Are brain teasers actually used in consulting interviews?

brainteaser Case Interview
New answer on Apr 30, 2020
11 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jan 28, 2020

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Sidi
Expert
replied on Jan 28, 2020
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers

Hi!

the use of Brainteasers differs across the tiers:

  • Not used in MBB
  • Sometimes used in Tier 2 firms (Berger, Wyman etc.)
  • Frequently used in Tier 3 firms (AD Little etc.)

Cheers, Sidi

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Anonymous replied on Apr 29, 2020

I never used it in BCG and Strategy&, I also never heard my colleagues use it in their interviews.

When I interviewed in Roland Berger, this type of question also did not pop up.

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Jan 29, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

brainteasers are rare in consulting, but you may occasionally get some - had one myself in my final at BCG.

Best,

Francesco

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Daniel
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 28, 2020
McKinsey / ex-Interviewer at McKinsey / I will coach you to rock those interviews

At McKinsey they are 100% NOT used.

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Anonymous replied on Apr 30, 2020

Yes, in some companies like RB, OW, ADL, ZEB, etc.

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Luca
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 28, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

THey are not really common, especially in big consulting firms. I heard of one just in a Simon Kucher interviewer but I would not invest time in the brainteasers preparation

Best,
Luca

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Thomas
Expert
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replied on Apr 19, 2020
150+ interviews | 6+ years experience | Bain, Kearney & Accenture | Exited startup| London Business School

Very interviewer specific. It is probably safer to assume you won't get them, then you will. However, some people like these things. In my experiences not common in final rounds and/or with senior people.

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 28, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Almost not used at MBB at sometimes used at Roland Berger, Oliver Wyman.

There is no dedicated part of the interview for brainteasers and to be honest, they are quite rare. Although the interviewer might want to ask you a brainteaser question either before or after the case. To prepare you simply read the 2-3 most popular books with the brainteasers (Are you smart enough to work at Google?, How would you move Mount Fuji?).

Best

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Anonymous D replied on Jan 28, 2020

Yes, I had 2 in Germany.

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Anonymous C updated the answer on Jan 28, 2020

I had one interview with a Tier 2 consultancy in which the case study was replaced with 6 basic brainteaser. It might happen but it is very unlikely I would guess.

(edited)

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Anonymous B replied on Jan 28, 2020

no

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Sidi gave the best answer

Sidi

McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
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