Post MBA recruiting into MBB. How to go about getting interviews?

Dear A!

The intake this year will be significantly reduced, so it will be only 30 to 60 percent out of the level of the last year (this means that it would be less than half of the level of last autumn).

So, to get an interview in one of the top consulting companies, you should focus on networking, and finding people in targeted companies who could give you referrals - this can significantly increase your chances.

If you have any further questions about the application in certain regions, just drop me a line.

Best,

André

Hi Anonymous,

Looking at the overall situation, recruiting target numbers are severly down from previous years (I heard many different numbers even for the same firm and logically it's different by region and function, but most numbers I heard are in a ballpark range of -25 to -50%). 2 implications for you:

1. Securing interviews is more difficult
2. Outperforming your peers in your interviews is more difficult

ad 1) That means applications without referrals are even more risky nowadays than in the past (it never was a good idea, but chances to be successful were much higher in the past). If not yet started, it's time to build your network and secure referrals. Logical first step in your situation would be leveraging your MBA network and chances are high some alumnis are MBB consultants.

ad 2) Once you secured your interviews, make sure you don't miss that chance and prepare as much as you can. Even if it might look expensive in the first place, invest in a good coach - at least to guide you in the right direction in the beginning and for a reality-check at the end as an absolute minimum. (Otherwise there is no point of investing time and energy in step 1 to secure your interviews if you most likely will fail anyway)

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Hi,

The best way to secure an MBA interview is to ask your classmate who is ex MBB to refer you to the on-campus recruiter. Everything else is not efficient in the on-campus recruitment context. There is no better way unless you personally know the partners

Best

(edited)

Hi, the 3 main area to work on - in order of importance - are:
- write an impactuful CV
- get a referral (look for ex-alumni of your MBA now at MBB)
- write a solid CL

Best,
Antonello

Have a killer CV/Resume

Get a coach to review. If you'd like a killer template or review don't hesitate to reach out!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/improving-my-resume-7073

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/tips-on-updating-resume-post-management-consulting-1-year-experience-6198

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/resume-6846

Have a killer Cover Letter

If you'd like some examples, feel free to send me a message!

1. Step 1 - Figure out the topics for your key paragraphs. These need to be based on what consulting companies are looking for. I recommend any of the following
   1. Quantitative + qualitative analytical skills
   2. Communication (written + verbal)
   3. Client managment skills/experience
   4. Leadership
   5. Teamwork
   6. Diversity (can be working with diverse clients, teams, etc.)
   7. Curiosity / passion for learning
2. Step 2 - Once you've picked 3-5 of these, write your paragraphs
   1. Make them succinct (3-5 sentences)
   2. Make sure they lead with e.g. "x company values y, and I do too"
   3. Make sure they focus on your achievements. You have to sell yourself here
3. Step 3 - For any given company cover letter, find out what the company cares most about. Then slot in 3 of the paragraphs that fit best (again, ideally you have 5 to choose from)
4. Step 4 - Tweak the language of each paragraph to fit the company's website, application posting, etc. I.e. Curiosity might become passion for learning.

Then, of course, you need an intro paragraph summarizing your interest + reasons why as well as a closing paragraph doing the same with new language.

Network, Network, Network

a) Reach out to people in your network - here, you have a huge advantage...reach out to your fellow MBAers, the career office, etc.

b) Reach out to people once removed from your network

c) Reach out to people with a similar backgorund to you (i.e. same alma mater, same hometown, same career switch, etc.)

d) Tailor a message to them specifically both showing interest in them and their journey and demonstrating that you have done your research and could be a valuable hire

e) Play "tag" across calls you get so that you can work your way towards the company/office/role you want

f) Leave a strong impression - i.e. don't ask "basic questions". Rather, demonstrate your ability/intelligence by asking smart questions, carrying a natural conversation, showing genuine interest, etc.