Local Firm Partner Interview

Hi there,

Q: Do you think I still have a chance of receiving the offer? 

Unfortunately it is not possible for anyone but the interviewer to evaluate your particular case now.

The fact that he was using his phone doesn’t have a necessary correlation with your performance. The mistakes in math are a minus but it’s good you catched them. The questions at the end of the salary/notice period seem a plus but maybe they ask this to everyone.

Although I understand your desire to get a clear answer, the only thing you can do now is to act on what is in your control, that is (i) prepare for other interviews/ apply to other companies and/or (ii) wait for the results.

Good luck!

Francesco

Congratulations on interviewing! Partners can sometimes be wildcards in the interview process, and you need to be seriously considered as a candidate by the company for them to ask a partner to take time out of their day to interview. 

That said, each firm/company has different interviewing methods. If you know someone else in the company, it might be more helpful for them to provide their opinion, but my interpretation is:

• I wouldn't read too much into him holding his phone. Frankly, partners are always multitasking because they have multiple clients and projects at a time – they need to have a pulse on whatever is going on. 
• It's great that you caught the mistakes when being guided. It shows you have potential to be coached, which companies are looking for. I wouldn't worry; after all, I also made silly math mistakes in every single one of my McKinsey interviews (and still got the offer!).
• The partner's time is very valuable and they know it. If they did not have interest in advancing you, they would not need to ask you about your expected salary and notice period. They could have just finished the interview then and there and thanked you for your time. 

The signs seem positive to me, but again, lots could go into your evaluation (including your expected salary and notice response). Don't lose sleep over this – you already did your best, and that's what matters. 

Hi there, 

Try not to read too much into it. 

It doesn't have to mean anything that he was holding his phone aside from the fact that he was busy (though I agree that it's not respectful). 

I know it's quite stressful now waiting to hear back, but my suggestion would be to keep on applying. Here's an article that explains how to diversify your risk in the application process and thus maximize your chances of getting an offer:

• Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Every single partner is going to be different. That's exactly why I train my candidates to be ready for any and all scenarios!

Holding the phone doesn't mean anything, don't worry…that's just his style.

From what you've said, you did well, but we really have no idea.

To answer your question: Yes, of course you have a chance…you haven't received a no yet.

Fingers crossed for you!

Here's some reading to help you with your next interviews:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/dos-and-donts-in-a-case-interview

Dear candidate, 

A) yes, all great. Since interview is over, no point to advice on details. 

B) first of all, the overal interview matters and it is a great sign you were also asked this, as long as you did well overall and. It came across how committed, uniquely qualified and well-fitting you are, that you can do the job well, be. A great client leader, you would be fine. However given the situation and that some interviewees only pass, it cannot be said what the outcome will be.

Best regards,

Hello,

In general, absolutely. The partner holding his phone in the middle of the interview isn’t best practice on his part, but most likely has nothing to do with your performance. Silly math errors won’t doom you if the rest of the interview is good, particularly if you quickly corrected them yourself. So nothing in the information you have provided would make me think that you definitely won’t receive an offer. Best of luck!

Well, some interviewers (particularly at smaller firms) are not great with interviewing etiquette, meaning that they may have their attention divided between the candidate and something else.

This doesn't tell much about your performance. So you can't read much into that behavior regarding your chances.