Hi everyone, I would like to ask what the interview process is for the analyst and associate roles? For example
1. How many rounds?
2. What is likely to be asked in each round?
3. Is a case interview included? I know consultants must do case interviews but not sure about analyst and associate interviewees. If yes, how many case interviews will be? and would it be easier (beginning level) than cases for the consultant roles?
Thank you so much in advance for your responses!
Hi there,
First, here's some reading to help:
Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases
The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation
Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case
1. How many rounds?
The standard is 2 rounds with each round having 2 interviews. Both interviews having a case portion and a fit portion.
Remember that this is just the “typical”, but anything can happen (be flexible)
2. What is likely to be asked in each round?
Nothing. Nothing is likely.
Anything can be asked.
This Q&A today should be the beginning of your mindset shift. Please stay away from any resources that tell you exactly what to expect.
You are to be a consultant. Consultants never face the same question/problem twice. Nor will you in your interviews.
3. Is a case interview included? I know consultants must do case interviews but not sure about analyst and associate interviewees. If yes, how many case interviews will be? and would it be easier (beginning level) than cases for the consultant roles?
Yes. Please stop trying to predict these things though….you want someone to tell you exactly what to expect - it's a great way to fail.
Again, some reading below:
The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation
Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
Hi there,
1. How many rounds?
Normally 2 rounds. Sometimes 1 if you manage to accelerate the process. In some cases, there might be more than 2.
2. What is likely to be asked in each round?
The standard structure is fit+case+your questions.
3. Is a case interview included? I know consultants must do case interviews but not sure about analyst and associate interviewees. If yes, how many case interviews will be? and would it be easier (beginning level) than cases for the consultant roles?
Unless they clarify you will have a fit interview or a different format, you should receive a case in each interview. Normally you will have 2 to 3 case interviews per round. The case types for pre and post-MBA are normally the same.
Good luck!
Francesco
Thank you so much for your response. It is very helpful!
Typically 2 to 3 rounds (of 2 interviews each), and yes, you will have a case (in all of them).
Please understand that you did not provide any information on firm nor location. As such, I am providing a very generic answer that will apply to >95% consulting firms.
(edited)
Thank you so much for your response! This is for consulting firms in Canada. So sorry, I am new to the consulting industry, so I am not sure what you mean by (of 2 interviews each). Do you mean each interview round has 2 interviews (once candidates finish one, they will have a break and then do another interview on the same day)? Also, is there a case for each interview or round? Are cases for analyst and associate roles be easier than those for the consultant roles?
Yes, that is the norm (back to back interviews). All interviews have a case. And cases are similar regardless of rank you are applying to (the "bar" moves, and sometimes some questions are a bit more complex / require more business understanding). But preparation process and materials are exactly the same.
Thank you so much for your answers!
(edited)
Hi there,
What firms are you applying with?
The process is similar but not exactly the same across firms and even offices of one firm.
All the best,
Florian
Hi Florian, I am not aiming for a specific firm but just wanted to know the general process for firms in Toronto. By the way, would you mind elaborating on the resume screening and the aptitude test. Do you mean a phone interview? Thank you!
No, your resume and cover letter are screened and then most firms have a recruitment test (e.g., the Bain SOVA, BCG Online Case, McKinsey Solve Game). You need to pass those before moving on to the interviews.
Typically, the process consists of 2 rounds of 2 interviews each. Then, within each interview, you typically have a personal fit component and a case component.
This process is also typically the same across most firms and roles.
BUT - very important - you need to check this directly with the recruiter for the firm, office and role that you're applying for. That's what HR is there for, to guide through the process and clarify what structure you should be expecting.
Best,
Cristian
Thank you so much for the resources!
My pleasure! Welcome to the journey :). Stay flexible and open - this isn’t an examination…it’s a simulation!