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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PEI McKinsey Leadership

FIT Interview leadership McKinsey PEI
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Oct 04, 2021) is from:
Agrim
Expert
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
Agrim
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 04, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
You do not necessarily need to be in a leadership position in order to exhibit leadership qualities. Guiding, inspiring, motivating, encouraging, empowering, influencing, etc. etc. are just some of the qualities that hi ... (read entire answer)
23
Answers
19.9 k
Views
126
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

Fit interview

behavoural fit interview FIT MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 30, 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 Dec 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
I assume you are talking about an MBB firm. If so, all first and second round recruiters gather together to take the final hiring decision. They will look for consensus and anyone has voice to veto your progress to next ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
752
Views
53
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2023 on Dec 30, 2023
Last Activity

Team Work Fit Question

FIT MBB teamwork
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 30, 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 Dec 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, Being asked for a leadership story you should focus on your best experience leading a team (of any size), either on a personal or professional situation. Keys here: You leading style is and how you inspire the ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
2.1 k
Views
21
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2023 on Dec 30, 2023
Last Activity

MBB Fit Leadership

FIT MBB
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 30, 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 Dec 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi there, Being asked for a leadership story you should focus on your best experience leading a team (of any size), either on a personal or professional situation. Keys here: You leading style is and how you inspire the ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
3.2 k
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2023 on Dec 30, 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
52.9 k
Views
158
Total Upvotes
on Nov 10, 2023 on Nov 10, 2023
Last Activity

BCG Personal Fit

Bain BCG behavoural fit interview FIT fit interview Fit Interview Stories HR MBB McKinsey PEI Personal Fit Personalfit
Most recent answer on Nov 10, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 13, 2017) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 13, 2017
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Rob, usual topics for BCG are leadership, flexibility, teamwork and tenacity. In practice, questions will be mostly the same. The usual differentiator between other firms is: “Why BCG?”. Many people provide a gen ... (read entire answer)
32
Answers
66.9 k
Views
277
Total Upvotes
on Nov 10, 2023 on Nov 10, 2023
Last Activity

How to best make use of a buddy given to you before final round of interviews?

2ndround Bain BCG Case Buddy FIT InterviewPartner Oliver Wyman oliver wyman london
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
That's a great opportunity indeed.  And I see there are a few amazing answers here already. But what I'd focus on is understanding exactly what this person did to be successful during their own interviews. How did they ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
8.4 k
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Oct 30, 2023 on Oct 30, 2023
Last Activity

McKinsey PEI - Personal Impact

FIT Interview MBB McKinsey McKinsey PEI PEI personal experience interview Personal Fit Personalfit Story
Most recent answer on Oct 11, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 10, 2021) 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 Mar 10, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, There are some great prior Q&As for this. One example is here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-pei-number-of-stories-6842 Personal Stories Step 1 - Categorize the main sto ... (read entire answer)
21
Answers
62.7 k
Views
129
Total Upvotes
on Oct 11, 2023 on Oct 11, 2023
Last Activity

How to Answer "Why Consulting?" in Interviews

AT Kearney Bain BCG consulting consulting job FIT fit interview management consulting MBB McKinsey motivation PEI PrepLounge: Personal Fit reasons strategy consulting The Boston Consulting Group tier2 why why consulting why mbb
Most recent answer on Oct 10, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Oct 04, 2017
I would recommend spending about 1 - 2 minutes on each question. You have a lot to get to in the interview. Less than a minute will make you seem rehearsed and shallow and more than 2 minutes for each will take up too m ... (read entire answer)
155
Answers
146.3 k
Views
469
Total Upvotes
on Oct 10, 2023 on Oct 10, 2023
Last Activity

Fit Interview Preparation

FIT Fit Interview Stories
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 17, 2022) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 17, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, The McKinsey PEI is very different from all other firms' fit interviews. Why? There are 3 dimensions you need to talk about (a 4th one is currently being rolled out) and that is it For each dimension, you wil ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
690
Views
45
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Differences in preparing FIT for McKinsey, Bain and BCG.

FIT
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 30, 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 Sep 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews
Hi Clemens, I recommend you prepare for McKinsey PEI and you'll be ready for the other. Be ready in 4 dimensions: Entrepreneurship: focusing on how you delivered impact out of your comfort zone Leadership: focusing on l ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.7 k
Views
47
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Fit question

FIT motivation
Most recent answer on Aug 03, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 03, 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 03, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi there, If this is a question in the context of MBB, then my sense is that you are an experienced hire who is coming in at an older age vs. the average of your position (probably below the manager level). In this scen ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
330
Views
18
Total Upvotes
on Aug 03, 2023 on Aug 03, 2023
Last Activity

BCG Fit Interview

BCG BCG Case Interview FIT
Most recent answer on Aug 02, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 31, 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 Jul 31, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | #1 for Experienced Hires
Hi there, In terms of fit, BCG interviews are typically less standardized and a bit more casual than at certain other consultancies (e.g. McK).For a fit only interview, you can expect a tilt towards motivational questio ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
474
Views
25
Total Upvotes
on Aug 02, 2023 on Aug 02, 2023
Last Activity

FIT Interviews BCg, Bain and Tier 2 (non Mckinsey)

FIT
Most recent answer on Jul 28, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 26, 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 Jul 26, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, In my experience (being an interviewer at BCG) and also having sat through Bain & Tier 2 interviews myself: Behavioural portion is anywhere between 5-15mins of the interview → general rule is that the case will ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
266
Views
47
Total Upvotes
on Jul 28, 2023 on Jul 28, 2023
Last Activity

MBB Career: Too Late with Job-Hopping History?

Career Advising FIT Resume
Most recent answer on Jul 25, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 23, 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 Jul 23, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, I'm a big believer in it never being too late! Neither the job hopping nor break are a blocker in-and-of-themselves. If you ahve a strong resume you have a srtrong resume! Make sure to network extensively. Try ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
322
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Jul 25, 2023 on Jul 25, 2023
Last Activity

Fit questions

FIT
Most recent answer on Jun 30, 2023
The best answer (on May 08, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on May 08, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, 1) How long the fit part usually takes during an interview at BCG, Bain and other consulting firms? 10-15 minutes?  If it's together with the case part, in most firms it will likely take between 5 and 15 minut ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
552
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on Jun 30, 2023 on Jun 30, 2023
Last Activity

Fit Excellence

FIT
Most recent answer on May 08, 2023
The best answer (on May 07, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on May 07, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Hi there,  For sure.  You should seek to play to your strengths during the interview.  Some candidates, regardless of how much effort they put into practice, will never become amazing at quants. But they are amazing ins ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
470
Views
70
Total Upvotes
on May 08, 2023 on May 08, 2023
Last Activity

Answer every interview question using STAR/R?

FIT
Most recent answer on May 06, 2023
The best answer (on May 06, 2023) is from:
Riddhima
Riddhima gave the best answer on May 06, 2023
Yes, if you are asked questions such as "What would you do if a colleague told you they're stressed?" or "What would you do if a client looked anxious?" in an interview, you could use the STAR method to structure your a ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
1.1 k
Views
78
Total Upvotes
on May 06, 2023 on May 06, 2023
Last Activity

What is the best resource to practice fit interviews?

FIT Fit Interview Stories
Most recent answer on Feb 28, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 21, 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 Feb 21, 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: In order to prepare for the personal fit part of the interviews, I would highly advise ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
494
Views
50
Total Upvotes
on Feb 28, 2023 on Feb 28, 2023
Last Activity

FIT | How do you prevent that an answer sound memorized?

FIT
Most recent answer on Feb 08, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 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 Feb 07, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hello, That's a great question and issue which I've seen in quite a few candidates that I've interviewed before.  Interviewers expect that candidates prepare for the interview, that of course includes rehearsing fit sto ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
689
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on Feb 08, 2023 on Feb 08, 2023
Last Activity
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