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Interview advice for non-consulting role & compensation

BCG MBB McKinsey
New answer on Feb 21, 2021
8 Answers
1.7 k Views
Chris asked on Feb 07, 2021

Sorry, not sure why my questions didn't seem to post.

My questions were:

1. What types of questions should I anticipate when meeting with a hiring manager and local partner? This is for an internal, manager level role.

2. I understand from talent that a 401k contribution is made in place of a cash bonus. The contribution is a percentage of base salary. Is the percentage negotiable?

3. If offered the role, I would be leaving my current firm a couple months before annual bonuses are paid out. What's the likelihood I could negotiate a sign on bonus so I wouldn't be waking away from the bonus at my current firm?

(edited)

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Feb 07, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Chris,

Could you clarify what your actual question is? Thanks!

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Ken
Expert
replied on Feb 08, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

1. This is really dependent on the function and role. Generally speaking at most consultancies, there is a framework used to evaluate the role and you will be asked questions that relate to those dimensions (just as an example, my assistant at McKinsey was around communication, problem solving and admin management)

2. 401k contribution is not negotiable although there will often be a difference between consultants and non-consultants

3. I'm surprised you wouldn't get a prorated bonus for your current firm but if they really like you then I am sure the firm will try to compensate with a (partial) lump sum sign on bonus

Good luck!

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Anonymous replied on Feb 08, 2021
  1. The field on non-consulting roles is very broad, so beyond the typical interview questions, you might have to expect role-specific content questions, but that depends fully on the actual role you're applying for.
  2. You mean a performance-based bonus? I don't think that is negotiable, as this will be pre-defined ranges for each position and is the same for everyone with the same position. Within the range it depends on your performance.
  3. Check if you get a pro-rated bonus at your current firm. In most companies that is the case. On top, you can always try to negotiate a sign-on bonus. Especially if you're explaining that youre foregoing a bonus (so have opportunity costs), you might get away with it.
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Antonello
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replied on Feb 08, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, are you applying for a non-consulting role in a consulting firm or in some corporate?

Best,
Antonello

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Raj
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replied on Feb 21, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

Regarding your end of year bonus, that's something you could raise in negotiations as I would expect you could get the new firm to offer a sign-on to compensate you for the lost full year bonus in your last firm. This is fairly common

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Gaurav
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replied on Feb 10, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360 coach(Ex-McKinsey + Certified Coach + Active recruiter)

Hi there,

1) standard interview questions, some fit questions, + your expertise.

2) I don't think it's negotiable.

3) do prorated bonuses exist in your current firm? Signing bonuses is a thing you can definitely discuss. No harm in asking.

Good luck with your interview!

GB

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Feb 08, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Could you please specify the company? Otherwise, it's hard to give you the relevant answer

Best

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Clara
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replied on Feb 08, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Given that the tags BCG and McKinsey are in the question, I understand that you are interviewing for a non-consulting position in a consulting firm (plz correct me if I am not right).

  1. Depends, are you already hired?
  2. In consulting, usually salaries are pretty well defined and there is not much margin for negotiation
  3. I think the easier thing to negotiate here is the entry date, so you can stay long enauhg in your old company to be paid that bonus

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Chris on Feb 08, 2021

Yes, applying for a non-consulting role in a consulting firm. Several interviews scheduled this week. From initial conversations it sounds like they would like a quick start date and current firm won't pay bonuses until May.

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