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What to expect in role play interviews and how to prepare for them?

1st round interview Bayer Inhouse Consulting consulting
New answer on Nov 09, 2020
5 Answers
2.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Nov 08, 2020

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Ian
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 08, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

First, the short answer is to expect anything! So, be prepared to react professionally and calmly to any scenario.

Second, make sure to check what they mean by "role play interviews". There is a chance that you are misinterpreting and this is simply a regular case interview (which is role-playing, by the way). Double check!

Finally, if it is indeed a "roleplay" expect them to act out a client scenario. Expect the client to be angry about something, unclear on a recommendation, bring up a new issue or unexpected scenario, etc. etc. No matter what, you need to keep your cool, communicate well, and act appropriately.

My main recommendation is to hire a coach for one session! They can effectively roleplay for you as they've worked with clients and know what to expect AND how to behave.

Good luck!

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Adi
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replied on Nov 08, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey there, such interviews are my personal favourite & involve simulating a real-life situation via a case study or skills/fit interview situations. You will play the consultant and the interviewer will be your manager or the client. Clarify all details with HR and the interviewer (on the day) and ensure there are no surprises.

You must prepare the same way you would prepare for consulting interviews generally. Be holistic. Search the Q&A forum for general interview prep and there are plenty of threads with tons of ideas.

Have a look at these threads for role play interview tips:

  • https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/role-play-at-dhl-consulting-6447
  • https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/roleplay-interview-client-and-consultant-1973

Some key nuggets from me:

1. Get familiar with strategies on building rapport/chemistry and have a look at this thread-https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-to-create-chemistry-with-the-interviewer-8271

2. Understand social styles- this will help immensely not just in interviews but in real life. Check this out- https://tracom.com/social-style-training/model

3. Be yourself and don't BS. If you dont know, just say it

All the best! Feel free to buzz me if you need any more help with prep.

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Gaurav
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replied on Nov 08, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360 coach(Ex-McKinsey + Certified Coach + Active recruiter)

Hi Anonymous,

It basically means the simulation of a specific situation in real life.

It may be a stressful situation where you will have to manage the client's dissatisfaction or tell him bad news, or a sales mode situation where you will have to promote your project. As you see, there are various topics from which it can be chosen.

I would recommend you focus on everything that is relevant to the situation: what's important at the moment, what you are expected to perform, and what you should not include.

Do you need any further help?

GB

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Anonymous replied on Nov 08, 2020

Unless you have further details on the structure of a role play interview - but do check in with HR to clarify - , I would assume that it is nothing else but a regular interview case: See yourself as the consultant and the interviewer as your client and play out how this conversation could develop.

This of course means that you need to take control of the interview. You need to tell them how you will approach the problem, what data you need for that and what conclusions you draw from the data you get and what recommendation you would give.

To prepare for that, you will need to practice interview cases. The process typically takes 1-2 months and you should plan to do anywhere between 20 and 30 practice cases.

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Clara
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replied on Nov 09, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Can you clarify for which company are you asking this? This won´t happen in MBB interviews.

Cheers,

Clara

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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