Dear community
I am currently practicing my answer to "why consulting" and was wondering how long my answer should be? Some articles say 5 minutes are fine, some say 2 minutes are the absolute maximum.
What do you think?
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Why consulting - How much time do I have to answer the question?
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Hey there,
As a general rule, these types of questions should be answered in an effective and succinct manner. 1-2 minutes would be an appropriate length!
Whenever you are asked: ''Why this, Why that?'', your answer should follow a top-down structure and link your experience, achievements, and skills to the outcome.
''I want to work in consulting for three reasons, First [relevant skill]......Second [relevant achievement]......Third [relevant experience]....''
Cheers,
Florian
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Hi there,
I agree with Adi and Ian, 5 minutes is definitely too long for “Why consulting”. I just tested myself answering that question and took me 1.5 minutes with three bullets and an explanation for each.
You can use 5 minutes to deliver a PEI story – but for almost all the other questions that would be too long.
A total of 2 minutes would be fine to answer that question (slightly more or less would not be an issue). The interviewer may then have some questions and you may go deeper into some parts.
Best,
Francesco
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Hello!
Why consulting is one of the key questions in the "motivational questions", one of the families of questions in FIT.
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.
Furthermore, you can find 3 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:
- 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
- Behavioural questions (LEADERSHIP) >https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/behavioral-questions-entrepreneurial-drive-fit-interview-preparation-211
- Behavioural questions (ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE) > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/behavioral-questions-entrepreneurial-drive-fit-interview-preparation-238
- Behavioural questions (LEADERSHIP) > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/advanced/behavioral-questions-personal-impact-fit-interview-preparation-239
Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!
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Hi there,
I agree with Adi.
5 minutes is an eternity in an interview. Try to keep it to 2-3 minutes.
The most important thing is: "Am I getting my key/core skills across to the interviewer while demonstrating real desire/drive/thought to enter consulting, and doing so in a concise, clear, and engaging manner"
^This shouldn't take more than 2-3 minutes if you practice being clear and to the point!
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A 2-3 min precise & engaging answer is good. Any longer it will be a drag. Record yourself and listen to your answer..you will know.
Please search the Q&A forum as there are tons of threads on this question with tips/tricks.
Check this one - https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/why-consulting-9435
(edited)
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Less than a minute - too short
More than 4/5 minutes - too verbose
Is it genuine, engaging and have you run it by a number of different people? That is more important than optimising the timing
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