Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 451,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
What would you like to ask or discuss?

Non-Traditional Background - Interviewing at McKinsey

First Round McKinsey McKinsey & Company Non-traditional
Question edited on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Mar 31, 2024) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 31, 2024
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi Emma, Congrats on the interview invitation! Sharing my perspective based on coming also from a non-traditional background (I majored in History in undergraduate), as well as spending 5 years as an interviewer at BCG. ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
747
Views
83
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

Bombed two cases (case math), any tips on how to improve?

case math First Round Math problem second round
Question edited on Mar 31, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 22, 2023) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 22, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, First of all, it’s great to see your level of motivation despite the two rejections! I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: I ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
775
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on Mar 31, 2024 on Mar 31, 2024
Last Activity

Kearney First Round Interview

A.T. Kearney First Round
Most recent answer on Mar 07, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 01, 2024) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 01, 2024
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, First of all, congratulations on the invitation from Kearney! I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question: First of all, it's great to hear you've practiced 50+ cases! Make sure to stay calm and con ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
335
Views
103
Total Upvotes
on Mar 07, 2024 on Mar 07, 2024
Last Activity

BCG First Round in 7 days, can I do it ?

Advice BCG Case Interview case coaching First Round
Most recent answer on Feb 29, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 18, 2024) is from:
Richard
Expert
Ex-BCG Project Leader (Boston) | Seasoned strategy consultant, coach, mentor, and interviewer
Richard
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 18, 2024
Ex-BCG Project Leader (Boston) | Seasoned strategy consultant, coach, mentor, and interviewer
The short answer is, yes.  However, given the limited amount of time you have, I'd strongly recommend connecting with a coach, career mentor, or peer to practice casing. Just make sure whoever it is has significant expe ... (read entire answer)
13
Answers
549
Views
190
Total Upvotes
on Feb 29, 2024 on Feb 29, 2024
Last Activity

I have been contacted by an Head Hunter

First Round headhunter MBB
Most recent answer on Jan 30, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 30, 2024) is from:
romanded
romanded gave the best answer on Jan 30, 2024
Congratulations on being contacted by a headhunter! Navigating the world of job opportunities is like going on an exciting hunt for the perfect career. Like the precision required in hunting, understanding the terrain i ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.1 k
Views
74
Total Upvotes
on Jan 30, 2024 on Jan 30, 2024
Last Activity

How to prepare for the next rounds? Kearney - Middle East

Advice ATKearney business analyst First Round Middle East review
Most recent answer on Jan 26, 2024
The best answer (on Jan 24, 2024) is from:
Brad
Expert
Expert coach | Head of recruiting for Bain | 8+ years interviewing | Free intro call
Brad
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 24, 2024
Expert coach | Head of recruiting for Bain | 8+ years interviewing | Free intro call
Hi there,   There’s a lot to like here: (i) you got through the case, (ii) you handled lots of parts well and (iii) you recognised areas to improve.   The interview is over so you’re in the hands of the gods now. Regard ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
255
Views
98
Total Upvotes
on Jan 26, 2024 on Jan 26, 2024
Last Activity

Result of BCG first round is postponed to Monday, is that normal?

BCG First Round Result
Most recent answer on Nov 30, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 30, 2023) is from:
Pedro
Expert
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Pedro
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 30, 2023
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Yes, this is perfectly normal.
7
Answers
5.9 k
Views
5
Total Upvotes
on Nov 30, 2023 on Nov 30, 2023
Last Activity

Project Manager from Big4 to MBB

BCG First Round project managent
Most recent answer on Oct 30, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 25, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 25, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Sharing my perspective on these questions: 1. What can I expect from the first round partner interview, and provided I make it, the subsequent rounds? Interview formats are still the same as any other consulting rol ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
3.8 k
Views
23
Total Upvotes
on Oct 30, 2023 on Oct 30, 2023
Last Activity

Fisrt round interview in 10 Days.

First Round
Most recent answer on Oct 18, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 17, 2023) is from:
Frederic
Expert
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Frederic
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 17, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Let's jump on a call and help you land the dream job! It's essential to focus on evaluation criteria and what really moves the needle. Looking forward to chat, Best, Frederic 
11
Answers
259
Views
55
Total Upvotes
on Oct 18, 2023 on Oct 18, 2023
Last Activity

Experienced hire @ BCG -- securing first round interview

BCG Experienced Hire First Round networking
Most recent answer on Oct 12, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 12, 2023) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 12, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer
Hi, Unfortunately, sometimes the process slips and applications fall through the cracks. If anyone is faced with a similar situation, I would suggest to follow up gently with both the recruiter and the consultant.  
2
Answers
5.5 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Oct 12, 2023 on Oct 12, 2023
Last Activity

Market sizing at BCG

BCG estimation First Round Market sizing
Most recent answer on Oct 12, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Apr 26, 2019
The very simple answer to your question is "YES IT IS VERY IMPORTANT" You even can face a market sizing question as your overall case interview at any round. Cheers Serhat
6
Answers
6.0 k
Views
12
Total Upvotes
on Oct 12, 2023 on Oct 12, 2023
Last Activity

Experience with McKinsey PST round?

BCG Potential Test Case Material First Round first round interview Good resources I'm preparing to McK coming next week Johannesburg Preparations math test McKinsey Mckinsey London McKinsey PST Nairobi prep preparation Problem Solving Test PST PST ; McKinsey
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on May 24, 2017) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on May 24, 2017
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, I suggest the following: 1) Do 1 case from mck website in 60 min. Check your score. Target score is 22 out of 26 correct. If you do 17-18 correct you have great chances to improve in 3 days. If lower - reschedul ... (read entire answer)
18
Answers
27.0 k
Views
60
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

BCG First Round Interview in 2 Days - Last Minute Advice?

BCG BCG Case Interview First Round
Most recent answer on Jul 31, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 21, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 21, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, My advice is to not go for last minute advice! These interviews should be prepped for over many months. Last minute panic can normally do more harm than good. I really hope you look for case interview advice n ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.1 k
Views
68
Total Upvotes
on Jul 31, 2023 on Jul 31, 2023
Last Activity

Mckinsey First Round Interview (Should I postpone?)

First Round MBB McKinsey
Most recent answer on Jun 10, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 08, 2023) is from:
Emily
Expert
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks
Emily
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 08, 2023
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks
Congratulations on receiving the invitation for the first-round interview with McKinsey! To address your concern, McKinsey, like most consulting firms, tends to be understanding and flexible about interview scheduling. ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
790
Views
50
Total Upvotes
on Jun 10, 2023 on Jun 10, 2023
Last Activity

McKinsey first round

Addressing interviewer First Round McKinsey McKinsey first round
Most recent answer on Mar 11, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 11, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 11, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Giulia, Q: I think I did not perform exceptionally but at the end of the interview my interviewer said: “thank you for your time Giulia, and good luck with the next steps”.  I don’t think you can extrapolate any mean ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
699
Views
85
Total Upvotes
on Mar 11, 2023 on Mar 11, 2023
Last Activity

Asking for more time to prepare for the first round of interviews

BCG BCG Potential Test case interview preparation First Round
Most recent answer on Mar 04, 2023
The best answer (on Mar 02, 2023) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 02, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, First of all, congratulations on the invite! I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it: Yes, based on the information provided, I ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
926
Views
60
Total Upvotes
on Mar 04, 2023 on Mar 04, 2023
Last Activity

Application status switched to closed McKinsey

BCG McKinsey and Bain Case Interview First Round
Most recent answer on Feb 22, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 16, 2023) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 16, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi there, First of all, I am sorry to hear about the misleading information within your McKinsey recruiting process! I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to shar ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
2.4 k
Views
67
Total Upvotes
on Feb 22, 2023 on Feb 22, 2023
Last Activity

BCG First Round interview

BCG BCG Case Interview BCG middle east BCGDubai First Round
Most recent answer on Feb 08, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 08, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 08, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, 1) I got scheduled one interview with BCG Middle east for my first round interview. Is that weird? i thought the first round usually have 2 interviews not just one. I am applying for a summer internship.  BCG ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
1.1 k
Views
82
Total Upvotes
on Feb 08, 2023 on Feb 08, 2023
Last Activity

How common is it to have final round interview unexpectedly on the same day as first round?

First Round McKinsey
Most recent answer on Nov 21, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 20, 2022) is from:
Michael
Expert
London strategy consulting | Ex-Arthur D. Little |Co-lead London office recruitment team for 3+ years
Michael
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 20, 2022
London strategy consulting | Ex-Arthur D. Little |Co-lead London office recruitment team for 3+ years
Good luck on your “interview day” next week! Regarding your question, based on my personal experience, I would say it is not very common. In 4+ years I have never seen it happen at my previous company nor heard from oth ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.2 k
Views
36
Total Upvotes
on Nov 21, 2022 on Nov 21, 2022
Last Activity

Night before the first interview round

Actively preparing for interviews with Bain and BCG Bain & Company First Round first time interview
Most recent answer on Nov 16, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 13, 2022) is from:
Emily
Expert
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
Emily
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 13, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
How exciting! The best advice that someone gave me about nerves was to reframe anxiety as excitement - so I suggest that each time you think you're anxious, try to stop yourself and think “I'm excited!”.  Be kind to you ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.1 k
Views
45
Total Upvotes
on Nov 16, 2022 on Nov 16, 2022
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 98 results

Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.