How to best make use of a buddy given to you before final round of interviews?

Hi,

You can use them for the following points:

• Typical type of projects they do i.e. functional area and industry -> so that you know what to expect
• What he/she likes about the office -> so that you are sure of the culture (as it varies greatly as per the location of each consulting company)
• Any tips on the final rounds i.e. more emphasis on case vs. fit, partners you will be speaking with etc.

You can also ask if he/she can spare some time to do a mock interview with you so that you can get feedback and be better prepared for the interviews.

Best,

Deniz

Hi Anonymous,

I agree with the previous comments, in general you can cover topics related to:

• Company culture
• Type of sectors covered
• Tips based on his/her experience during the interview

You could then use these answers to strengthen your answer for “Why Company XYZ” and discover specific learning points.

You may ask support for the case, however he/she may not have time for that.

Best,

Francesco

Hi Anonymous,

I agree with Vlad but want to add one more point: rather than focusing solely on a case study, try to get a better feeling for the firm's culture in order to figure out whether you can imagine to fit into it, i.e.

• what does your buddy like most about the firm and his or her colleagues?
• does your buddy talk about his work and the firm in a rather relaxed or very serious way?
• does your buddy seem to enjoy working for the firm?
• does your buddy seem to be a humorous person and how important is humor in the workplace for him / her (and for you of course)?
• do you get along with your buddy?
• ...

It is very likely that you are more relaxed during the phone call with your buddy than during your actual interviews, hence giving you the opportunity to actually get a feeling for the firm and its culture.

And most importantly: If you like what you hear, this will provide you with your answer to the question that will probably be one of the toughest to answer during the actual interview: "Why do you want to work for this firm instead of our competitors?"

Hope this helps!

Best,

Dorothea

Hi,

I would use him to prepare for a fit interview:

• Getting more arguments on why consulting
• Getting more arguments on why this company
• Testing your fit stories

I doubt that doing a case with the buddy will give you a significant improvement. The only exception is when you haven't done enough cases and you are not sure about your performance

Best

Hi,
as you told it's a great opportunity to have more insight about the firm. Another question could be related to your future interviewers, if you already know the name.

However, I would try to ask her a case simulation: working with a case really assigned by the firm during the interview is very important for your preparation and consultants are often available for it (I enjoyed in helping my mentees with a mock interview when I was BA)

Best,
Antonello