Hi,

Personally, I try not to always give specific numbers in a live situation (be it case interview or client meeting, for a few reasons:

• Sometimes I realize halfway that I don't have enough points versus what I actually said at first (e.g. I said 4 but I only have 3 ideas)
• Sometimes I realize halfway that one of my ideas/points actually doesn't make as much sense so I don't want to mention it anymore
• Sometimes I actually have more ideas that come to me as I am talking (e.g. I say I have 2 points but now I have 3)

Does it really matter? IMO, not so much. Saying 3 points but only having 2 is not a ‘deal breaker’ per se. What is more important is

• Having clear signposting / signalling to give your verbalization a structure
• Actually having solid and robust insights/responses → this is ultimately what people care about the most

All the best!

You don't need to label the whole time. But with partners it is even more importante to be structured. If you can remain structured without the labels, go for it. If you can't, keep the labels.

But I would suggest the opposite: that you start labelling and structuring in your regular day-to-day situation. Of course, after a while you may think putting a number is over the top - but what is key here is to practice being structured until it becomes second nature in the way you communicate.

Hi there,

Your concerns about sounding too mechanical in partner interviews are valid. While the experts above provided key insights, let me add a few more thoughts:

1. Adapt to Your Audience: Recognizing the preferences and communication style of your audience can guide your approach. While some partners appreciate a concise, numbered breakdown, others might prefer a more conversational tone. Observe and adapt.

2. Alternatives to numbering: If numbering feels too rigid, consider using bullet points or logical connectors (e.g., "Additionally," "Moreover," "On the other hand") to provide structure without the strict sequence of numbers. This leaves space for more ideas to come.

3. Seek feedback: participate in mock interviews or practice sessions with a coach or a current consultant and ask for specific feedback on your communication style. This will help you gauge when and how to use number labeling effectively.

4. Maintain a balance: while structure is essential, maintaining a degree of spontaneity, especially in partner interviews, can make the conversation more engaging and genuine.

Hope this provides more clarity, and all the best for your interviews!

Alberto

Hi there!

Yes. 

Labelling helps because it makes it cognitively easier for the listener to follow your content, both in terms of overall structure and sequencing of arguments. 

Needless to say, there are robot ways of doing it and elegant ways. Senior Partners also use numbering when presenting arguments to clients in a steering committee, but they tend to be more eloquent in doing so than a starting intern :)

Best,
Cristian

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Hi there,

Such a great example of the “telephone tag” problem :)

I believe we have said (or at least I have!) that you need to signpost and articulate your high level overview first, and then dive into each bucket/area.

We never said “talk in numbers” robotically (at least I didn't!)

Structure does not negate fluidity.

Organization is not antithetical (mutually exclusive!) to conversation

Think any great orator. Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs. They are organized AND personable.

Summary: be structured AND not-mechanical. (i.e. talk through te buckets and signpost, but naturally)

Here's some more reading on interview Dos and Donts: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/dos-and-donts-in-a-case-interview

(editiert)

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with the consulting firm thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, while structure is important, especially in the first interview round to demonstrate your analytical and organizational skills, partner interviews often focus more on assessing your client-readiness, interpersonal skills, and ability to navigate complex, unstructured problems. I would advise you to maintain structure but allow the conversation to flow naturally without forcing the "number labelling."
• Moreover, adapt to the situation. Observe the interviewer’s style. If they appreciate brevity and get straight to the point, mirror that. If they are detailed and explorative, align with that style while maintaining your authenticity.
• Lastly, rather than sticking strictly to numbering, emphasize the insights and recommendations you’re bringing to the table. Share your thoughts in a manner that demonstrates depth, insight, and adaptability to the unique dynamics of partner-level conversations.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

Q: In partner interviews, where discussion is more fluid, should I always “talk in numbers”?

In general, I would recommend using “signposts” (First, second..) to structure your communication. 

The specific situation where it makes sense or not depends a bit on the context. There are no real downsides in doing so unless you are extremely robotic, which most of the time is not the case (most likely your case partners will mention if this is happening).

Best,

Francesco