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What are typical questions when interviewing for a partner role in Big 4 or MBB?

Big 4 Interview MBB partner
New answer on Oct 28, 2023
4 Answers
3.4 k Views
Anonymous A asked on May 24, 2019

Hi,

I'm currently a principal/director in an MBB where I stayed for 10+ years and now interviewing for a partner role at a Big 4. Any advice on what to expect, typical interview questions, and how to handle the process?

Thanks

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Benjamin
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 28, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

One specific pointer from my side is that don't surprised if you are asked to case. 

Even at MBB, partner hires get asked to case, so this might be definitely so for Big 4.

In addition I would suggest that you prepare questions around your commercial platform/ability, as this is what your key KPI as a partner will be.

Hope this helps to clarify for anyone in a similar position!

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Serhat
Expert
replied on May 31, 2019
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries

Hi there,

I did not conduct any partner interview but based on my experience with my senior coachees who interviewed for the principal position, I can tell that you can expect very similar case interviews in addition to typical behavioral questions including more challenging questions mostly related to people aspect.

Cheers

Serhat

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Nirmit
Expert
replied on Jun 02, 2019
I will get you an offer|McKinsey Senior EM|Offers from MBB|100+ interviews at McKinsey|Recruiting Lead|Experienced hire

Hi,

Just helped someone who was interviewing for a Partner role at McKinsey Dubai. Cases were standard, as you would expect. PEI questions are less standard, and more about how/why you make the transition. These were the PEI questions:

+ Why do you want to make a jump from industry? Why McKinsey? (spent 15 mins on this)

+ How would you approach building a client base in Dubai?

+ Describe a time you showed Leadership

+ Are you a risk taker? Describe a time when you took risk?

Hope this helps!

Nirmit

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 27, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

On top of the insights already shared in the post, next week will be pusblished in PrepLounge´s Shop material related.

In concrete, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB". 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.

Here I leave you the link > https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes!

Hope you find it useful!

Best,

Clara

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Benjamin gave the best answer

Benjamin

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Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
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