Interview with ex MBB

Hi there,

At the end of the day, we have no way of knowing for sure.

Generally speaking, ex-MBB tend to run interviews with cases and fit questions where they have the freedom to do so (they may not have that freedom where a company process trumps personal preferences).

Given that your former peer left at pre-MBA level (I am guessing BA using McKinsey terminology?), he/she probably wasn't an official interviewer, which typically manifests this interview approach for the long-term.

As for your question regarding differences, it's an OK question but at the same time virtually everything is different so I would probably refine it. If I were you, I would probably ask where the consulting toolkit came in handy for them and what their experience was in applying same. This way, the person gets to talk about themselves (which people generally love) and you get to explore the space where you can add most value.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Moritz

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Moritz is spot on in his reply.

In my view, there are a few different approaches I have seen.

1. They have a couple of cases they have used for a long time which they continue to use for new hires as an evaluation tool
2. They work with their own team to think of relevant cases that are tailored to the work they do. These tend not to be full fledged MBB cases which take a lot of time to develop but more along the lines of prompts that require problem solving/structuring along with some elements of data analysis or chart interpretation based on slides they have already created
3. They want to discuss a current (or recent) case their team worked on and have you walk through the approach. Sometimes they have data/analytical questions as well that they can ask you to structure/think through

There are of course many other possibilities and the best thing to do is to ask the recruiter on how best to prepare and what to expect at the interview. 

Best,

Udayan

Hello,

From my point of view the recruiter might check 5 things:

1. Your knowledge of the industry and company: have you done a good due diligence on the company and the sector

2. What type of missions you did at MBB, to link it with the position

3. Check your analytical abilities with a market sizing exercise

4. Understand why you are living MBB and your motivations for this company

5. Maybe ask a fit question on leadership / entrepreneurship / impact

Cheers,

Alexandre

Hi!

That's a great question. And it's also an opportunity that both you and your interviewer have a shared experience. 

Basically, he will try to test whether you were a good consultant (i.e., you developed your consulting toolkit over the past two years) but also whether you are strong where most consultants are not (for instance, there's the assumption that consultants often fail to understand and estimate the complexity of implementation OR they tend to discuss things theoretically without a down-to-earth understanding of how they play out in reality). Have this in mind when answering his questions. 

Regarding the question you're planning on asking him, I think that's actually a great one. Try asking more questions based on the description that he provides of his experience and interests. So be an active listener and build from there, rather than preparing all the questions upfront. 

Good luck!
Cristian

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Hi there,

Congrats on the interview! Amazon perhaps?

This is a really big topic - consider getting coaching to cover all the bases.

The real answer is they can ask anything.

In general, Amazon (and firms like them) like brainteasers and brainstorming. If they do do a case, it's a “flexible” one that moves a lot more quickly. Obviously, you need to be well versed in their business (what it is, suggestions you have, the market/competitor dynamics, trends, etc.)

Your question to him is a good one!

Ping me a DM I can share with you the most common interview questions from MBBs (there is a guide they receive upon exit for future hiring ;-)). Warm regards, Frederic