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Interviews for MBB/Big4/T2 (US) - Virtual or In-person?

1st round interview Big Four - Strategy Interview Scheduling MBB T2
New answer on Sep 24, 2021
7 Answers
1.6 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 21, 2021

Hi all,

I'm planning on recruiting for consulting firms in the Northeast US beginning late October of this year as an experienced hire, and I was curious as to what the interview format has been like for current/recent applicants. 

I've been hearing that firms are conducting only 1st round interviews via Zoom, whereas I've heard conflicting info from others that both 1st and 2nd rounds are being conducting virtually. One friend currently working in a Big4 firm even said they've started allowing in-person 2nd/final round interviews for vaccinated candidates for their local office. Do any PrepLounge users have info that may help shed light on this issue (I know things are still quite dynamic right now with vaccination mandates and whatnot)? Just curious for personal planning purposes. Thanks!

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Sofia
Expert
replied on Sep 21, 2021
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

In my experience working with candidates applying to MBB this cycle, it seems like a lot of offices are conducting both 1st and 2nd round virtually. However, you are totally right in pointing out that things are evolving quite dynamically right now, so it may well be subject to change. I would recommend confirming with your recruiter/HR what the plan is for each specific office and company you are applying to.

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Hagen
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 21, 2021
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • For MBB, from the experiences of coachees of mine, both first and second round interviews were conducted virtually so far. Given the COVID-19 situation is constantly changing, they might loosen restrictions soon for a blended/ in-person interviewing process.
  • For Tier 2 and Big 4, again from the experiences of coachees of mine, interviewing processes were very much company-specific as to whether they were completely/ partially virtual.
  • To be on the safe side and plan accordingly, I would advise you to contact the recruiter of the respective company and ask about the format.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for the two formats of interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

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Agrim
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 24, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

AFAIK - most firms and offices are still in full virtual mode still.

However, selectively having in-person interviews is opening up. Some of my coachees have experience this very recently.

That said - you will only know for real when its your turn.

Note: If you feel uncomfortable in having an in-person interview due to COVID-related reasons - then feel absolutely free to indicate that to HR. They should be able to accommodate your request.

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 21, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

For the candidates I have coached in past 6 months:

  • MBB: All have been virtual
  • Deloitte: Some US ones have been in-person, UK and other geos have been virtual
  • Other consulting firms: All virtual
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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 21, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

All of my US candidates (20-30 people) over the last 3 months had their McKinsey interviews still via Zoom, first and second round.

I have no insights on the other firms.

Cheers,

Florian

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 21, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

The majority of my candidates in that region are still doing interviews remotely.

Best,

Anto

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Sep 21, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

All of my candidates have had virtual interviews.

Of course, things change quick in the world of covid, so it would not be out of the realm of possibilities that a second (or even both) interview will be in person in the near future.

Of course, this will depend on the company, office, and exact time period.

You'll just need to be flexible and take their guidance here when they give you your interview dates/info (get used to it…as a consultant you won't have much notice for most things!).

(edited)

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