MBB events

Hi there,

I'm sorry but I'm going to have to disagree with the other coaches here. While I can't comment on the impact of your questions, I've actually looked at the data and I can tell you that events and invite-only events in particular are a huge indicator of being invited to interview.

Happy to share with you the article and the analysis, but here's an exerpt:

"Taking one consulting company (company ten in Chart 6 below), students who were invited to an invite-only event got invited to interview 57% more than those who weren’t invited. Even more striking is the difference in interview likelihood at company two, where the visible odds of getting an interview go up by more than a factor of six if you’re invited to an invite-only event (8% versus 50%). On average, those with invitations to an invite-only event get invited to interview 34% more than those who don’t."

Dont worry and stop over analysing this. Getting invited to the event is a good thing but doesnt guarantee any further interview calls. Its an opportunity to network (and land a referral and/or interview invite that way) and ask good questions. Honestly, your questions were superficial. Next time dig a bit deeper and ask good questions. Check out this thread for some ideas:https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/networking-call-with-vc-partner-what-questions-should-i-ask-10181

For now, keep working on this- networking, applications, interview practice etc.

Hey there,

I think you are overthinking this a bit. If they dismissed your question, this has no impact on your future application and was also not related to the quality of your questions. I think these are excellent and interesting questions to ask. They probably had no good answers to tell you...

Now to your main question: If the event was attended by 45 people and you were selected based on your resume I don't think this will have any impact on the decision to invite you to an interview or start the process. It does not sound like one of the very high-profile events that include social activities, dinner, and drinks for 10 people max.

Chances are that you will still be invited for the interviews going forward. But I don't think they are higher or lower now because you attended an event (unless you networked and scored a referral). I would definitely refer to it in your cover letter.

Cheers,

Florian

Agree with Florian - I feel you are overthinking this one. Being selected to attend a recruiting event is a positive sign but it gives no assurance of an interview invitation . I would also challenge the questions you asked - to me, they also seem quite generic and perhaps not even suited to the panel (which I assume were relatively entry-level members). 

Ian is right - at McKinsey we would look at events as opportunities to identify candidates to interview. Asking questions that someone answered does not disqualify you from being invited however, at the end of the day there are many factors, the most important of which is networking with people, demonstrating your interest and following up post the event.

In short, use events as a tool to get invited and definitely prepare questions beforehand but also combine this with networking and other tools to score an invite.

Best,

Udayan

Agree with both sides of the coaches - don't see the conflict here:

Yes, these events are a great chance to network and lay the ground work for an interview invitation.

And yes, you're overthinking your performance in the Q&A session. The fact that they ignored your question doesn't mean anything, especially in a large group setting where 44 other people also want to ask questions.