How to answer the question: Your unique skills/ extra curricular activities

Hello!

Starting with the basics: be honest, it's really really easy to tell when you are used to interviewing when someone is faking it! Show passion about what you do, without loosing the structure that you should have in all these questions (for which there are many tricks). 

If you want to deep dive on the topic, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" 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 Expert Articles on PreLounge, in a sreies dedicated to preparing for the different parts of FIT:

1. https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/cv-interview-questions

2. https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/motivational-fit-interview-questions

3. https://www.preplounge.com/en/behavioral-interview-questions

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

Hope it helps! 

Hi there, 

Above everything, I would be honest and talk about my genuine interests. 

The best part about this type of question is that it gives you the opportunity to talk about things that really interest you, that really make you passionate. So your energy and enthusiasm can clearly transpire. It's even possible to discover that you and the interviewer have some interest in common, which is a great way to bond.

Just make sure that you specific and that you provide details. e.g., don't say that you like ‘to read’, but what sort of books you like, what sort of authors, what sort of topics, and why.

Best,

Cristian

Honestly, anything that reinforces the kind of skills consulting firms are looking for: intellectual curiosity, analytical capability, communication skills, team working, etc.

Of course, if there is something different or intriguing about you, I would generally see that as a plus.

By the way, your answer should already be reflected on your resume.

Just please note that while there aren't “bad answers”, 
please apply minimum judgement. I've seen 0.2% of CVs with highly questionable stuff suggesting addiction (please: no gambling, no drinking, no smoking drugs, no videogames…). There's absolutely nothing to gain from bringing those up in a job interview. 

Hello,

Pedro said it best! Use this question as an opportunity to share more about yourself, and also showcase your possession of the qualities consulting companies are looking for (e.g., leadership, teamwork, entrepreneurship, initiative, quantitative aptitude). For instance, if you held a leadership position in an extracurricular club/organization, you could talk about the leadership aspects as well as the activity the club was doing, how you collaborated with people, etc.

It is a strange question. I doubt someone is asking a question like that because we are covering two things (unique skills and extracurricular activities) that not necessarily are under the same umbrella (i.e., it is not a MECE question!).

So, there are two things. 
About unique skills, answer with what you think you can do better than most other people. Don't make things up, people notice it. So, just be honest, and among your unique skills try to find some that are not necessarily transferable to work but that show passion, grit, and personal development.

As for extracurricular activities, again, be honest and try to show passion and grit.

Generally these questions are asked to help you to settle into the interview - everyone likes to talk about their hobbies! Talk about something that you do that excites you and what it excites you and what you’ve done. There’s no trick here! 

Hi there,

There's no “trick” here. Pick your strongest/proudest skill + extracurricular activity! Then, talk through what they are, and make sure to make them look impressive. That's it!

The more authentic and genuine the better. Be somewhat humble but confident when it comes to talking about your unique skills and be passionate when talking about your extracurricular activities. If it's something you typically do in a group, also don't forget to highlight your specific role in it and what makes it special for you. After all, you are the star of your interview and not the collective.