Get ready for interviews after a break: how?

case interviews casing interviews MBB
New answer on Jun 29, 2021
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Apr 26, 2021

Hello community,

I interviewed with most top firms in the Fall, made it to the final rounds for all of them, but was not offered a job. I'm about to graduate from an Ivy League MBA program and have done extensive preparation (100+ cases). At the time I did not get offers because of the competitiveness of the job market during COVID (so they said), but most firms promised to call me back, which they did.

I now need to get back into the habit of casing as I prepare for 3-4 interviews with MBB and other firms, and was wondering if anyone has any advice. I feel ready and rusty at the same time (I am sure you know what I mean!)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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Florian
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replied on Apr 26, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

Congrats on the comeback! You are in a good position now since

  • you have valuable experience from the previous rounds so you can discount the effect of novelty. You know exactly what to expect.
  • you have received feedback in the first rounds that you can use to work on your weaknesses and build on your strengths

As regards the preparation:

  • Focus on quality over quantity. Doing 100+ cases does not mean much if you are not applying the right habits to score high
  • Use the feedback from your previous experience and tailor your prep accordingly
  • Consider booking at least an initial coaching session to get a detailed and objective evaluation of your performance + learn the right habits for every case regardless of context and framework + get a tailored preparation plan out of the session that will set you up for an effective and efficient prep
  • Practice drills alone and practice full cases with other excellent candidates that know the right habits and approach

Reach out if you need help!

Cheers,

Florian

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Francesco
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replied on Apr 26, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Well done on landing invitations again. Below are some ideas to get back in shape:

  • If the interviewers provided actionable feedback, try to find cases replicating those areas and/or ask the peers you are practicing with to focus on that
  • Go back to the previous cases you found more challenging. Redo them. See if you are improving on the points you previously had issues with
  • Consider a coach if you are short of time and/or want a realistic assessment of your level

Best,

Francesco

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Ian
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replied on Apr 26, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your previous travails. I can assure you that you are not alone here - last year was indeed a particularly tough year!

There is certainly a fine line here between getting "back in shape" and overcasing. I'd highly recommend one or 2 sessions with a coach to identify your key weaknesses and try and jumpstart your prep.

From there, make sure to case with trusted, dynamics casers, and expose yourself to "non-standard" and unconventional cases.

Good luck!

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Marco-Alexander
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updated an answer on Dec 01, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

.

(edited)

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Denis
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replied on Apr 26, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Be sure to focus on efficiency from day 1 - do not waste time that you will need towards the end of your prep.

Get an objective view on where you stand right now. Book a coach to develop case drills approved by him. Drills can be done alone / with other candidates. Get a profession opinion on you progress in regulat intervals to make sure you make progress. Tackle the fine tuning of your skills together with a coach.

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Florian gave the best answer

Florian

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