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behavioral interviews

    Behavioral Interview Questions

    How You Should Prepare and Respond

    Integrated FIT Guide for MBB by Clara

    I was asked if I am on track for promotion. I said yes but actually no. What's the consequence?

    behavioral interviews
    Most recent answer on Jul 29, 2021
    <p>I try to jump from tier 2 to MBB. I was asked if I am on track for promotion. I said yes but actually no. What's the consequence?</p> <p>Should I just say no for my interview with another firm? But how to explain? (I am not on track for promotion because of low utilization)</p> <p>I am afraid they will finally find out in reference check.</p>
    Hey there, There won't be any consequences. It's a bit of a weird interviewer question tbh. In consulting everyone is always on track for (micro)-promotion more or less so I would not make a big deal out of it.  I ... (read entire answer)
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    on Jul 29, 2021
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    I have been invited to Mckinsey PEI. How do I go about it (details below)?

    behavioral interviews McKinsey McKinsey & Company McKinsey PEI
    Most recent answer on Jun 26, 2021
    <p>Hi. I have been invited to an interview as an Insight/Research Analyst. I have cleared the PSG and the Technical/Case round as well. The HR informed me that there will be 2-3 rounds of Behavourial rounds after the tech/case round. Can I expect case study and guesstimates on these rounds as well or are they purely behavioural or a mix of both?</p>
    Hi there, It would be very unusual to have 2-3 rounds of behavioral questions only. I would expect cases as well, but you can clarify with HR just in case. Market sizing and estimation questions (I guess that's what ... (read entire answer)
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    on Jun 26, 2021
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    ►New Expert Article: Behavioral Questions and Answers by Clara

    behavioral behavioral interviews behavoural fit interview fit interview Fit Interview Stories
    Most recent answer on May 26, 2021
    <p>Dear PrepLounge Members,</p> <p>I hope you are doing good and that you enjoy your time on PrepLounge!</p> <p>We are happy to announce that you have now free access to even more valuable content and information. Through our <strong>new expert articles</strong>, our PrepLounge case coaches now have the opportunity to create <strong>articles on interesting topics</strong> that will help you prepare for your case interview. </p> <p><a href="https://www.preplounge.com/en/behavioral-interview-questions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img alt="" src="/uploads/qa/questions/10369/images/Expert%20Article%20Visual%201%20desktop.png" style="height:145px;width:600px;"></a></p> <p>The first expert article has been provided by our case coach Clara. She gives you an introduction to the <a href="https://www.preplounge.com/en/behavioral-interview-questions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>most common behavioral questions</strong></a> in the dimensions of <strong>leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and personal impact</strong>. Each section is accompanied by a list of possible behavioral questions, giving you tips and strategies to phrase interview answers that will blow the interviewer away.</p> <p>If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me or to <a href="https://www.preplounge.com/en/profile.php?id=246080" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clara</a>. We are happy to answer your questions! </p> <p>Good luck with your interview preparation!</p> <p>Christine<br> <em>PrepLounge Community Management</em></p> <p><img alt="PrepLounge Consulting Q&amp;A Forum" src="https://www.preplounge.com/uploads/qa/answers/4489/images/High%20resolution%20%28no%20background%29350px%281%29.png" style="height:45px;width:150px;"></p> <p> <em>Follow us on: </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrepLounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/preplounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/preplounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a></p>
    Hello PrepL Community! In view on the amount of questions we see in the Q&A regarding FIT preparation, we have published the 1st expert article on one of the four families of questions that we find during our FIT ... (read entire answer)
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    on May 26, 2021
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    How to answer what's your role in the project?

    behavioral interviews projects
    Most recent answer on May 25, 2021
    <p>How to answer what's your role in the project?</p> <p>I usually said conducted xxx analysis, which was mostly true, but that applies to all projects. How should I answer this?</p>
    Hi there, I imagine this is relating to the question posted here? https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-do-you-explain-your-project-experience-as-a-consultant-10341 My answer would be very similar. As i ... (read entire answer)
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    on May 25, 2021
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    How do you explain your project experience as a consultant？

    behavioral interviews projects
    Most recent answer on May 25, 2021
    <p>How do you explain your project experience as a consultant？</p> <p>The interviewer asked me. Can you walk me through a project that you are most familiar with?</p> <p>I said "I worked on a market entry project for a leading auto company. I assessed the market potential, looked at regulations and competition landscape and provided four options for the client with pros and cons listed. The client ended up entering the market with $X investment via partnership."</p> <p>The interviewer didnt seem to be happy with it. Do you know why and do you have a good example? (I don't have that much quant data to show as there wasn't much related to quant.)</p>
    Hi there, I think the main improvements are the following: In general your description is very short – could have provided a deeper explanation of what happened Could have started clarifying the project and ... (read entire answer)
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    on May 25, 2021
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    Response after final round interviews with Big4

    behavioral interviews Final Round
    Most recent answer on Jan 18, 2021
    <p>Hello,</p> <p>I just finished final round interviews with EY. In case it is a yes, will I be infomed by email or phone call? Will I receive the contract on the spot, or after a couple of days? And how much time do I usually have to reply back? I am expecting offers from other companies as well, as my interviews are next week. I am a bit confused on how to decide between the offers in a short time span.</p>
    Hi there, First, I need to remind you to slow down a bit here. This is the definition of counting your chickens before they hatch. Of course, I hope you do get these offers. But, you may not. Please just be mentally p ... (read entire answer)
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    on Jan 18, 2021
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    Behavioural interviews at A.T. Kearney

    A.T. Kearney behavioral interviews Experienced Hire
    Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2020
    <p>Hi, I'm looking for some insight into the behavioural interview stage at A.T. Kearney.</p> <p>Is there a typical type of questioning in these interviews? Has anyone had an interview experience they'd be willing to share?</p> <p>I am planning to follow the guidelines in the personal fit section of bootcamp but wondered if anyone had any extra insights to ATK specifically.</p> <p>Some background: I'm being interviewed as an experienced hire. My interview schedule is as follows:</p> <p>1. Informal chat (done)</p> <p>2. Behavioural interview (1h)</p> <p>3. Case interview (1h)</p> <p>4. TBC depending on how 2&amp;3 go!</p> <p>Thanks in advance.</p>
    Hi Anonymous, indeed, there is a list of questions that tend to appear more frequently; the most likely fit questions and topics you will find are: Tell me about yourself (personal overview) Why consulting (m ... (read entire answer)
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    on Oct 31, 2020
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    Advice on fit questions and case interview at A.T. Kearney

    A.T. Kearney approaching a case ATKearney behavioral interviews Big4 business analyst Case Interview coffee consulting Interview interview process Paris interviews Personal Fit
    Most recent answer on Oct 29, 2020
    <p>Advice on fit questions and case interview at A.T. Kearney - Paris office for the Business Analyst position. </p> <p>- Typical questions asked to inexperienced applicant</p> <p>- Most common case interview</p> <p>Thanks</p>
    Hi, I recommend the following approach: 1) Start with "Case in point" book - you can download this book for free everywhere. It's not the best guide on how you should approach the cases, however, it will give you th ... (read entire answer)
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    on Oct 29, 2020
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    Is there interviewer feedback form/scoring grid for behavioral interviews?

    behavioral interviews
    Most recent answer on Sep 19, 2020
    <p>Is there interviewer feedback form/scoring grid for behavioral interviews?</p>
    Some of the dimensions you'll be rated on will include: Are you a good communicator Can you present confidently to a client Are you a good team player Can you take leadership if required Are you humble and c ... (read entire answer)
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    on Sep 19, 2020
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    At behavioral interview, to what extent do you talk about "I" vs "We"?

    behavioral behavioral interviews
    Most recent answer on Aug 31, 2020
    <p>At behavioral interview, to what extent do you talk about "I" vs "We"? In a lot of story (I was at a boutique consultancy without long work experience overall), the decision making, project direction and client facing content are done by the manager, entry level consultants are more of a supportive role. I find it hard to come up with stories that is about "we" instead of "I". What should I do?</p>
    Hello! This is precisely covered in the FIT guide! On top of the insights already shared in the post, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/ ... (read entire answer)
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    on Aug 31, 2020
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    How much time should I spend on answering each behaviral question?

    behavioral interviews
    Most recent answer on Aug 14, 2020
    <p>How much time should I spend on answering each behaviral question? (e.g. interviewer asks about "tell me a time when..."</p>
    Hi, Just like the question "How many cases should I practice?", the answer here is it depends. It depends on 1) The content of your story and 2) The body language of your interviewer. 45-60 seconds is a good indicat ... (read entire answer)
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    on Aug 14, 2020
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    How to Identify Your Own Skills/Stories

    application process behavioral interviews FIT Fit Interview Stories interview process MBB PEI
    Most recent answer on May 31, 2020
    <p>tl;dr: Soft skills come easily but are hard for me to identify in myself. Help please!</p> <p>Hey everyone, do any of you have suggestions for how to objectively look at my own skills and see where I shine? For example, there are certain traits (apathy, learning quickly, adaptability, leadership, innitiative, resilience, communication) that fortunately come very easily for me. However, it's hard for me to identify them as skills because I have them innately, they are just part of my personality. </p> <p>I'll be telling a story and a friend will ask how I managed to accomplish something or get past a hurdle and I just shrug and say 'I don't know, I just did' and I can't identify exact reasons or skills I used - I just did it. Obviously this kind of answer will not pass in a fit interview, and there are certain stories I may not even think of as impressive even though they are to other people, because to me they are just part of my life. </p> <p>It's difficult for me to see soft skills that I have as skills, because they have always been part of who I am. I hope this makes sense. I'm also told I have a problem with being too modest about my skills and accomplishments, which I know I need to change in order to actively use them to help me succeed in my future career.</p> <p>If anyone has suggestions of exercises one can do to assess their own skills / stories for PEI and Fit interviews I greatly appreciate it! </p> <p>My weaknesses I'm very cognisant of.</p>
    Hi, I recommend buying some great books on leadership that have all the relevant frameworks and go through them trying to assess where on that scale you are now. For example: The positive leader - John Muhlfeit ... (read entire answer)
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    on May 31, 2020
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    What other questions do you have?

    behavioral interviews fit interview
    Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2020
    <p>I am now preparing for one hour fit interview. At the end of every behavioral/fit interview or any interview, interviewers always ask interviewees for any other questions at the end of every interview. As an experienced hire, I'd like to ask how the firm supports consultants' travels (i.e separate credit card for expenses, block on scheduling outgoing flights like on Sunday evenings, flexible choice of rental car or agency and easily allowing any accessories like GPS holder, etc). Traveling is a big part of consulting, and I think it's realistic to hear from the consultants how the firm supports consultants' travels. Is this a reasonable question to bring up from an experienced hire? I am not worried about traveling as I have been already traveling, but I do think this is a realistic question to ask and is not to be seen as a sign of seeding a demand. Just want to check. </p> <p>I work with the thumb rules that I don't ask questions to which I could have easily found the answers elsewhere by reading the firm's website or that are too personal to the interviewer.</p> <p>What other good questions do others recommend? </p>
    I answered this question earlier here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/do-you-have-any-questions-for-us-4838 This is one of the most important parts of the interview. It's a chance to demonstrate wh ... (read entire answer)
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    on Apr 30, 2020
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    Coaching/Applications/Interviews and Brand New to Cases

    application process behavioral interviews Case Interview Cases coach coaching interview process MBB
    Recent activity on Jan 21, 2019
    <p>Hi PrepLoungers/Experts! I am new to this site. Through networking I have made some good connections and people have offered to refer me to some MBBs and in-house consultancies in Germany. I was very occupied last year with some health issues and was not able to begin practicing cases until now. I have read a lot but never actually done one which I know I need to do. I have zero business background so I guess I just don't know where to start. Are case partners on here willing to do a practice case with a total newbie? Unfortunately there's no one in my real-life at the moment I can ask for help. </p> <p>One of the people who said they can refer said that if I am invited for an interview it could come as soon as in just a couple of weeks so I obviously need to do a lot ASAP as I don't want to waste an opportunitity if I do get an interview. I know I can push the interview but early February is as late as I can do so as my current living/job situation needs solid commitments for the new year from me by mid-Feb. I know a coach would help greatly, however I also don't want to spend a lot of money on coach if I don't end up with any interview invitations as right now my financial situation is rather precarious. </p> <p>Any advice is welcome and appreciated.</p>
    I believe it might make sense to adopt the following strategy: 1. Concentrate on proper preparation with excellent case partners/experts 2. Make sure your written applications (CV, cover letters, referrals) are on p ... (read entire answer)
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    on Jan 21, 2019
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    Coaching with Experts-video or audio? What Wifi strength?

    application process behavioral interviews case interview preparation coaching MBB preplounge
    Recent activity on Jan 11, 2019
    <p>Hey everyone, I want to sign up for a class with a coach but my Wifi connection is not always stable because I'm living basically in the middle of nowhere and helping my family out until the end of the month. Are coaching sessions done over Skype? Telephone? A portal within PrepLounge? I am just wondering what kind of Wifi connection strength I need. Thank you.</p>
    All are feasible options and the way you choose for meeting depends on dialogue between you and the coach. In your case, I would recommend phone but if you choose a coach from another country, roaming fees WILL make you ... (read entire answer)
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    on Jan 11, 2019
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    How to answer "Tell me about yourself" & "Walk me through your resume" questions?

    behavioral interviews
    Recent activity on Nov 27, 2018
    <p>As an experienced candidate, I have worked at various companies in 3 different industries. I was wondering how to answer "Tell me about yourself" or "Walk me through your resume" questions. Is it better to talk about all the experiences briefly or to select 2-3 major ones and go deeper?</p> <p>Thank you very much!</p>
    Hi, “Tell me about yourself” or “walk me through your resume”- this is how Consultants usually begin the interview. It's an opportunity for them to learn about you and to pick some interesting facts. I recommend provi ... (read entire answer)
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    on Nov 27, 2018
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    How to answer questions like why McKinsey, Bain or BCG in an interview?

    behavioral interviews Real interview question
    Recent activity on Nov 05, 2018
    <p>How to answer questions like why McKinsey, Bain or BCG in an interview? I want to be specific but usually, I think of responses shown below. I am not sure if this would be a good answer as my answers for McKinsey would not be different than Bain or BCG.</p> <ul> <li>learning and development opportunities</li> <li>working with smart people</li> <li>proud of working for a global reputable firm</li> </ul>
    Hi, "Why this company" is a more specific question and can include the following arguments: The general marketing story the company is trying to sell (e.g. Bain is a small "Family" company) Brand / positioning / ... (read entire answer)
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    on Nov 05, 2018
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    How to answer 'Walk me through your resume'?

    behavioral interviews
    Recent activity on Oct 12, 2018
    Hi, Basically it's like introducing yourself but asked in different wording. So as usual stay structured : - Give overwiew of your profile and try to build a personal narrative - talk about each experience at high l ... (read entire answer)
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    on Oct 12, 2018
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