Hi there,

First of all: Please stop trying to predict things.

Anything can happen.

The sooner you accept that, the better you will perform.

If you go in expecting something, and it doesn't happen, you're less ready/flexible/able.

Example:

In general:

• Faster paced
• Challenge you/your thinking more
• Snappier
• More brainstorming
• More unconventional

However, again, please just go in ready to adjust to them.

Here's some more reading to help:

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

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/dos-and-donts-in-a-case-interview

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/candidate-led-cases-what-to-expect-and-example-cases

Hi there, kindly provide more background on the company you're applying. While partners indeed have a tendency to rather go off script and sometimes may come across more erratic in their interview style, some firms (e.g., McK) really try to reinforce standardized procedures with regular shadowings etc. to ensure a consistent recruitment process. Having said this, it's best to be able to handle unexpected situations and train for the worst. Happy to have a real partner interview with you. Warm regards, Frederic

(editiert)

Hi there,

As other coaches mentioned, this can really change across consulting firms so it would help if you can share more details.

In general, during a Partner interview you can expect less structure, you will need to prove stronger communication / synthesis  skills and more flexibility to adapt to whatever comes during the interview.

Good luck!

Alberto

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Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Hi,

This is a common question. Partners may choose to follow the standard format, or they may choose not to follow the standard format. 

Any of your situations could happen, and even more. 

• For example, one of my recent coachees had a final round Partner ask them a case question on a topic totally not related to their core practice area
• For example, in my final round interview, the Partner simply drew a graph on the board and said “discuss”. 

End of the day however, you have to realize that you need to demonstrate the same skills and abilities regardless of the format. The more you try and anticipate, the more likely you will be thrown off if something happens that you don't expect.

Focus on your fundamentals and you'll be fine.

All the best!

Hi there!

Sure, happy to provide a perspective.

Here's what you can expect:

1. Expect less structure. Senior interviewers already have the confidence that you are a decent candidate, your skills having been already vetted by their younger colleagues. They are rather more interested in your as a person and your way of thinking. So they might present you with an unusual case, or one that is created on the spot or no case altogether. Expect anything.
2. Focus on excellent communication. Senior interviewers care a lot about how clearly you communicate and how you manage to forge a connection with the interviewer. It's important to be top-down and concise as much as possible with your answers, while allowing the conversation to flow in a natural way.
3. Put yourself in their shoes. The one question senior interviewers are asking themselves throughout the interview is what will happen when they'll put you in front of a client they've groomed for years? Make sure that even based on this first impression you seem somebody who can be trusted and who can work with any client regardless of how difficult they might be.

Best,
Cristian

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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

Hey,

As partners are the ones who assess your general match for the firm or the department you are interviewing for, they usually tend to put more focus on the behavioural part. 

Though you shouldn't expect that they'll neglect the case part altogether or that it will be easier during the partner rounds. 

I totally agree with the other coaches here: you should prepare for everything and always expect the unexpected.

Good luck!
Nick

(editiert)

Hi there,

1) Do they tend to focus more on brainstorming/business intuition/market sizing questions rather than lengthy business situation cases? 

It depends on the partner. In my BCG final for example I had one interview which was a standard case, and the other including two market sizing and one brainteaser.

2) Do they usually emphasize/allocate more time for behavioral questions to make sure you are a good fit?

It also depends. In one interview with a senior partner at OW I had the whole interview as a conversation with fit questions. However in other interviews, it was the standard fit+case.

3) From your experience, do they usually ask case questions related to the practices they lead? 

If you mean for case questions: partners could cover cases/discussions on their practice, but there is no guarantee.

Good luck!

Francesco