Hi there,
The cases per se are not more difficult. However, competition is stronger. This means there is less margin for error if you want to move forward.
PEI is definitely something you will be tested on.
In general, the structure of the rounds is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however in finals there is usually more emphasis on communication and fit.
Specifically, the main differences you may find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:
- Spend more time on fit questions and your alignment with the company
- Check more closely your communication (eg how you react to challenging questions)
- May not have a “proper” structured case to present – during one of my MBB finals I had one interview which was made by two market sizing questions and a brainteaser, without any business case. That's because during the final they know you can structure and crack a case (you passed 1 or 2 rounds already) and are more interested in your logic, personality and fit with the company
So in order to prepare I would concentrate on the following:
- Review in detail your fit stories – they will matter more than in the first round. In some finals I had almost exclusively behavioral questions
- Work on your communication (reaction under pressure, how to gain time when you do not have a structure ready, connect with the interviewer, etc). This is something you can do almost exclusively in interviews with peers.
- Prepare cases as you did for the first round. If you got feedback on a specific area, focus more on that part.
Best,
Francesco
Hi there,
The cases per se are not more difficult. However, competition is stronger. This means there is less margin for error if you want to move forward.
PEI is definitely something you will be tested on.
In general, the structure of the rounds is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however in finals there is usually more emphasis on communication and fit.
Specifically, the main differences you may find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:
- Spend more time on fit questions and your alignment with the company
- Check more closely your communication (eg how you react to challenging questions)
- May not have a “proper” structured case to present – during one of my MBB finals I had one interview which was made by two market sizing questions and a brainteaser, without any business case. That's because during the final they know you can structure and crack a case (you passed 1 or 2 rounds already) and are more interested in your logic, personality and fit with the company
So in order to prepare I would concentrate on the following:
- Review in detail your fit stories – they will matter more than in the first round. In some finals I had almost exclusively behavioral questions
- Work on your communication (reaction under pressure, how to gain time when you do not have a structure ready, connect with the interviewer, etc). This is something you can do almost exclusively in interviews with peers.
- Prepare cases as you did for the first round. If you got feedback on a specific area, focus more on that part.
Best,
Francesco