I tanked some math, how bad is the damage?

Question

So I had my final round today for what is basically my dream gig out of undergrad. Here's how it went

Behavioral – Knocked it out of the park. We really connected and the interviewer loved me. It basically went as smoothly as I've ever had.

Case #1 – Knocked it out of the park. Great ideas, really good structure, and sped through the math like crazy. She really liked my recommendation and we finished quick.

Case #2 – This is where stuff falls apart. This was a partner interviewing me, and he gave me a case with a lot of numbers. My initial framework was good, he pushed back a bit, and I explained my reasoning. Then we get into the math. Not necessarily difficult math, just lots of multiplication. I said what I planned to multiply, then did the multiplication, and like 3 separate times came up with an extra 0 somewhere. This took awhile and he fast-tracked some future math (I said I would do a break-even analysis, and in the interest of time he said it would break even in 2-3 years) and then I think I gave a good recommendation with piloting this idea, good risks, and some tangible next steps. Still, I can't shake the feeling spending the whole interview doing multiplication totally screw up this whole thing.

The funny part is, I'm a math major too. Idk why I got such bad anxiety and screwed up at the last minute. How bad is the damage?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I've been there before on both sides of the table. Nerves and stress affect us in complex ways and this can happen.

I passed interviews I thought I had failed because of math reasons, and I failed interviews where I thought I would have passed. It's not a nice feeling to have that hanging over you - I totally understand.

The reality however is that it's over and nothing anyone on this forum says will actually change the outcome, because none of us know what is going on in the interviewer's mind and you'll only find out when you find out.

So, give yourself a pat on the back for doing your best, take a break and wait for the results - that is the only thing that will matter. If you pass - huge congratulations to you. If there is unfortunate news - look forward and work for the next opportunity.

All the best!

Answer 2

Hi there,

It's not that bad. Don't worry.

I had issues in my final interview as well and I still passed.

They don't expect you to provide a flawless performance. They are rather more interested in how you think through the problem, how you communicate it and how you work with the interviewer when you get stuck.

As long as you forged ahead and you integrated the feedback from the interviewer, you should be fine.

Hope you hear from them soon!

Just in case things don't work according to your expectations, make sure that you keep on applying. Here's a guide on how to set up a winning application strategy:

Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Hi there,

This is not an elimination.

I'm not saying you have passed, but I don't view this as being enough to put you out of the running.

Sounds like (albeit by your own analysis) you did well and came across well. If this is indeed true, they are likely (not gaurenteed) to give you another shot. Math is often something they're open to seeing you prove yourself in if needed.

Get prepping already for round 2 (and other interviews!)

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

Answer 4

Hi there,

Q: Idk why I got such bad anxiety and screwed up at the last minute. How bad is the damage?

It seems the issue was just the math mistake with the extra zero. It is unclear from what you shared if you noticed it right after or if the interviewer pointed it out.

Unfortunately, it is not possible for anyone other than the interviewer to evaluate your particular case now.

Although I understand your desire to get a clear answer on your performance, the only thing you can do now is to act on what is in your control, that is (i) prepare for other interviews/ apply to other companies and/or (ii) wait for the results.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 5

Hello,

Try not to worry about it. It's inevitable that some parts of your interview are going to go less well than others, and plenty of candidates aren't perfect on the math. Understanding the logic of the problem is more important than getting the zeros right, and you will be assessed on all of your performance, so a couple of mistakes alone won't doom your candidacy. In any case, it's over now, and there's nothing more you can do. I know it's easier said than done, but try to get your mind off it - you'll know the result soon enough. Fingers crossed for you!

Answer 6

Getting the number wrong is not eliminatory.

Getting the number wrong and not uderstanding your not in the right order of magnitude… that's worse.

We don't hire consultants to be human calculators, we have excel for that. But we need consultants to be able to check if the excel output makes sense.

You have a math major, should not be an eliminatory factor to get a zero wrong: that happens the whole time. The real issue is when it should be very easy for you to pick up that the order of magnitude didn't make sense. In some cases a zero wrong is not enough for that. In other cases it is quite obvious.

Answer 7

Hi there,

this is a common question and I can assure you there is still hope. While never ideal, the impact of maths errors really depends on the interviewer, as how much they weigh is really subjective - from my own experience as a candidate and interviewer, some may let you get away with it, for others it's an absolute deal breaker.

If your maths was rock-solid across the other interviews, there is a chance that the firm gives you the benefit of the doubt. Also, if your performance was not conclusive enough, what can occasionally happen is that they ask for a “3rd Look”, which is an extra interview firms use as a tie breaker.

In any case, it's no longer in your control, nothing you can do - so would not bother too much and just wait for the feedback.

Wish you all the best and hoped it worked out!

Cheers, Andi