Kearney Excel Test - Tips

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from Kearney!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, while I (like most likely all coaches) have not done this specific Kearney pre-interview assessment myself, I would highly advise you to focus on learning common MS Excel functions as well as MS Excel and PowerPoint shortcuts.
• Moreover, please keep in mind that unless you are applying as an experienced hire, there is a good chance that all candidates will have similarly poor skills in these tools. So I would not worry too much about that.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming Kearney interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi,

Powerpoint and Excel are the most used programmes in consulting. 

For Excel, you will need to show you master the most used function by filling in a pre-made Worksheet: Vlookup, Sumif, Countif, Index, Match ...

For Powerpoint, it is more important you can visually draft a good Consulting slide containing the following elements: action title, supporting graph (bar chart, line chart, scatter plot) or table and resources 

I recommend to use LinkedIn Learning as a source to improve your Excel and Powerpoint skills:

• https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/build-your-excel-skills
• https://www.linkedin.com/learning/powerpoint-essential-training-microsoft-365 

Good luck with the preparation and the tests!

Let me know if I can help you further with preparing the tests and interviews.

Kr,

Mattijs

Hi there -- congrats on landing the assessment with Kearney. See below for some tips to help you succeed. If you have any questions, reach out! 

Excel Modeling Tips

The Four-Step Process for Effective Modeling:

1. Understand the Problem and Define KPIs: Break down the question into manageable parts and identify the core analysis / KPIs that provide actionable insights. You start with the output in mind (e.g., market size in US Dollars, EBITDA margin, # of customers, % improvement in a KPI)
2. Draft the Output on Paper: Define the desired output (e.g., charts, tables, key metrics) and sketch it on paper to ensure a clear structure and logical flow. This could be a basic sketch -- think framework. Make sure your output spits out the data in a format that is easy to leverage for charts and tables for the slide(s) you're making)
3. Define Structure and Inputs: Create a MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) driver tree, mapping out the inputs and outputs. Ensure it mirrors the question structure and keeps the analysis simple.
4. Populate your Inputs and Assumptions: In a real case, you leverage historical data, benchmarks, or client-provided data, and document assumptions and sources. For an assessment like this, I would think of two types of inputs: a) Kearney provided data (no brainer to use); b) any additional assumptions you make for the analysis (note sources and any assumptions you're making with clear comments). 

Excel Best Practices:

• Avoid Hardcoding: Use dynamic formulas to ensure flexibility.
• Keep it Symmetrical: Maintain a consistent layout within a tab and across tabs (e.g., inputs, calculations, and outputs separated).
• Focus on Insights: Prioritize outputs that directly address the problem and provide actionable recommendations. Work backward from this!
• Document as You Go: Use clear labels, color-coded cells (e.g., inputs in blue), and consistent formatting. Add a comment column to note sources and any clarifications on calculations or assumptions.
• Check for Errors: Always double-check your formulas and calculations for accuracy. You can do quick sums or (A = B) checks to make sure you're not missing any components of a calculation. Look up tips on how to do quality checks on an excel model -- there are plenty online. 

Slide-Writing Tips

Core Principles of Slide-Writing:

1. Clarity: Convey one message per slide with simple and focused visuals.
2. Consistency: Maintain a uniform style, font, and layout throughout.
3. Powerful Visuals: Use charts, tables, and diagrams to communicate insights effectively. Ensure visuals align with the narrative/title.
4. Audience-Centric: Tailor the content to what your audience needs to know. Calibrate the level of detail accordingly.

Slide Design Best Practices:

1. Titles and Body: Use titles to highlight the key message, and keep body text concise with clear bullet points.
2. Storyline and Flow: Start with the key takeaway and build slides logically to guide the audience through the narrative.
3. Tables and Charts: Use tables for precision and charts to highlight trends or relationships. Keep visuals clean and purposeful.
4. Diagrams: Leverage diagrams like process flows or concept maps to simplify complex ideas and engage visually.
5. Language: Be concise, clear, and punchy. Use action-oriented language to deliver a confident message. Be factual -- don't share opinions. 

Mastering these Excel and slide-writing techniques will help you stand out in your assessment. Focus on clear, structured thinking and actionable outputs to align with the standards of top-tier consulting firms. Let me know if you’d like additional guidance or mock practice! Good luck!