Kearney Middle East process

Hi there!

I understand how you feel and I am sorry. I have been there before.

As for Kearney ME, I recently interviewed with them and I am very happy to help you and share my experience.

Regarding your questions: 

1. Is the process similar to MBB? As in, if I pass the screening and online assessment, it’s just up to me to perform in 3-4 case interviews and finally a partner interview at their HQ’s? 

I would say so. I had 4 rounds of interviews: 3 with Managers / Principals and last one with a Partner. All of them were a mix of Fit questions and cases, with the exception of the Partner one. He asked me a few Fit questions for the first 20 minutes, and then he let me ask him as many questions as I had.

2. Is Kearney generally considered more aggressive in their interview? I’ve heard that they are in some European offices.

Absolutely no. I had a wonderful experience. All the people were very nice. I think it's more about geography (in my experience, interviewers in Europe tend to be a bit more aggressive than in the ME).

3. Is it wise to focus heavily on Kearney cases from case books or give all cases equal attention?

I focused on all types of cases. You never know. Kearney ME does a lot of public sector. So it makes sense to prepare for such cases. But other than that, I would give all cases equal attention.

4. Lastly, is there a general framework for cases that’s preferred in the middle east? As in, do they prefer a special type of cases and solution approach or just usual?

I interviewed with Kearney and S& in the ME. Kearney is very focused on Public sector (expect more unstructured cases, since they are closer to real projects). S& is more focused on TMT. I would say there is not a specific approach for the ME. Just bear in mind that the chances of getting a very unstructured “out of the blue” case are much higher.

If you need further help, please reach out, as I have many recent real cases and Fit questions from Kearney ME.

Best of luck,

Pietro

Hello,

I'm sorry you're feeling down about the rejections - it's definitely a tough recruiting cycle now, and rejections are unfortunately a natural part of the process. Hang in there! To answer your questions:

1. is the process similar to MBB? As in, if I pass the screening and online assessment, it’s just up to me to perform in 3-4 case interviews and finally a partner interview at their HQ’s?

Yes, it is! Depending on region/office/role there may be some specific nuances (e.g., an extra interview round), and HR can let you know what it looks like for their specific office. I would prepare for a standard recruiting round, as you lay out here.

2. is Kearney generally considered more aggressive in their interview? I’ve heard that they are in some European offices.

I have not heard this from candidates. Of course, particular interviewers can be more/less aggressive, but I wouldn't anticipate this one way or another.

3. is it wise to focus heavily on Kearney cases from case books or give all cases equal attention?

I would give all cases equal attention - the more different topics and formats you are prepped for, the better.

lastly, is there a general framework for cases that’s preferred in the middle east? As in, do they prefer a special type of cases and solution approach or just usual?

I wouldn't say there is a specific framework they are looking for - as always, focus on being MECE, clear, and structured.

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the recent rejections. In terms of your questions:

1) Is the process similar to MBB? As in, if I pass the screening and online assessment, it’s just up to me to perform in 3-4 case interviews and finally a partner interview at their HQ’s?

The interview itself is still fit+case+your questions, however the last candidate I helped for Kearney ME had 4 rounds of interviews which was a bit unusual. He also had one round of pure fit (I know the questions, if you need help please feel free to PM me for info).

2) Is Kearney generally considered more aggressive in their interview? I’ve heard that they are in some European offices.

I did not receive this feedback from the candidates I helped.

3) Is it wise to focus heavily on Kearney cases from case books or give all cases equal attention?

Personally I believe that the only thing that could give direction is knowing previous real questions asked. You should still be prepared for all types as there are no guarantees they will ask the same question again (although I know that empirically they do repeat the questions). If you need help please PM me, I have a DB with 30+ real Middle East Kearney questions.

4) Lastly, is there a general framework for cases that’s preferred in the middle east? As in, do they prefer a special type of cases and solution approach or just usual?

I think you are assuming that a structure to provide a solution is country-dependent. That’s not the case. What is sometimes country-dependent is the type of questions they ask. The structure you use to solve the case should have clear logic and answer the question asked, which is what you should focus on. If that’s the case, you will be fine regardless of the office/region.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there, 

Lots of useful advice already. 

Just wanted to note one point on 4 - don't expect different cases just because it's the Middle East. The cases can literally be about anything and come from any industry. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

First of all, you're right to feel bummed out but try not to blame yourself. It's a tough market at the moment and only a select few make it through (those with optimal resumes, extensive networking, etc.)

Now, remember, don't put all your hopes on Kearney. Also apply to LEK, Strat&, KPMG, Deloitte, Altman Solman, RB, SSA, MArs & Co, etc….the list goes on!

Apply to tons and tons of firms.

1. is the process similar to MBB? As in, if I pass the screening and online assessment, it’s just up to me to perform in 3-4 case interviews and finally a partner interview at their HQ’s?

Yes! That's exactly right.

1. is Kearney generally considered more aggressive in their interview? I’ve heard that they are in some European offices.

Not at all. I have a candidate who just finished their final rounds at Kearny ME. He had no “trouble” with them. They were quite friendly actually (his particular interviewers…remember, everyone is different).

1. is it wise to focus heavily on Kearney cases from case books or give all cases equal attention?

Nope! Most of those casebook cases that say they're from x company are bending the truth. Please give all cases equal attention.

Feel free to message me for the case prompts my candidate at Kearney ME just got over his past 2 interview rounds (but, remember, yours will likely be different)

1. lastly, is there a general framework for cases that’s preferred in the middle east? As in, do they prefer a special type of cases and solution approach or just usual?

Nope. As always, you need to be objective-diven, MECE, and direct/concise. Here's some reading to help.

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

Good luck!