Final Round Interview

Hi,

It sounds like you stand a good chance, fingers crossed!

It is true that partners usually do not stick to a standard case interview structure. The main reason is that you have already proven that you can solve cases in the previous rounds of interviews. Instead, they test how you think and your fit by providing you with an unconventional case.

There is really not an easy answer to your first question. You just need to keep practicing cases, as it improves your "consulting muscle". With this, you will stand a better chance during such unconventional discussions.

Addressing your second question, it sounds like he was happy with your performance. It is also important to know how you felt during the case. If the discussion was flowing as a dialogue, and you felt that he was treating you as a potential team member, these are promising news.

Best,

Deniz

Hi,

1) Just the same way you would approach the case - by structuring the problem. He is looking for a structured approach and the right questions which can be qualitative or quantitative

2) There is absolutely no point in guessing and nobody knows. Just wait for a feedback

Best

Looks like you have a good chances.

Wish you best of luck,

GB

Fingers crossed and wait for the feedback.

Best,
André

Dear A,

the structure of the final is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however there is more emphasis on communication and fit to the company.

Specifically, the main difference you will find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:

1. spend more time on fit questions and your alignment with the company - I am sending your attached FAQ for different companies

2. check more closely your communication (eg how you react to challenging questions)

3. may not have a “proper” structured case to present – during one of my MBB finals I had one interview which was made by two market sizing questions and a brainteaser, without any business case. That's because during the final they know you can structure and crack a case (you passed 1 or 2 rounds already) and are more interested in your logic, personality and fit with the company

So in order to prepare I would concentrate on:

• Review in detail your personal fit stories – they will matter more than in the first two rounds. In some finals I had almost exclusively behavioral questions

• Work on your communication (reaction under pressure is extremely important, how to gain time when you do not have a structure ready, connect with the interviewer, etc). This is something you can do with peers or with me.

• Prepare cases as you did for the first rounds. More market sizing practice may be useful to think out of the box if you get unusual questions.

In case you need help with unusual cases please feel free to PM me, I do a specific session on them (eg How would you estimate the effect of the Coronavirus on the economy in the Middle East)?

Best,

André