Experienced an MBB 2nd round but was not sure what they are looking for. There was not much facial expression or other in-the-moment non-verbal feedback as in the 1st round; they gave out a lot more information (relevant or irrelevant) and it was not as formated as the 1st round. I'm curious what people's take on 2nd round strategy.
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview
0
What are MBB looking for in 2nd rounds? Best strategy to tackle?
1
3.2k

Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Current partner @ Andreessen Horowitz (VC firm). Ex-Mckinsey, ex- strategy guy at Google.
If you've cleared R1, MBB (and others) know that:
1. You can do the job at that level just fine.
2. You are smart, confident, analytical.
What they DON'T know yet (and will focus on in R2):
1. Will you be able to work effectively with a partner / sr. member. Also, cultural fit.
2. Are you consistent - was R1 success a fluke/good day?
3. Did the mistakes you make in R1 just a fluke/bad day?
So, R2 is just like R1 with some targeted focus areas based on how your R1 went. If they felt you were far too comfortable in R1, they might make R2 a bit more stuffy. In R1, everyone is rooting for you to succeed, but in R2 things do tend to get a bit more serious sometimes as you start meeting more Sr folks.
0 comments
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Sign up for free to read all answers.

Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Timing of my applications: should I apply now or wait?
11
on Oct 05, 2025
DACH
10
200+

Top answer by
Ian
Coach
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
10 Answers
200+ Views


+7
Is it still worth pursuing consulting?
18
on Oct 05, 2025
USA
10
200+
Consultant with offers from McK, BCG, and others. LBS MBA. Received interview invites from almost every firm applied to
10 Answers
200+ Views


+7
Is it okay to send an email asking for feedback to interviewer?
9
on Oct 07, 2025
USA
8
100+

Top answer by
Ian
Coach
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
8 Answers
100+ Views


+5
McKinsey: Prestige differences based on office location?
11
on Oct 07, 2025
Global
7
200+

Top answer by
Udayan
Coach
Top Rated MBB coach | 300+ Real MBB offers | McKinsey Engagement Manager in NYC |15 Years Interviewing Experience
7 Answers
200+ Views
K

+4
Teneo Consulting TestGorilla Math Assessment Prep
15
on Oct 11, 2025
USA
3
300+

Top answer by
Jenny
Coach
Buy 1 get 1 free for 1st time clients | Ex-McKinsey Manager & Interviewer | +7 yrs Coaching | Go from good to great
3 Answers
300+ Views

