The partner interview today was structured and focused. After introductions, the partner asked detailed questions about my past consulting experience, the types of projects I worked on, and the stages I was involved in. She also asked why I wanted to return to consulting, and I explained that my earlier transition was driven by relocation rather than a lack of interest, and that I genuinely enjoy fast‑paced, large‑scale project environments where I can learn and grow. Throughout the conversation, she explored my exposure to client‑facing work, my comfort with data, and how I’ve contributed within different project contexts. Toward the end, she invited my questions, and I asked about the team’s priorities for the year, how someone at my level typically contributes, and how the team approaches innovation. When I asked for feedback, she mentioned she couldn’t comment directly but noted she didn’t hear much about capability ownership, which I interpreted as wanting more examples of leading or shaping specific parts of a project. Overall, the discussion was serious, thorough, and gave me the opportunity to clearly share my experience and interest in the role. But i still feel she was not happy by looking at her expressions. She mentioned she could not give full feedback and would reach out to HR but she said my answers were all aligned to the job but what put me off was her comment of the capability ownership part. I am really worried now and really unsure.
Could anyone help me with such a situation?
Not sure how my partner interview at Deloitte went?
Sorry if I'm direct but I’d really try to stop overthinking this; especially trying to read into body language. You don’t know her personality, her default expression, or how she typically behaves in interviews. She may come across as very serious or neutral regardless of how the interview is actually going. and about her comment on “capability ownership” doesn’t necessarily mean you did poorly; it’s more likely just one area she would have liked to hear more about.
On the feedback point; what she did is actually completely standard. When I went through interviewer training at BCG,one of the key rules was: never give direct feedback during the interview and always defer to HR. The reason is simple:firms want to avoid situations where a candidate interprets feedback as positive, and then receives a rejection later,which can lead to unnecessary friction
At this point, there’s honestly nothing more you can do. You did your part; now the ball is in their court. Try to switch off from it and wait for HR to come back.
I wish you good luck and keep us posted!
Franco
