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Fit question

FIT motivation
New answer on Aug 03, 2023
5 Answers
373 Views
Anonymous A asked on Aug 02, 2023

how to answer in a fit interview “How do you feel about working with people younger than you?”

 

Overview of answers

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Aug 02, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

This is essentially a teamwork/leadership question.

Of course, you need to not just say you're comfortable with it, but demonstrate this. You can do so by highlighting why you enjoy working with people younger (dynamism, new way of looking at things, etc.). An excellent response will also bring in the fact that working with people of all ages is enjoyable.

As with any fit question, always make sure to put your best foot forward and bring in “drops” or elements of yourself that shine through.

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Andi
Expert
replied on Aug 02, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires

Hi there,

agree with Ian's answer. 

Additionally, would stress that you value anyone's opinions based on their quality, no matter the age.

Consulting firms pride themselves to be meritocratic organisations with flat hierarchies where merit of opinion supersedes age & tenure. 

As an older candidate, it's important to resonate with that sentiment, as the firm might otherwise question one's fit with a young, dynamic company culture that most firms in the industry have.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi

 

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Sophia
Expert
replied on Aug 03, 2023
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

I think you've gotten some great advice here already! My additional two cents would be:

  • What role are you interviewing for? If it's for a project manager/engagement manager role or equivalent, you might also want to demonstrate enthusiasm for mentoring younger colleagues (as you'll be doing plenty of that on the job!)
  • Ideally, provide some examples of how you worked with younger colleagues that illustrate the points you make
  • Absolutely hone in on the fact that people of different ages bring valuable contributions to the workplace, you enjoy working with colleagues who might have a different perspective, you are excited to mentor and guide them and also are ready to learn from them yourself
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Best answer
Benjamin
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 03, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi there,

If this is a question in the context of MBB, then my sense is that you are an experienced hire who is coming in at an older age vs. the average of your position (probably below the manager level). In this scenario, you would be:

  1. Working along side people who are younger than you
  2. Potentially be managed/supervised by people who are younger than you

I would generally respond along the following principals:

  1. Highlight the positives that ‘young people’ bring to the table (e.g. fresh perspective, enthusiasm/energy)
  2. Highlight your own positive experience working and benefitting from ‘young people’

In MBB, age does not matter at all. Young people do bring many benefits to the firm, and I still remember how my consultants called me a boomer for not using a certain app that was the latest craze :) All the best!

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 02, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

Honestly AND Constructively. 

It's important with personal fit questions to always start from authenticity. Otherwise, it will come across as being fake. 

So do try and think of what are the advantages of working with younger people:

  • fresh perspectives 
  • more energy
  • more curiosity
  • potential to mentor them
  • etc. 

Pick the 1-2 most important ones and then go deeper into it anchoring it in one of your recent professional experiences. e.g., you mentoring a younger colleague. 

Best,
Cristian

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Benjamin gave the best answer

Benjamin

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Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
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