Preparing for your case interview in consulting requires dedication, hard work, and a lot of perseverance. While it's tempting to focus all your energy on perfecting your case-solving skills, there's another key element that many candidates tend to overlook: the motivational fit interview.
Even though it’s often a smaller part of the overall interview, don't underestimate its importance. How well you connect with the company's culture and values can be just as critical to your success as your case-solving ability.
In this article, our expert case interview coach Clara will guide you through the most common motivational fit questions and provide you with some actionable tips.
💡 This guide is part of a series of three expert articles. Read the others here:
In consulting interviews, candidates usually face two or three on-site rounds with consultants. One key part of these interviews is the FIT section, which often gets less attention during preparation. But don’t make the mistake of underestimating it. FIT is just as important to prepare for as the business cases.
FIT is not just a typical motivational interview. It’s an in-depth assessment of your skills, focusing on areas that go beyond analytical and problem-solving abilities. In fact, FIT evaluates critical qualities for a consultant, such as:
These qualities can’t be assessed through business cases alone, which is why the FIT section plays such an important role in the interview process.
Motivational questions are designed to understand what drives you to apply for a consulting role. Specifically, they aim to uncover:
It’s also important to remember that consultants, not HR, conduct the interviews. While evaluating your answers, they’ll be thinking about a few key things beyond the standard criteria:
When answering motivational questions, it's important to keep in mind that the interviewer is trying to assess not just your interest, but also whether you're a good fit for the role and the firm. Each of the classical motivational questions serves to uncover specific aspects of your background, your reasoning, and your commitment. Here's what the interviewer is aiming to evaluate for each of these key questions:
Two powerful techniques you can use to structure your answers effectively are the STAR and PARADE methodologies. Both help you communicate your stories in a clear, organized way, making sure you cover all key aspects of your experience without losing track of your point.
By using these methods, you can structure your response logically, avoiding the common trap of jumping from one thought to another. When answering a question, start by outlining the problem you faced and its consequences. Then, explain your role and the tasks you were responsible for. Next, focus on the specific actions you took to address the issue. Finally, wrap up by explaining the outcome, letting the interviewer know whether the problem was resolved, and provide any additional context.
Example:
"There are two main reasons why consulting is my ideal career. I studied Architecture because I enjoyed the multidisciplinary approach, but I realized that the scope as an architect is limited. Consulting, with its multi-industry focus, offers the breadth I’m looking for. Additionally, I thrive on constant challenges and learning, which consulting provides. In short, I want to join consulting for its diversity and growth opportunities."
Example:
"Bain is my top choice because of its focus on Private Equity, which aligns with my experience and passion. I also admire its employee-centered culture, which I’ve learned about through my friend John Smith in the London office. Lastly, Bain’s alumni network, described as a ‘bigger family,’ is a unique asset. In sum, Bain appeals to me because of its focus on PE, its culture, and its strong alumni community."
Example:
"I want to join McKinsey in UAE for two reasons: first, the office focuses on Public Sector projects, which align with my past experience. Second, my husband and I are moving abroad before starting a family, and we have strong personal ties to the region. McKinsey in Dubai is the perfect fit."
Example:
"I chose to study Big Data and Analytics because I believe using data to solve business problems is crucial for the future. McKinsey Advanced Analytics is the perfect fit, as it combines my analytical skills with my desire to grow in the business world. The opportunity to work at the intersection of business and analytics excites me."
Good job – you’ve now gathered all the key insights to prepare for your motivational interview! But there are a few final tips to take your preparation to the next level.
Make sure to give yourself the best FIT interview preparation and leave no stone unturned to land your dream job in management consulting. Do not wait and start directly with your preparation!
Professional Experience: Instituto de Empresa Business School, Amazon, McKinsey & Company
Languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish
Location: Spain
Clara started her career at McKinsey & Company, where she focused on Telco, Oil & Gas, and Real Estate. She later joined the team that launched Amazon Business in Spain, where she is nowadays in charge of several capability-building and coaching programs for the Spanish Marketplace department.
Clara teaches “Data Insights and Visualization” in the Master in Management at Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, where she has received the Teaching Excellence Award, as the best-valued course by the students. She has also coached 180+ candidates on diverse platforms, such as PrepLounge. Furthermore, she is the founder and president of the NGO Building their Future since 2015, focused on educational projects in Nairobi, Kenya.
