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
The uncertainty after a partner interview is normal. Stop replaying it in your head.
The capability ownership comment is actually useful. She was looking for examples where you owned something specific, a deliverable, a decision, a client relationship, not just contributed to a team. Consulting at your level expects people who shape things. Your other answers were aligned, so this was one gap, not a pattern.
Do not read her expressions. Partners often look serious. It tells you nothing.
Send a short thank you to HR today. Express your interest. Do not try to address the capability point in writing. Just stay professional and visible.
If it does not work out, you now know exactly what to fix. That is worth something.
Hi there,
Do the best you can on each interview. Period. After the interview no amount of thinking about it will change the outcome. I know, easier said than done.
You are trying to understand something that you have no control over. In some instances you will get a call the same day (I received a "thank you" call from the Partner as I was in the taxi back to the airport, and an offer the next day), or it may take multiple weeks (and still be a yes). Be patient — if you don't hear back in 2 to 3 weeks that's the approximate time to follow up.
Fingers crossed!
Worth reading in the meantime: How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case and Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation.
Thanks for sharing your account.
You can only wait at this point.
What I recommend, though, for future situations, is not to ask for feedback at the end of the interview. It makes the interviewer turn more critical, starting to reflect already on your 'areas of improvement'. Ideally, you'd position questions that make them reflect on your strengths rather than what you're not great at.
Additionally, they can't formally share a perspective on the interview because it's not part of the interview process. They are meant to share this with HR, and then HR would collate everything and form an answer.
However, overall, it doesn't sound like the interview went badly. I hope you hear from them soon with good news.
Best,
Cristian
I wouldn’t overthink this too much.
What you describe actually sounds like a pretty standard partner interview: detailed questions, neutral tone, limited feedback, and one point for improvement. Partners are often hard to read and don’t give much away — that’s normal.
The “capability ownership” comment is not a red flag. It’s just one area where you could have gone deeper. The fact that she said your answers were aligned to the role is a positive signal.
Also, trying to read facial expressions is usually misleading — especially with senior interviewers.
At this point, there’s nothing to optimize anymore. You did your part.
Best thing you can do now is just wait for the outcome and not get stuck replaying the interview in your head.
