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'How would you do X' fit questions

FIT FIT preparation Fit questions
New answer on Feb 17, 2021
4 Answers
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Anonymous D asked on Feb 16, 2021

Hi PrepLounge, If during the fit interview, we get hypothetical/forward-looking questions like "How would you convince someone you just met that your solution is superior?" or "How would you plan for a large project?", how would we answer these? Do we give our general 'framework' for addressing such problems then give an example of the time we applied it (PEI stories)? Or do we give the general framework and explain in detail the logic for doing the specific steps? Thanks! :)

Edit: by 'framework', I do not mean case frameworks or ways to structure my answers (e.g. STAR). I mean the set of internal rules that I apply to such behavioural situations. For example, to convince someone, I would first do X, then Y, then Z. Do I then follow this up with a story of when I applied these principles OR do I follow up by going more in-depth and explaining why I would do X first, why I would do Y next, etc. (skipping my story)?

My understanding is that I would have to first explain generally what I would do before even going into the story, otherwise I would come across as 'not answering the question being asked'

(edited)

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 16, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Those are some of the classic questions in FIT.

Don´t think of a framework, since this does not adress the nature of these questions -that are truly adaptative-.

However, there are tools that you can leverage to structure your pitch. I have included one, the FIT preparation cards, in the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB", that 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 3 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:

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

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Anonymous D on Feb 16, 2021

Hi Clara, thanks for replying! :) By 'framework', I am not referring to a way to structure my response (e.g. STAR), but rather I mean the set of internal rules that I apply to that specific behavioural situation. For example, to convince someone, I would first do X, then Y, then Z. If I get hypothetical questions like 'how would you convince someone you just met' rather than 'tell me about a time you convinced someone', should I start by giving a high level overview of my approach before going into my story?

Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 16, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I'm not sure what you mean by framework here? Frameworks are for cases...

Now, for these types of questions you absolutely need structure. So, you should have a few key points for both of these questions. They need to be logical and reasonable.

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Anonymous D on Feb 16, 2021

Hi Ian, thanks for replying and my apologies for not making this clearer. By 'framework', I am not referring to case frameworks or a way to structure my response (e.g. STAR), but rather I mean the set of internal rules that I apply to that specific behavioural situation that is being asked. For example, to convince someone, I would first do X, then Y, then Z. If I get hypothetical/forward-looking questions like 'how would you convince someone you just met' rather than 'tell me about a time you convinced someone' (which focuses on past experiences), should I start by giving a high level overview of my approach before going into a story of the time I applied these principles to convince someone?

Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 16, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, these are some of the classical questions of fit interview. The idea is not answering with how you would do it but how you did it in the past. Crafting impactful stories about all the dimensions covered in the fit part is crucial for your preparation.

If you are interested in understanding how I generally support my candidates in it feel free to text me

Best,
Antonello

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 17, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

I've read your question and comments and I must say the examples are pretty specific. The answer to that comes 1) with a lot of practice for the FIT part; 2) when practicing with somebody who is more experienced than you and is able to give you feedback and guide you.

The general idea of that question is to see a) how do you find yourself in uncomfortable situations; b) how do you manage stress and pressure; c) how much can you push but keep the balance without being too intrusive.

As an ex-McKinsey and part of the recruiting team, I know what they're looking for in the candidate. Helped many candidates to boost up their fit part, too.

Hit me up if you have any further questions, happy to help.

Cheers,

GB

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Clara gave the best answer

Clara

Content Creator
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
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