Hi Anonymous,

please find the answers below:

1. These questions are too generic and give the impression you want the interviewer to solve the problem for you – I would not recommend to ask them at the beginning
2. You should never simply ask why (this is actually something the interviewer probably will ask you); you should also not start brainstorming immediately. Instead you should define a structure and then start brainstorming.
3. Again, you should not simply ask questions, but define a structure and then brainstorm. Using the structure of internal and external, for example, the fact that males are not attending could be included under one of the components of external reasons (“competing” offer, that is, the war in this case)

Best,
Francesco

(edited)

#1 Rule: Ask questions that help YOU understand the world.

If you're confused, figure out why and ask the question that clarifies (normally this is around how the business actually operates, or the real challenge they're facing).

Forget about the classic questions. Think for yourself and actually drive your case. Imagine yourself at the client site, with your team, in front of a whiteboard, figuring out the answer. Too often, candidates have a pocket list of 10 questions that they're seen/heard over and over again, and they repear them without actually understanding why they're asking them in the first palce.

In regards to your questions:

1. This is so generic. Add color to this. I.e. for External vs. Internal "I'm thinking this could be due to something going on inside the company (maybe operational issues, change of management, something like that) or something outside of our control such as price shocks, new competitors coming in, or a generally declining demand. Do we have any information on this?"

2. Your job is to figure out why. Your framework doesn't end after the initial prompt + clarifying questions. You need to continue to use frameworks and strucutred thoughts throughout the case. DRIVE to the answer by using a structured approach. What could be causing this and what information do you need to figure out the why? In short, yes, come up with another structure (external vs internal could work)

3. You just need to have a structure that covers this. If you've taken a MECE approach, this would be covered. For example, if you did external vs. internal, in your external segment it's not unreasonable that you would put: Competing products taking their interest away, emigration, conflict/political issues, etc.

Hi,

1) I would rather ask: Is it that our Revenues have increased, costs have decreased or both? Don't ask if it is an external problem, rather make a good structure and go through the structure

2) When you dig deeper into the problem - you can always ask first: "Do we know why that happened?". If the interviewer tells you "We need to explore", you draw a new structure to dig deeper

3) It's not about you guessing the reason. And even if you guess - it will not be counted as a correct answer. It's about you having a structure in place to dig deeper (e.g. a list of drivers influencing marriage rates)

Best

Hello!

On top of the insights already shared in the post, 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 2 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:

• Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-200
• Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201

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

I recommend to make more specific questions or to proactively ask it, by giving an example of your solution, without leaving the interviewer the impression you want her solution (e.g. instead of asking for the cost breakdown of the client, you can say something like: the most important cost items for the client should be ... do we have to consider other? do we have any data about these?)

Hello,

Before making a general question and asking "why?", is a good habit to do a little brainstorming and come up with somne potential answers. Of course you can not think of a war, but after seein you proposing good alternatives, the interviewer will be happy to share with you the right information.

Best,
Luca