Oliver Wyman Online Test

oliverwyman
New answer on Feb 01, 2023
4 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jan 31, 2023

I've been invited to take the Oliver Wyman online test as a first step in the recruitment process for the role of a Senior Consultant in the Middle East offices. Does anyone know what kind of a test it is? Upon asking, I was told it'll take 30 minutes to complete that it's meant to test one's ability to solve complex business problems and interpret data in different forms.

Previously, I've heard from people that the Oliver Wyman online test is purely numerical, quite similar to the GMAT, has negative markings, and takes 20 minutes to complete. I'm wondering if that has changed lately as the description given to me doesn't quite sound like a GMAT like test. 

Can anyone shed some light on it ASAP please?

Thank you very much!

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Hagen
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replied on Feb 01, 2023
Ex-Bain and interviewer for 7+ years | >95% success rate | mentor and coach for 6+ years

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation by Oliver Wyman!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • The information you've received from Oliver Wyman may be the most accurate and up-to-date description of the test, as the format and content of the online test can change over time. I would advise you to trust the information given to you directly by the company, and to prepare for the test based on their description.
  • Generally speaking, it is likely going to be a reasoning test like the GMAT, but with a more applied focus, specifically in the form of case-study based questions. You will be required to analyze and interpret information provided in a business scenario and then apply your problem-solving and analytical skills to make recommendations and derive conclusions.
  • I would highly advise you to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions, and utilize any practice materials or mock tests that may be provided by the company.
  • Additionally, make sure to stay calm, confident, and well-rested on the day of the test and take your time to read through the instructions and questions before submitting your answers.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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Ian
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replied on Feb 01, 2023
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Hi there,

All of these online tests are very similar

Format? Slightly different. Content and what's required from you ability-wise? Essentially the same.

The best way is to really find online tests / questions and practice. Regardless as to whether is a new or old test, the principles are mostly the same:

  • Time management (need to think quick)
  • Business knowledge/context (incl key formulas)
  • Critical thinking (answers that are very similar to each other...clues "hidden" in the text)
  • Ability to interpret data/charts

Think of it as a merge of a case and the GMAT/GRE.

You need to be clear on some key case-related and account formulas (margin, growth, breakeven, etc) as well as be good at critically understanding the question (including nuance to questions) and parsing through complicated text with a fair amount of distraction.

You'll also need to be good at chart/graph reading.

The (old) McKinsey PST, BCG Online Test, Bain SOVA test, etc. are all quite similar so leverage resources across all of them.

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Cristian
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replied on Jan 31, 2023
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Hi there, 

There are a few examples that you can find online if you google for them. 

Basically, you can expect:

  • GMAT questions
  • chart/data interpretation
  • business judgement - you're given a business context and provided with several options to choose from

Some offices also use inductive reasoning, but this is becoming less popular. 

Best,

Cristian

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Anonymous A on Feb 01, 2023

What I mean when I ask about its similarity to the GMAT is the mathematical concepts tested in that GMAT. Does that mean I need to be well versed with geometry, probability and combinatorics? I do understand that the test could include critical and deductive reasoning like in the GMAT which I believe could make it along the lines of the old Mckinsey PSTs.

Cristian on Feb 01, 2023

Hi again! I wouldn't expect geometry, but probability yes. Think about the sort of analyses that a consultant would do and the sort of operations these would involve.

Florian
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replied on Feb 01, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | 5 years @ McKinsey | Author of the 1% | 120+ McK offers in 18 months

Hi there,

In a nutshell, it's a mix of the Bain SOVA and some business math questions.

I have a free guide available for the former in case you are interested.

Cheers,

Florian

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Hagen gave the best answer

Hagen

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