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“What do you know about business?”

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Mar 26, 2024
The best answer (on Jun 05, 2023) is from:
Emily
Expert
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks
Emily
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 05, 2023
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks
When discussing business in general, interviewers are often looking for your ability to articulate your understanding of real-world business operations, strategies, trends, and challenges, rather than academic theories ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
375
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Mar 26, 2024 on Mar 26, 2024
Last Activity

How to break into the interview? or pass the resume filtering?

Addressing interviewer Application application strength Consulting Resume
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 29, 2024) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 29, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there! Tough situation.  Basically, you need to think about your approach to applications as a funnel.  First of all, you need a broad funnel. Meaning, lots of application. Then, you need to optimise the funnel, mean ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
207
Views
53
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

FIT Prep Matrix and Rehearsal

Addressing interviewer BCG McKinsey and Bain MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 01, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 15, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 15, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, 1) Interviewing for MBB, want to ask if anyone has the FIT matrix and rehearsal guide that I could use? Most coaches should have material on that. For my mentees, I provide two fit guides (for stories and non- ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
262
Views
35
Total Upvotes
on Dec 01, 2023 on Dec 01, 2023
Last Activity

Will firms ask for proof of previous "freelance works"?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Dec 01, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 01, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 01, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Highly unlikely. However, if you need proof you have it if you're using a site like upwork!
6
Answers
772
Views
24
Total Upvotes
on Dec 01, 2023 on Dec 01, 2023
Last Activity

Tipps zur Vorbereitung auf Speed Recruiting?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Nov 27, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 26, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
gave the best answer on Nov 26, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi! You might find the following article useful in terms of how to network and generally how to handle these sort of conversations to get the most out of them: Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referr ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
280
Views
22
Total Upvotes
on Nov 27, 2023 on Nov 27, 2023
Last Activity

Best questions to ask at the end of interview

Addressing interviewer asking questions Bain Bain & Company behavoural fit interview candidate questions Case Case Interview cultural fit examples questions Final Round FIT fit interview Fit Interview Stories Fit questions interview questions Interviewer MBB newbie Question questions
Most recent answer on Nov 10, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 23, 2018) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 23, 2018
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Hi Anonymous, This is the moment where you can confirm the good fit you had with the interviewer during the 1h itw. I personnally suggest to avoid every question that can be asnwered by the firm's website, as well as ... (read entire answer)
46
Answers
53.3 k
Views
158
Total Upvotes
on Nov 10, 2023 on Nov 10, 2023
Last Activity

How do I convince interviewer that I am capable of doing the job?

7thinterview Addressing interviewer Arthur D Little Interviews BCG Case Interview
Most recent answer on Oct 25, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 24, 2023) is from:
Raj
Expert
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
Raj
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 24, 2023
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK
As a seasoned strategy consultant, I understand your concerns about transitioning into a senior consulting role without prior consulting experience. To effectively convince the interviewer that you are the right fit for ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
490
Views
76
Total Upvotes
on Oct 25, 2023 on Oct 25, 2023
Last Activity

Interview Invite - No Response Back

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Sep 28, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 24, 2023) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 24, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, First of all, congratulations on the invitation from the boutique consulting firm! I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question: First of all, it's normal to be anxious about the response time, espec ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
353
Views
40
Total Upvotes
on Sep 28, 2023 on Sep 28, 2023
Last Activity

2nd Round Interview Response Timeline

Addressing interviewer Delay
Most recent answer on Sep 16, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 14, 2023) is from:
Sophia
Expert
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching
Sophia
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 14, 2023
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching
Hello, You're overthinking it! Until you hear from them one way or the other, there's no reason to assume anything at all. There's little point in trying to infer anything from the duration of their response: they could ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
408
Views
57
Total Upvotes
on Sep 16, 2023 on Sep 16, 2023
Last Activity

McKinsey first round - Very hostile interviewer

Addressing interviewer BCG Bain McKinsey Interview McKinsey McKinsey first round
Most recent answer on Sep 11, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 11, 2023) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 11, 2023
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi! Sorry to hear. It's very hard to judge from what you wrote, so I don't want start speculating.  However, I want to comment on your point #2, because this is a very common (almost tragical) problem I see with people ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
725
Views
75
Total Upvotes
on Sep 11, 2023 on Sep 11, 2023
Last Activity

Ghosted by HR after interview - should I follow up for the 2nd time?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Aug 18, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 15, 2023) is from:
Hani
Expert
Associate and All-star Interviewer at OW | Ex-S& | 5+ years in the Middle East |300+ Interviews | INSEAD MBA
Hani
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 15, 2023
Associate and All-star Interviewer at OW | Ex-S& | 5+ years in the Middle East |300+ Interviews | INSEAD MBA
Hello there,Yes, it's generally acceptable to follow up for the second time if you haven't received a response after the first follow-up email. When doing so, it's important to strike a balance between showing your cont ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
8.3 k
Views
34
Total Upvotes
on Aug 18, 2023 on Aug 18, 2023
Last Activity

Who decides whether interviewee move to next round - HR or Hiring Manager?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Aug 08, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 07, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 07, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, It's probably helpful to understand and contexualize the different roles.  HR is a support function → they support the recruiting process and often are in charge of running the process While they can share input, ty ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.2 k
Views
54
Total Upvotes
on Aug 08, 2023 on Aug 08, 2023
Last Activity

Interview communication plan - left the firm but didn't bring up in interviews

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Aug 02, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 31, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 31, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  In general, do not ‘conceal’ anything. It's going to hurt you eventually.  You can still use the same motivation point even if you have already left the firm.  You can say that there were not many projects ha ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
243
Views
20
Total Upvotes
on Aug 02, 2023 on Aug 02, 2023
Last Activity

Please help - how to reframe "counseled out" in interviews?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Aug 02, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 31, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 31, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  That's challenging indeed.  First of all, sorry to hear about the situation.  This sounds frustrating indeed.  So, I would take a step back from your two options and already call them a ‘last resort discussio ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
254
Views
30
Total Upvotes
on Aug 02, 2023 on Aug 02, 2023
Last Activity

How to prepare for corporate strategy role (hiring manager is ex-MBB)?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Aug 02, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 02, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 02, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, I've sat for corporate interviews that formally stated there was a ‘case’ and also for those that didn't say there would be a case. A couple of things I would do if I were in your situation: Clarify what your specif ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
482
Views
21
Total Upvotes
on Aug 02, 2023 on Aug 02, 2023
Last Activity

Should I disclose I've left the firm in interviews?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Jul 08, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 04, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 04, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Sorry to hear about the situation. In terms of your question: Q: For firms that I have already been interviewing, should I proactively mention I left the firm? And for firms that I apply after I left, I would ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
376
Views
73
Total Upvotes
on Jul 08, 2023 on Jul 08, 2023
Last Activity

Duration after being asked to leave

Addressing interviewer BCG McKinsey and Bain fire MBB
Most recent answer on Jun 30, 2023
The best answer (on May 15, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on May 15, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Sorry to hear about your situation. The answer depends on the firm/geography. At least in Asia, BCG will give you about ~2 months. There is also an option to extend that duration, but your total salary will not incr ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.6 k
Views
85
Total Upvotes
on Jun 30, 2023 on Jun 30, 2023
Last Activity

Interviewing competing firms - how to frame underperformance? Should I reveal?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Jun 30, 2023
The best answer (on May 17, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on May 17, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, I'm SO sorry this happened. It's really not easy and truly shakes the confidence. Just know that this is happening at a higher right now before because of overhiring and pipeline issues. On the one hand, pleas ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
416
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Jun 30, 2023 on Jun 30, 2023
Last Activity

How to answer "what was your salary / bonus" in interviews?

Addressing interviewer
Most recent answer on Jun 28, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 10, 2023) is from:
Marvin
Expert
Former BCG Consultant | Startup Founder | Holistic approach to a successful application - cases & beyond | 10% discount
Marvin
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 10, 2023
Former BCG Consultant | Startup Founder | Holistic approach to a successful application - cases & beyond | 10% discount
Hi, The question about current salary and bonus can indeed be sensitive during interviews. Here are some strategies to consider: Should you disclose salary/bonus information: It's generally advisable to avoid disclosing ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.6 k
Views
83
Total Upvotes
on Jun 28, 2023 on Jun 28, 2023
Last Activity

Interview

Addressing interviewer
Question edited on Jun 16, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 13, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 13, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, First, yes, holding back information is VERY normal. YOU are supposed to drive the case. If you ask them “do you have hourly wages" and they have annual wages (salary) they are allowed to not give you the data ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
341
Views
60
Total Upvotes
on Jun 16, 2023 on Jun 16, 2023
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 29 results

Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.