Interview with MD

Question

Hi, I am going through the interview process with Alvarez & Marsal, Middle East for a manager level opppurtunity.

I was initially told that the process consists of a minimum of four interviews. After completing the 4 dicussions early August, I have been scheduled for a 5th interview with another MD.

Is this a normal practive? Are they checking on anything in specific ?

Brief on the interviews :

Interview 1 (Director) : went well and the interviewer confirmed that he would recommend

Interview 2 (Senior Director) : the interviewer clearly cited that it was a yes from him

Interview 3 (Senior Director) : was positive and mentioned the process should flow well for me

Interview 4 (MD) : Brief intro followed by a case. HR mentioned it was a positive feedback and sceduled a 5th interview

Answer 1

Hi there,

Do not worry too much about this, this situation happens in many firms. My advice is to prepare this 5th interview and sit for it just like you did for the previous ones. With the same preparation, attitude and spirit, you will definitely do well!

All the best,

Mehdi

Answer 2

Hi there,

Don't stress! This can absolutely happen and means that they are seriously considering you.

If they weren't seriously considering you, they wouldn't waste their time interviewing you!

So, keep preparing, stay focused, and nail that (hopefully) final interview!

Answer 3

Hi there,

The additional interview may arise for a number of reasons. Some of them include:

The new MD is the final responsible for hiring
The new MD is the main responsible for your industry
The other directors have doubts on some areas

Regardless, your best strategy is still to prepare the best you can. It seems you had a great performance before, so I would recommend to research as much as possible information on the new MD and prepare as you have done in the past.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 4

Individual practices are really difficult to judge, especially in these times. I don't think you need to worry. An itnerview with an MD is a significant investment that they wouldn't make if they had major doubts.

However, don't get complacent either: If a very senior person doesn't like you, that one interview has the potential to neutralize any positive scores before that.

Answer 5

Hello,

Do not worry so much about that. The additional round could have been set up for several reasons that could depend on your performance (they were not 100% sure, especially the MD) or even not (the first project could be in a practice for which the new MD is responsible).

Which was the first MD?
I have done myself interviews for A&M in the Dubai office, feel free to write me if you want to discuss this more.

Best,
Luca

Answer 6

Dear A,

It's not regular, but this may happen. Don't worry. Just be prepared for this unterview as for the previous ones.

Also, a have helped few mentees to get into Dubai consulting. If you need any help or insights, feel free to reach out.

Best,
André

Answer 7

For more senior roles, it is quite common to have more than the min number of interviews. This is mostly focused on the FIT part, to make sure you fit the comapny culture, and also at the same time give you more chance to get to know the people and see whether you'd like working with them or not.

Answer 8

Hi there,

I agree with other experts. Don’t stress and don’t panic. Try to relax and do the same thing in your previous interviews.

I hope you will get an offer! Or have you got it already?

All the best,

GB