Working in a tier 2 and applying for MBB firms

Question

Hey guys,

I am currently working abroad for a tier-2 firm for roughly 1/2 year and I am considering to apply for an MBB firm (2 of them in my home country and the other one abroad). I know this is rather a long post, but I would appreciate any help! I have some questions on this:

1) Process

I will be starting my preparation on the upcoming days. Since I have been in the final round of 2 out of the 3 MBB, should I drop a message to the recruiting team asking in which phase can I expect to start the process (for ex, if I do not have to re-do the tests)? If yes, can I be totally straightforward about my situation, i.e., I am currently having a good experience but I really want to try one more time to enter MBB?
Taking into account I work long hours over the week, what are the tips you would give for a preparation over the weekends which maximizes the chances to enter? (I know this is a difficult question :) )
As I will be working in my current job, normally it would be rather difficult to be in these interview processes, especially to accomodate flights to my home country for the interviews, for example. However, with Covid, I expect that the tests/ interviews are mostly conducted through zoom/similar platform. From your experience as coaches, does this corresponds to the reality?

2) Previous performance

My performance so far in the tier-2 firm has been strong (based on the evaluations I got). Hence, the only reason I am applying for MBB again is the fact I really want to work with the best consultants and evolve the most (and not because my current experience is not going well, for ex). In case I get a similar question in a possible interview, how can I provide a fact-based answer of my good performance if the evaluations are confidential?
Besides this, I have already done an internship before for other tier-2 consulting firm, having had an offer (which I refused to start working in my current firm). Am I correct to assume this is a competitive advantage for my side? (i.e., I already have a glimpse on what consulting is and have proven to deliver strong performance).

3) Concerns

If any of the coaches has done/ has tried to do a similar move before while working, is there any concern I should fear? (for example, my firm knowing I am applying for a competitor, although I find unlikely that this "leak" would happen). If yes, how can I prepare myself to avoid this?

Thanks so much for any information/ recommendation!

Answer 1

Can you quickly clarify one thing on your post? It appears that you have already interviewed with MBB in the last 2 years for a full time role. Is that correct? If that is true then you are not eligible for a full time role with them regardless of location.

Also which country are you applying in?

Answer 2

Which part of the world and what firm? Would really help assess more specifically your situation given that T2s both presence and ranking vary a lot globally.

Answer 3

Hi, feel free to text me for a quick chat about it. I have supported tens of experienced hired in securing an offer in MBB

Best,
Antonello

Answer 4

Wow ok long post! Perhaps schedule a session with a coach in the relevant geography? Most coaches will offer at least one free introductory call

Now assuming you are allowed to apply to MBB (see Udayan's comment about eligibility to apply) here goes:

1) Do not assume you will be given an interview and I would definitely not start preparing before that is confirmed. If they want to interview you then you can request for a date 2-3 months down the line. This is much better than wasting time preparing for an interview that might not even happen. Once you have the interview then ask what the process will be (depending on role/location - they may or may not want you to do the tests)

2) A lot of tier-2 consultants apply to MBB so you will need to think hard about how you make your CV stand-out. It is possible by effectively framing your achievements and projects and a very compelling personal story in the cover letter. Do not under-estimate the time required for this

3) MBB pride themselves on discretion. Don't worry about it

Honestly OP - I think you are over-thinking a lot given you don't even have an interview. I don't want to discourage you because your chances of getting an interview are decent if the relevant offices are recruiting BUT you cannot take this for granted in light of COVID so focus on CV and cover letter prep and once you get through to the interview - come back on this forum for a detailed discussion on how to prepare

Answer 5

Dear A,

Your question is vast, but without knowing the details (what companies are there, which countries you're applying, from which country you from) it's very difficult to give a comprehensive reply.

Best,
André

Answer 6

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to on... (read entire answer)

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to once you have made it past the initial filters. HR will assist... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best... (read entire answer)

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best people regardless of their background. Yes, some roles are... (read entire answer)

Answer 8

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significa... (read entire answer)

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significant time working for or with all three, how can you truly com... (read entire answer)