Hey there,

So they asked you two questions?!

1. Why dont you apply for MBB?

2. What other firms are you interviewing at?

If they asked you #1, that sounds patronising to me and undermines their own position a bit (tIer2). But regardless such question (Are you interviewing elsewhere or Why dont you appy at XYZ) is very common. Be honest and make them aware of other places you are interviewing at without giving too much details. Say something like I am currently interviewing at 2-3 consulting firms at various stages in the process following CV short-list. But this firm (name them) is my preference for xyz reasons and that I will be a better fit here. Everyone knows candidates interview at multiple places, and you can also show that you are in demand but at the same time be sincere in your reasons why that firm is your preference. If you are not interviewing anywhere else, you can say something like I have placed my CV at other places and waiting to hear back. But I prefer this firm for xyz reasons and that I will be a better fit here.

Adi

(editiert)

Hi Anonymous,

There is nothing wrong to tell that you apply for other firms including MBB as well. Would actually be perceived as stupid if you focus all your efforts on only 1 company, unless you have a very good reason and rationale for that. However, no need to name specific companies though, and also not the stage or outcome of any prior interviews.

The important point though comes here: you need to have a solid argumentation why you still want to work for exactly this specific one firm (and thus implicitly also demonstrating that you know precisely how you'd fit into the firm and it's profile, as well as that you clearly thought about it since it would be important for you).

Hope this helps - if so, please give it a thumbs-up with the upvote button below!

Robert

Hi there,

Tough question.

You essentially need to reassure them that you're interested, but also let them know you're a great candidate.

So, it essentially goes as follows "I actually am interviewing for a range of consulting firms that I'd rather not disclose. However, I genuinely mean it when I say x company is my top choice. This is because x, y, z"

I think the muse lays out the scenarios and answers quite well! https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-answer-what-other-companies-are-you-interviewing-with

Hi there,

1. It is actually fine to say you applied to MBB – it is normal and expected if you applied to a Tier 2. Then just say why you find Company XYZ more interesting for you. There is no need to say you got rejected from MBB
2. I would keep the first answer general and say you applied to some of their main competitors. Then again, mention why you find Company XYZ better. It is fine to say names if they ask again which company exactly so far they are direct competitors – it can also give the idea you could be in high demand. Most candidates apply to several consulting companies, so that’s expected as well

Best,

Francesco

Hi A,

The question about other firms you are interviewing for is quite common, you should be just open about that. Of course, they know they might be not the only firm you are applying for, and just like other candidates are looking for the best fit for you.

As for the question "Why don't you apply for MBB?", the specifics are rather strange, indeed. Anyway, you can just tell them you have not considered MBB yet. They don't necessarily have to know that you've got rejected.

Was this helpful?

GB

Hello!

Try to answer with something related to the company´s value proposition.

For instance, if you are interviewing with a boutique that is specialized in a determined niche, tell them how passionate you are about that one.

In sum: re-direct the question on why you care about THEM, not MBB.

Hope it helps,

Clara