ok, so look, the main principles all apply.
Learn casing. Period. You need to be prepared for any case type. Please don't fall into the trap of expecting any one thing!
Train yourself in solving any problem and case style - then you're guaranteed to not be let down!
After that, then make sure that you are well versed in the topic in which you are specialized - be ready for a case on that topic and brainstorming questions to test your expertise in that area.
In terms of prep, feel free to read through the following!
Behavioral/fit: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question
Casing Mindset: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case
Hi Sammy,
do you mind sharing a bit more concrete info on the exact role. Will be difficult to give targeted advice otherwise.
Regards, Andi
Hi Sammy,
The specialist interview process tends to be quite similar to the generalist interview process in structure, so feel free to look up advice threads for that. The only difference is that the case study you get is more likely (though not guaranteed) to be in your specialty field, and you will be assessed on your industry knowledge (rather than just problem solving skills and analytical capability).
