Interview for Associate Director/Associate Partner (Expert consulting track)

Hi there,

Please be careful with the prior answers - you will not necessarily be given a case.

I've helped a number of individuals in the higher role track (i.e. Director, AP, etc.) and it's actually quite rare that a formal case is given. Rather, you should expect more "Brainstorming" questions.

It's hard to find resources out there to help you, which is why I created the following case: https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/roma-solutions-senior-expert-level-tech-case-240

Granted, that case is for more of a Digital/Tech role, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect. Feel free to reach out for more information on what to expect and how to prepare!

Hello!

Congrats on the interview!

Honestly, I have seen both cases, with and without "classical" case -when it hapened, it was mostly focused on the strategy part nad not so much the details and numbers.

Same goes for some content-related questions or mini-cases, I have seen it both happening and not.

I know it´s not something that helps you narrow the content to cover, but unfortunately, I think doing that would be a mistake.

Furthermore, you need to pay a lot of attention to the FIT interview, it becomes particularly relevant in these tenures.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

I would definitely be ready for a case interview.

The reason is that while, yes, they will check for fit and talk about your expertise, but they're also going to want to know if you can think like a consultant and work together communciate effectively with a team of consultants.

If I were you, I would confirm this with a recruiter, just to be sure, but in the meantime, definitely start preparing. Especially if you can find a coach that specializes in experienced hires ;)

Hope this helps,

Allen

Hi there,

I helped a few candidates for similar positions.

With McKinsey (Energy practice):

• Cases in 3 out of 4 of the interviews
• Standard PEI
• Questions on leadership, creativity and motivation for joining

With BCG (Digital and Financial Services practices):

• Cases in 1 out of 5 of the interviews only, and high level (eg how would you organize a proposal for XYZ)
• Questions on how to organize growth for the new division

Some standard questions/topics you may expect are:

• Motivation for shifting from your current position/career path
• Examples of leading team/managing new divisions
• Example of managing difficult clients/stakeholders
• Sales experiences/customers you may bring
• Industry knowledge/experience in your area of specialization

Your interviewers will normally be principals or partners only.

If you need more help please feel free to PM me.

Best,

Francesco

Hey there,

I believe it depends on the firm. From a McK perspective, you should prepare for

• the Problem Solving Interview
• the PEI
• + questions related to your previous experience (especially highlighting expertise in the field, leadership, and network)
• + other personal fit questions

Comparing the answers of former McKs with Ian's BCG perspective it seems like this is different for BCG.

The only way to find out for sure is to call HR of each firm and ask them specifically how your recruiting process will unfold. They will tell you. :-)

Cheers,

Florian

Hey, dont leave anything to chance and prep well & holistically. In my experience, case interviews at senior levels are stunted and more discussion based to tease out your experience, point of view and expertise in an industry(s) and/or function.

Check with HR/hiring manager on format etc but prepare well to have the peace of mind.

For Org Change, I strongly recommend you prepare following topics and share your experience:

• Workforce of future- recruitment, retention, development, exit
• Leadership development
• Culture transformation
• Change Management
• Making digital transformation stick

You will be cased but please reach out to the recruiter to get more information it is important you fully understand what will be asked.

Udayan