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Do interviewers test your knowledge of current projects?

MBB
New answer on Mar 21, 2023
9 Answers
401 Views
Anonymous A asked on Mar 19, 2023

In IB interviews it’s a typical question, they ask about recent deals the bank has done that interest you.

Does MBB ask similar questions? How would you even know what projects they are handling in the office you are applying to?

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Cristian
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Content Creator
replied on Mar 20, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

No, they won't ask you about that because consulting firms maintain strict confidentiality rules as to who they work with. 

They never discuss clients and more often than not, they avoid providing client names even when speaking with each other. 

You should know instead about the firm and the role that you are applying for, and whether they happen to be focusing on any specific market. 

Best,
Cristian

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Anonymous replied on Mar 20, 2023

It is unlikely that MBB would ask similar questions given that this information tends to be confidential for the most part.

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Emily
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Content Creator
replied on Mar 21, 2023
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad

They are not interested in you knowing what projects are going on. Quite the opposite, clients are kept extremely confidential, as is the specific work that is being done for them.

While it can be helpful for you to know what industries the office works with, mostly so that you know if you'll be interested in the work, they are interested in the raw skills that you can demonstrate in the case study. 

Good luck!

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Ian
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replied on Mar 21, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Yes they do! It's called a case :P

Genuinely, cases are real projects.

But, in terms of current projects, no. These are all confidential and there is strict policy on not discussing these.

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Hagen
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replied on Mar 21, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • First of all, contrary to what other coaches have said, if you work as a consultant and interview with another strategy consulting company, you will, of course, be asked about past projects.
  • While the interviewers might ask about it in a more general way and expect you to not disclose the client's name or any confidential information, they will still be interested in the types of projects you have been involved in the past and what your role and responsibilities were.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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Andreas
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replied on Mar 20, 2023
McKinsey EM | Top MBB Coach | >70% Success Rate | Free Introductory Calls

Hi,

questions or cases do usually not come from current projects. However, some interviewers derive their cases from real live projects they did in the past.

Hope this helps!

Andreas

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Francesco
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replied on Mar 20, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Do interviewers test your knowledge of current projects? How would you even know what projects they are handling in the office you are applying to?

Not for specific projects. The information related to that is normally confidential so you won't be able to know that anyway.

On the other hand, they might ask why you want to join a particular company and you could talk about the sectors they cover – that information is normally available.

Best,

Francesco

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Paul
Expert
replied on Mar 20, 2023
PL-level BCG experience (6 years)|Interviewer at BCG| 6/6 personal + 95%+ candidates offer success rate

Hi there,

agree with answers below - let me just remark something important

1) You should aim to have a knowledge of the practices “weigths” of your target office if possible (industry e.g. consumer goods is the strongest for this officevs. practice z). This can be a differentiator in the fit part shows the interviewer that you really did your homework in understanding the specific office, via talking to people working there. Thus interviewer will be prone to consider you a more “mature and credible” candidate.

Hope this helps.

   

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Udayan
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Content Creator
replied on Mar 20, 2023
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

This is more common for sector specific roles or for roles where it is important to know it beforehand. For a standard consultant role its not typically something they ask. 

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Cristian gave the best answer

Cristian

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