AT Kearney phone screen

Hi Anonymous,

a screening interview is a reduced version of a full interview. It is normally mostly fit based, although they may ask the beginning of a case or a quick market sizing as well.

Preparation should then cover the following:

Fit

You should prepare the standard questions on leadership, drive, impact plus questions about the firm; thus at the bear minimum the following ones, using a STAR or PARADE structure for the answer:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why consulting
• Why ATK
• Give me an example when you lead a team
• Tell me about a time when you did not work well with a colleague/supervisor
• Tell me about a time your idea was criticized
• Why should we hire you

Case

Initial part of a case (profitability, M&A, market entry etc). It may be easier to get a market sizing case, as this is simpler to deliver and follow in a phone interview.

Additional tips

Below you can find some additional suggestions:

# 1. Go the extra mile in the case when presenting what you think. This is important in face-to-face interview, but even more in phone/video interviews where the interviewer cannot see you or your notes. In short, this implies:

1. Explain clearly upfront why you need some information. Eg don’t say “do we have information on price?”. Rather “In order to understand where the problem is on revenues, I would need to analyse price and volume for this segment. Do we have any information on how price and volume changed in the last year?”
2. Present with numbers in a structured way each area you want to introduce. I would suggest to do that in two steps:

• STEP 1: mention first the macro areas of your framework. “In order to help our client, I would like to focus on three main areas. Number 1 we may work on [FIRST TOPIC], Number 2 on [SECOND TOPIC], Number 3 on [THIRD TOPIC]. If this is fine for you, let me go deeper in each of them”
• STEP 2: provide details for each macro point. “In area Number 1, this is what I would analyse. First, I would like to cover [FIRST STEP OF FIRST TOPIC]; second, I would like to focus on [SECOND STEP OF FIRST TOPIC]; next, I would like to work on [THIRD STEP OF FIRST TOPIC]. In area Number 2, this is what I would analyse. First,(…)”

# 2. Hang on the wall in front of you all the material you need (structures, tips for fit part, etc) – in this way you do not have to look for information on the go

# 3. Prepare your own questions. One thing many candidates neglect to do at this stage is to prepare their own questions. Relevant questions at the end are a great way to show your interest in the company and get additional points. In the first reply at the following post you can find some more information on the ideal type of questions to ask at the end of your call: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/open-house-at-bcg-311

# 4. Dress properly - as if you had a face-to-face interview. Yes, they won’t see you, but will help to act with the right attitude

# 5. Prepare the place for the call -  quite environment is a must-have

# 6. Smile – it's the easiest way to show energy and is perceived in phone interviews as well.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi,

Great points from Francesco. 

Also, think of your questions to the interviewer. Pls don't ask the information you should learn before the interview (e.g. typical career path) or Questions that may show that you are unfamiliar with consulting work (Like are you specialized in strategy or operations?).

Ask questions about the particular office and the topics you are genuinely interested in

Be prepared and good luck!