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Consulting Q&A

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.

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How stringent is the initial CV screening? And does everyone get invited to sit McKinsey Solve?

1st round interview CV Experienced Hire McKinsey PSG
Most recent answer on Apr 08, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 06, 2024) is from:
Alessa
Expert
McKinsey & Company | BCG | Roland Berger
Alessa
Expert
 gave the best answer on Apr 06, 2024
McKinsey & Company | BCG | Roland Berger
Hi!  Congrats on completing the test! :) Not all candidates are asked to complete the test! There is an initial screening done before! The solve game is between the initial CV screening and the first interview.  They wi ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
141
Views
78
Total Upvotes
on Apr 08, 2024 on Apr 08, 2024
Last Activity

OW presentation (not case interview) in Round 2 for Experienced Hire

Analytical Skills Experienced Hire Oliver Wyman presentation
Most recent answer on Mar 12, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 12, 2024) is from:
Dennis
Expert
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Dennis
Expert
 gave the best answer on Mar 12, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Hi there, in addition to all the comments and explanations, find below an exemplary case that can be used to practice such a presentation interview format. https://www.preplounge.com/de/case-sammlung/candidate-led-uebli ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.4 k
Views
23
Total Upvotes
on Mar 12, 2024 on Mar 12, 2024
Last Activity

I'm kindly asked to quit the firm, what should I do ?

Experienced Hire MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 12, 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 12, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, First of all, I'm really sorry to hear. This is never easy to hear/deal with.  BUT, remember that this is just one stage of the journey - remind yourself of all of the “failure” stories and what happened after ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
616
Views
175
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2023 on Dec 31, 2023
Last Activity

Experience Hire - Expert of Generalist

Experienced Hire generalist MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 16, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Dec 16, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
These are great questions.  Happy to provide my perspective.  1.) Should an experience hire always be applying only for Expert roles? I assume there are no barriers preventing us from applying for generalist roles too? ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
313
Views
105
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2023 on Dec 31, 2023
Last Activity

Advice for incoming consultant (experienced hire)

BCG Career start Experienced Hire MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 25, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 20, 2023) is from:
Inigo
Expert
Senior Consultant at Roland Berger / Ex-Lazard IB / Top performer and interviewed +100 candidates / INSEAD MBA 24D
Inigo
Expert
 gave the best answer on Dec 20, 2023
Senior Consultant at Roland Berger / Ex-Lazard IB / Top performer and interviewed +100 candidates / INSEAD MBA 24D
Hello,  I have already been working for 4 years as a consultant in Roland Berger and will be leaving in a few days to start my MBA at INSEAD (sponsored), so will try to provide the best advice in my experience Try to be ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
365
Views
101
Total Upvotes
on Dec 25, 2023 on Dec 25, 2023
Last Activity

CV/Resume Query regarding work experience at family owned business

CV CV screening Experienced Hire Resume work experience
Most recent answer on Nov 13, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 12, 2023) is from:
Alberto
Expert
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Alberto
Expert
 gave the best answer on Nov 12, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, a) How to best report my current work arrangement on my CV/resume. The same way as you would do with your other professional experiences in a consulting resume. List the name the company, your role, dates and ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
301
Views
33
Total Upvotes
on Nov 13, 2023 on Nov 13, 2023
Last Activity

Experienced hire thinking of applying for entry level

Experienced Hire
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 30, 2023) is from:
Frederic
Expert
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Frederic
Expert
 gave the best answer on Sep 30, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Hello, Your consideration of applying for an entry-level or graduate scheme route as an experienced hire is a strategic move that can have both pros and cons. Here's an overview to help you make an informed decision: Pr ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
429
Views
34
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Experienced Hire Final Round Interview Turnaround Time?

Experienced Hire
Most recent answer on Oct 30, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 30, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 30, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Never assume it's a rejection until you either read it or hear it.  Otherwise, patiently wait. It can even take up to 3 weeks sometimes (I know that's very very long).  I waited for ten days.  Basically, if you're alrea ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
6.3 k
Views
18
Total Upvotes
on Oct 30, 2023 on Oct 30, 2023
Last Activity

From Tier 2 to Top Tier Consulting Firm

Application application process Bain Bain & Company BCG career progression Case Interview Change Career Change Firm Change Firms Change Job Experienced Hire Interview Lateral Hire MBB McKinsey MMB Oliver Wyman Roland Berger strategy& switch Top tier
Most recent answer on Oct 28, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 06, 2017
Hello, I have known several people who joined a BCG Paris after having work for a few years in other consulting firms (either top 20 or boutique/specialized) Evaluation criteria during cases interviews will remain rou ... (read entire answer)
12
Answers
27.9 k
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Oct 28, 2023 on Oct 28, 2023
Last Activity

Experienced professional applying to BCG - Casey test

BCG BCG online case Experienced Hire Experienced Professional SEA
Most recent answer on Oct 23, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 20, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 20, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
You have a very cool profile which should make it easy to transition into consulting.  First of all, if you're not prepared, try to postpone it. You can always reach out even for these sorts of tests and tell that you'l ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
520
Views
72
Total Upvotes
on Oct 23, 2023 on Oct 23, 2023
Last Activity

MBB GPA for experienced hires

Experienced Hire GPA MBB selection process
Most recent answer on Oct 18, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 18, 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 Oct 18, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Once you start working, your college and college GPA tends to matter less. Your work experience starts to matter more As an undergrad, your GPA was one of the the defining aspects of your application because you did ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
6.2 k
Views
11
Total Upvotes
on Oct 18, 2023 on Oct 18, 2023
Last Activity

Bain Experienced Hires

Experienced Hire
Most recent answer on Oct 17, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 16, 2023) is from:
Lilit
Expert
Associate Partner at Bain| ex EY-Parthenon|5+ yrs of coaching | Personalised approach and detailed & actionable feedback
Lilit
Expert
 gave the best answer on Oct 16, 2023
Associate Partner at Bain| ex EY-Parthenon|5+ yrs of coaching | Personalised approach and detailed & actionable feedback
Hi there, With some exceptions such as Middle East, I don't think the experience hire recruitment will start anytime sooner than January, but depends on the market developments. Lilit  
7
Answers
323
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Oct 17, 2023 on Oct 17, 2023
Last Activity

EY-Parthenon senior consultant (soon to be manager) vs. Senior Associate at BCG

BCG Experienced Hire EY-Parthenon
Most recent answer on Oct 17, 2023
The best answer (on May 24, 2021) 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 May 24, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Congratulations on your offer. I think it may still be worth to move to BCG despite the lower entry level if: It allows you to open doors for exits interesting for you not available now (eg PE) You bel ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
5.1 k
Views
33
Total Upvotes
on Oct 17, 2023 on Oct 17, 2023
Last Activity

Pros / cons of lateral hire to MBB (from another consulting firm)

Experienced Hire Lateral Hire MBB
Most recent answer on Oct 12, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 12, 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 Oct 12, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, I started at Kearney before moving to MBB. Sharing my take on your 3 questions: 1. Is there any value in switching to MBB? Are there more exit opportunities available? Yes. There is high value in switching to MBB Af ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
6.9 k
Views
16
Total Upvotes
on Oct 12, 2023 on Oct 12, 2023
Last Activity

Two years in Accenture, got an offer from BCG for an associate position

Accenture BCG Experienced Hire Lateral Hire MBB recruiting
Most recent answer on Oct 12, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Sep 25, 2019
While BCG in general tends to discount experience at other consulting firms, what you can do is to negotiate with them to be placed in a higher band within the associate level (A1/A2/A3). This way, you will not have to ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
5.5 k
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Oct 12, 2023 on Oct 12, 2023
Last Activity

Experienced hire @ BCG -- securing first round interview

BCG Experienced Hire First Round networking
Most recent answer on Oct 12, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 12, 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 Oct 12, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Unfortunately, sometimes the process slips and applications fall through the cracks. If anyone is faced with a similar situation, I would suggest to follow up gently with both the recruiter and the consultant.  
2
Answers
5.5 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Oct 12, 2023 on Oct 12, 2023
Last Activity

Max years of experience to enter a management consulting firm?

Applications Experienced Hire
Most recent answer on Sep 22, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 22, 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 Sep 22, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, As others have mentioned - definitely not the last chance. I have known people who have joined BCG at the age of ~40 at the Consultant role, and those with ~10-12 years of industry experience who have also successfu ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
887
Views
60
Total Upvotes
on Sep 22, 2023 on Sep 22, 2023
Last Activity

Experienced Hire - Bain

Bain & Company Experienced Hire
Most recent answer on Sep 13, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 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 Sep 13, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, There's a few sides to this. In general, my consulting colleagues have informed me hiring seems to be primed to pick up Q1 next year I know of specific instance of Bain hiring (yes, Bain hiring) - depends on o ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
315
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Sep 13, 2023 on Sep 13, 2023
Last Activity

Preparing for the 1st round of interview - Functional Expertise

Experienced Hire McKinsey
Most recent answer on Sep 01, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 15, 2023) is from:
Andi
Expert
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Andi
Expert
 gave the best answer on Aug 15, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Hi there, by functional expertise, they usually mean that you really know the domain you're hired into from a content standpoint, i.e. be a subject matter expert (SME). This typically entails… Strong, general business a ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
546
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Sep 01, 2023 on Sep 01, 2023
Last Activity

Hiring timing for MBB this year - Experienced hire

Application timing Experienced Hire
Most recent answer on Aug 29, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 16, 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 Mar 16, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: First of all, nobody knows for certain when the best time would be to apply in your sp ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
825
Views
53
Total Upvotes
on Aug 29, 2023 on Aug 29, 2023
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 142 results
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