Hello!

In this precise question, that is a classic btw, it´s not so much about the fail but about WHAT YOU LEARNED, HOW YOU BECAME BETTER AFTER. 

If you want to deep dive on the topic, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

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https://www.preplounge.com/en/behavioral-interview-questions

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Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-200

Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch

Hi there,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• You are right, failing to take corporate culture into consideration is not a necessarily good example for when you failed at work for the following reasons: It is 1) overarching and not restricted to a specific situation and 2) a mistake that is very hard to convincingly overcome.
• Generally speaking, you want to show that you take on feedback in a constructive way and work on your weak spots since this is the core of personal development with consulting companies.
• As such, I would advise you to think about a situation where you failed at work in a very specific situation but learned out of it and have not repeated the same failure again. For instance, when working with a neighbor business unit, a colleague from this business unit might have asked you to send him some data which you did right away. Due to a lack of experience with this specific employer, you were not aware that your boss would have wanted you to tell him in advance. You took on the feedback and in addition made sure you ask colleagues about situations you are not familiar with.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare personal fit questions for your upcoming interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

(edited)

Adding on - what's key here is that you don't use an experience that touches / reflects badly on the core qualities consulting firms are looking for, such as…

- structured / well-organized approach to work

- analytical and quantitative acumen

- motivation or lack thereof

- ability to operate in teams

These can in some instances turn into a deal-breaker, hence, don't shoot yourself in the foot. 

In any scenario, focus on being authentic, not defensive (demonstrate self-awareness) and highlight what you have been doing to recover or improve.

Hi there,

Be careful. You say “major” failure. That's not what we want!

We want a “smallish” failure than you also then resolved (or at least it didn't cause too many problems).

It could be that you mis-estimated scope/delivery time, or forgot to do x, or something similar. Again, ultimately, you want to make sure you resolved the failure.

Expand the definition and idea of failure. It could mean things didn't go as planned, you missed something, or made a mistake or you didn't achieve what you set out for. Doesn't always have to a big thing. Dig a big deeper and am sure you can find some examples of this.

Create an impactful story to explain the situation, what happened, what did you do and what have you learnt from this. Give the impression that you used the “failure” as a stepping stone to learn and improve yourself.