Hi Preplounge,
I understand how fit works at McKinsey (the PEI) but am curious on how fit is at the other 2 MBB firms. I know that there will still be motivational and behavioural questions, but for the behavioural questions, do they ask for ‘a time I led a team’ or will they point to specific areas of my resume and ask me to elaborate on that specific experience?
Thanks!
Hi there -
They definitely do both. BCG has been slightly different than Bain. However, this can be pretty office-specific as well.
Bain - First round has an exclusive behavioural interview which is CV blind. The second round has an experience interview based on the CV. (Happy to shed more light on this, feel free to reach out to me directly)
BCG - Usually ~2 fit questions per interview. When I interviewed, they were not CV blind and asked similar behavioural and motivation questions as you mentioned.
They'll do both!
And more!
You might get “explain nuclear energy to my 7 year old daughter”. Or, you might get “what do you think makes a great leader”
Please don't go in expecting x and y, but rather train yourself to be flexible/adaptable.
Yes, get your why x company, why consulting, and your stories setup. But be flexible!
Some more fit reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question
And some more case prep reading: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation
The essence of it all is the same. Everyone wants to hear examples and impactful stories of how you behaved in certain situations in a certain way that showcased desired characteristics. Every consulting firm wants people that exhibit leadership, entrepreneurship, drive, empathy, excellence, you name it.
Think of a set of such stories and examples based on your experience that are authentic and sound credible. During the interview, try not to recite them like an ode to glory but be genuine. Other than that, I wouldn't worry to much about the slightly different formats in which each consulting firm might be asking about the same thing
Hi there,
In general, there is not much of the difference, MBB want to hear from you stories where you transmit you do have the key characteristics and strengths (e.g. ability to make an impact, leadership, result-oriented, etc.).
there are around 10 key questions and their variation, so just pick the right story and mock with someone (tell them the story and let them tell you what they understood). Dont memorize, just feel comfortable, and ensure they are really wow, you will stand out.
It not necessarily must be from work only but can be also from school/uni or private life.
There are many articles available on this topic here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-news?
You can also get a coach to prepare you for this part (FIT interviews is equally important as the business case).
Good luck,
Lucie
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Hi there,
I would not recommend trying to memorize your way in. Fit questions vary massively from one company to the other and from one interviewer to the other.
I would recommend:
1- Knowing your personal stories well and diversifying them
Have a bunch of personal stories ready to be told (whether these are on your CV or not). Try to balance the skills you show in those stories (e.g., leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, problem solving, teamwork)
2- Knowing your interviewer
Try to ask around and get to know your interviewer before the actual interview. This would help you understand the type of questions he/she asks.
3- Articulating well and communicating with impact
Whatever your answer is, be confident and communicate it well. Do not dwell on the details and try to be top-down (starting with the so what, and then digging into the details)
Mario
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