Hi there,
Please find my answers below.
1) I wanted to know if this is a second-round or just another part of round 1. Either way, what difference could I expect in terms of skills tested
The structure of the rounds is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however in a final round there is usually more emphasis on communication and fit.
Specifically, the main differences you may find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:
- Spend more time on fit questions and your alignment with the company
- Check more closely your communication (eg how you react to challenging questions)
- 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 fit stories – they will matter more than in the first round. In some finals I had almost exclusively behavioral questions
- Work on your communication (reaction under pressure, how to gain time when you do not have a structure ready, connect with the interviewer, etc). This is something you can do almost exclusively in interviews with peers.
- Prepare cases as you did for the first round. More market sizing practice may be useful to think outside the box if you get unusual questions.
2) From what I have gathered. EY-P generally tests market sizing, profitability, market entry and due diligence/investment decision. What else could I focus majorly on?
Agree with your list. In general you should be prepared on every case, but those you listed tend to appear more with Parthenon
3) What others things could I prepare for the fit part?
It depends on what you have done already. At the bare minimum you should be prepared on the following:
- Tell me about yourself
- Why consulting
- Why EY-P
- Give me an example when you led a team
- Tell me about a time when you had to convince someone not agreeing with you
- What has been your major achievement so far
- Why should we hire you
Best,
Francesco