Hello,
what are the most common reasons why you reject interviewees for strategy consulting positions concerning case interview performance? e.g. structure is not exhaustive enough or math error.
Thanks in advance,
Hi,
I would list a number of things:
Case interview:
Fit interview:
Best!
(edited)
Hi Anonymous,
over the last couple of years, the level of preparation among candidates has increased significantly. However, even amongst candidates who obviously had prepared quite intensely, there were frequently recurring issues that I encountered as an interviewer.
The top three issues I found with candidates over the last couple of years at McKinsey:
1. Lack of clear and structured approach to address the specific question at hand (most candidates use pre-memorized "Business Situation Frameworks" without rooting it in a central question to answer and employing an explorative instead of hypothesis-driven approach)
2. Insufficient depth of thinking, especially in terms of linking back gained insights to information received earlier in the case and deriving implications
3. Issues with communication / failure to take me along in their though process
Cheers, Sidi
In reverse order of importance (to me) -- i.e. if you meet item #N+1 onwards but not #N, you are rejected "outright", but if you meet N and not N+1 onwards, then "it depends":
1. Analytical weaknesses (can't interpret graphs, data, do simple math)
2. No executive presence (lack of confidence, mumbles, poor personality, unpolished)
3. Ability to handle stress, pressure
4. Team work - collaborative
5. Arrogance, bad hiegene, etc
6. Lack of business knowledge / insights into the market
On the reasons above I would add math mistakes. Had too many candidates making avoidable math mistakes multiple times during the case that made me question their attention to detail and therefore penalized an otherwise excellent performance. It’s more important to do math correctly rather than fast (within reason).
Hope it helps.
andrea
Yes! You can recover from one math mistake, not two! Same goes for non-consulting interviews btw
Hi Kay,
thank you for asking your question!
We're happy to see that you are tapping the full potential of our Consulting Q&A!
If you haven't already, you may also want to check out the following threads on common mistakes candidates make in case studies:
What are common mistakes you make in case studies?
What are typical reasons why you reject interviewees?
Keep up the great prep and best of luck for your upcoming interviews!
Astrid
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