Fit Interview - why this company? - "..well but that's a pretty small sample size, right?"

This is a hilarious comeback from the interviewer. And I find it is a valid point.

In today's times you could equally witty (but respectfully), respond that that was what you would call the qualitative element at greater depth and then add that you also looked at glassdoor, kununu, etc. to get a better overall quantitative picture and feel confident as it all stacks up very well in your eyes.

Hi,

if you would like to minimize risks, certainly speak to as many ppl as possible from the specific office you are recruiting for. Whenever I did recruiting in the past I made sure to speak at least to a handful of people exactly for that reason. For companies that I really admired and that were my prio 1 I made sure to speak to a double-digit number of people. You can use those contacts for referrals, opinions / mock interviews, but most importantly your responses to Fit Questions. Many candidates tend to overfocus on casing skills, but forget about networking and the practical utility that brings.

If you want to belong to that firm, you need to walk and talk like a member of that firm. Do everything all the other candidates are doing too (google searches), but if you expect to get the job, go the extramile in preparation and speak to as many ppl as possible.

Best,

Denis

Hi there, 

love the question of this interviewer! "Why this firm" is obviously a standard question, but if any interviewee would only come up with one/a standard answer, the game could alreqdy be likely over.

Why? Because fit is crucial and therefore you better have several good arguments why this firm is exceptional! It doesn't really matter which follow up question the interviewer is asking, it's only about to see, if you can really answer this question properly beyond a standard statement. 

Best, Jasper

Hi there,

This is a fantastic question from the interviewer - he's not just "following the steps"...he's actually interviewing you!

He's essentially testing to see if you really want to work at the company. Have you done your research? Do you know what they're about? Do you view them as just another number?

You essentially needed to respond emphatically with reassurance that you really do know/like the firm!

Fair challenge back from the interviewer and obvsiously your answer to "Why this firm" needs to be way more than speaking at lenght with one person- culture, values, poeple you know there, pipeline of work, attitude towards risk/innovation, reputation, Digital transformation projects etc.You need to do some proper homework & research to convince them that firm is indeed the right next step for you.

Hello!

This is one of the classical Motivational questions, you can see a full free case here about it: 

• Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201

Regardng the follow-up the interviewer made, it´s a stress test, to see how you react. 

If you want to deep dive on the topic, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

Furthermore, you can find 2 additional free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:

• Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-20
• Behavioural questions (ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE) >https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/behavioral-questions-entrepreneurial-drive-fit-interview-preparation-211

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!

1 person is a data point....it's certainly not enough for a whole story. Either way I do not think this question will be the deciding factor in your getting to the next round.

It sounds like he was looking for you to offer more than one reason to show you really wanted to work there, but also was a stress test to see how you would react.

What would be better is if you mention several reasons, including anecdotal examples from people you've spoken to

Hi there!

It’s a standard question from an interviewer with no right answer. The thing is that your values and views on perspectives, company’s development strategy, personal growth and even lifestyle are supposed to be on the same way with the company you are going to become a part of , therefore it is widely recommended to do your research about companies’ directions, values, perspectives before you get involved into the inner processes, deeper processes. 

The questions like this might be asked during a job interview to reveal your aspirations, to understand what you are driven by and if you completely understand companies’ current needs and goals.

Hope it was helpful.

Best,

GB