Hi there!

The final round is going to be very similar to the first round- the fit part, motivational and behavioral questions, case solving.

Basically, you do not have to prepare for something special. Prepare for regular round interview.

If you have already prepared for case interviews and good at reading charts, analytical thinking, and mental math, then this test is an additional of probably an hour as what you should plan for.

I agree that you should pay more attention to the case part, so the company can estimate how you can fit each other better.

Here there are 3 fresh real-live MBB Cases from different offices in the Library. Try to solve them, I think, they will be very useful for you!

For Beginner level:

Laundry Chain – Revenue Increase

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/beginner/laundry-chain-revenue-increase-215

For Intermediate level:

Grain Co-operative – Brand Launch

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/intermediate/grain-co-operative-brand-launch-217

For Advanced level/the real one and used for final rounds:

Non-Profit Museum Revenue Increase

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/advanced/mbb-final-round-case-non-profit-museum-revenue-increase-219

Have you tried to solve them?

What do you think - do you have any questions?

​GB

(edited)

Hi there,

I assume you are referring to MBB or a Tier 2.

In general, the structure of the 1st and final rounds is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however in finals there is usually more emphasis on communication and fit.

Specifically, the main differences you may find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:

1. Spend more time on fit questions and your alignment with the company
2. Check more closely your communication (eg how you react to challenging questions)
3. May not have a “proper” structured case to present – during one of my MBB finals I had one interview which was made by two market sizing questions and a brainteaser, without any business case. That's because during the final they know you can structure and crack a case (you passed 1 or 2 rounds already) and are more interested in your logic, personality and fit with the company

So in order to prepare I would concentrate on the following:

• Review in detail your fit stories – they will matter more than in the first round. In some finals I had almost exclusively behavioral questions
• Work on your communication (reaction under pressure, how to gain time when you do not have a structure ready, connect with the interviewer, etc). This is something you can do almost exclusively in interviews with peers.
• Prepare cases as you did for the first round. If you got feedback on a specific area, focus more on that part.

Best,

Francesco

Summary: Expect more of the same...and be ready for anything

• The company has likely made a note of areas you showed strengths/weaknesses in. Look for them to test you weaknesses to see if they're 1) A fluk or 2) Workable.
  • So, focus on improving in areas you know you underperformed in - at the end of the day, same preparation as you should have been doing before!
• As always, you should be fully prepared to explain why consulting, why their firm, and where you see yourself going/what you see yourself doing.
• For "unique questions", one of my favourites is "Explain X to my 8 year old daughter" with X being a very complex topic. It forces you to be really crisp in your communication and is a good one to test consultant skills.
• Don't forget that YOU need to have questions ready. The best questions aren't basic softball ones. Rather, they show that you're thinking about the unique work the firm does (combine two observations, synthesize a hypothesis framed as a question, and ask the Partner). Anything that prompts the Partner to truly reflect/think is a win. Imagine they're on a Q&A panel being interviewed...what types of questions might they be asked?
• Additionally, if you're looking for a "curveball" brainteaser that might be asked in today's world, check out the following: https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/brain-teaser/beginner/coronavirus-times-194

Good luck!

Hey there,

If your final round is at Accenture or BIG4, prepare as follows (otherwise the MBB approach will be relavent):

1. There wont be case, but double check with HR if you haven't
2. Build rapport and come across as someone relaxed and likeable
3. MD/Partner/Senior Partner will focus on your skills, experiences, background and assess fit with the firm
4. Why that firm and why now
5. Act as if you are already in the firm (be humble, no arrogance) and provide your ideas on the industry, projects etc; what would you do in the first 90 days
6. Your answers must be insightful and that of a senior person
7. Talk about people development experience
8. Talk about your views on Digital Transformation, AI/ML etc

Good luck!

Good morning!

I assume you will be interviewed by a Director and not apply for a such position...

If this is the case, you'll might expect the following (nevertheless - of course - everybody and especially every director is different):
- rather a focus on personal fit and especially company fit questions
- maybe a rather short case
- weaknesses detected in the past interviews might be challenged again
- final steps like office, general package etc.

However, if you did it till this round: relax, be yourself and tell your story!

Good luck, Jasper

Hi,

if you know his name I suggest preparing some personal questions for the last part of the interview

Best

Antonello