Meeting with Partner

Hello, 

No, it is not an interview. The recruitment process is more formal and would involve HR.

However, this is a great networking opportunity, and the outcomes can only be positive:

• Worst case: there is nothing remarkable about your background or your discussion (and it's fine, there are so many great resumes sent to consulting firms, it is not easy to stand out in a short discussion). Still, you can mention this discussion in your cover letter when applying (you can ask for his authorization at the end of the discussion), and when you interview, this will show that you are motivated by the firm and you did your homework 
• Best case: you got his interest and he refers you to HR to start a formal process (this scenario is most likely for experienced profiles - especially if the partner practice is recruiting - as they are more difficult to hire)

You will be blacklisted only if you are very unprofessional / rude.

Hope this helps.

First of all, congrats on getting that appointment with the partner! This is already an achievement because partners agendas are very busy and it means either that your CV is really appealing or that you made a really great job at networking over Linkedin. Either way, this already indicates that you get into the partner chat with some points at your advantage. 

Never underestimate “informal” conversations. There are no informal conversations. Every chat is an interview. This is basically true for all your business life. This partner has the power to hire you into consulting now. Once you are a consultant, the manager at your client will have the power to hire you out of consulting at some point.  An informal situations are the best in which one can answer the question “if I'm stuck at the office for a late night shift on a difficult assignment, would I want this guy there with me?” 

Having said this, interviewing processes in consulting companies are very structured processes, therefore it is  extremely unlikely (if not impossible) that he will ask you to do a business case. What's most likely is that: 

• He will want to get you know you: be fit on all questions regarding your CV, who you are, where you come from, what your ambitions for the future are.
• He will try to evaluate if it makes sense to insert you into the official interview process: be fit for all questions regarding your motivation in going into consulting and why specifically for this company. 

If it goes rally well, he will probably put you in touch with the HR for scheduling an official interview and you will already have the “little” push of his recommendation. 

It's a great networking opportunity.  

In my experience, most time partners like to drive the conversation so just follow them along. 

Having said that do some background research about the company and the partner's practice area. 

A good idea is to read some thought leadership articles he/she has written. 

It's very important to ask them a few good questions (ideally 3) expecting you generally get 30 mins time slot. 

Questions can be the around the following topics

1. People like to talk about themselves, so ask them about their career, what they like about consulting 
2. Ask a really interesting Q about their industry/practice area (future trends etc)
3. Something specific about the company. (try avoiding recruitment-related Qs and basic stuff that can be found on the website) 

Always lead the question with an insight. 

Try building a relationship and be a fun person to talk to. 

Do reach out if you have any questions. 

Hi there,

Well done on the networking!

This is not an interview and not an “informal” chat. This is an informational sometimes referred to as a coffee chat.

It's an opportunity to learn more about the firm AND maybe even get a referral.

Ideally you are prepared with your elevator pitch, why consulting, why the firm, and also understand the company and have tailored questions for him.

Hi there,

 
congrats on the meeting, Partners agendas are really packed and sometimes even working at MBB it takes 1-2 weeks to get a slot with one. So it means you likely have an appealing profile for the firm and they want to give you the opportunity to get to know them. Having said that, Partners are busy and you should prepare most of your questions before the call. I would focus on questions for which you cant easily find the answer on the web. Rather ask about the type of the cases, about the firm culture, what is important to fit, what particular cases they solve, what expertise they need more, etc. Whatever you are curious to know but can't find reading the internet... 
this is your once opportunity to get to know the firm. 

Good luck!

Lucie
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Hi Saji,

In addition to what other coaches have already advised, have a look at these threads for some more helpful tips:

• https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-create-chemistry-with-the-interviewer-8271
• preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/info-chats-with-partners-9979

All the best

Hey there,

Well done with the networking!

This is not going to be an interview but it may well lead to one. Hence, you will have to make it worth the Partner's while!

What he/she will be looking for is a curious mind who wants to join the firm and has some questions/discussion points that can't be covered by a “lower ranking” consultant in the firm. Otherwise, why ask for a meeting with a Partner?

I point this out because a bit of chit-chat won't do the trick since you could do this with anyone else from the firm. A common mistake by candidates getting airtime with Partners is the choice of topic, which is often underwhelming.

Hence, think about the things that are really important to you with regards to a potential career in this firm. And very importantly, have a clear message around:

• Why you'd want to join
• When you'd like to join
• Why you're the right person to join

As part of this conversation, you should have an immaculate CV to share with the Partner. An ideal outcome would be a direct Partner referral post-meeting.

Best of luck!

It is not an interview… it's more like conversation that can lead into getting an interview… so it's like an interview but with a different format :)

Well done. Note that usually it is not a formal interview, e.g., you are not guaranteed to enter the hiring process through this but it is a great step forward. And you should come well prepared, meaning get your storyline ready, prep your questions, present your strenghts. Your ideal goal would be to get a referral from the partner for your application. Your minimum goal should be making a good impression so when you formally apply you can mention this conversation in interviews. Best of luck, Charlotte

Hello!

It´s difficult to be 100% sure without having been in your conversations, but I am almost certain that it will be a network conversation. 

Hence, questions, and no interview. 

However, it´s also an “exam” somehow, if what you want to take out of the conversation is a referral. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Dear, 

Good job in getting a meeting with a partner, this is a great and valuable step towards potentially getting a job at that firm. 

It depends on the firm and the partner what this meeting is going to be. Most likely it will be a general conversation where you ask questions instead of the other way around. 

Still, it is important that you show the value that you can add to the firm. 

Let's be honest, if the partner doesn't like your ‘performance’ during the meeting then you will probably never get a ‘real’ interview. However, if this meeting goes well it also won't mean that you have a job. 

Therefore, I suggest that you perceive this chat as an initial screening!

Always remember that these conversations are not only for them to get an impression of you, but also for you to determine whether you would like to work at this company.

Good luck tomorrow and have fun.