The Personal Fit Interview

The personal fit interview is a crucial part of the selection process in consulting. It’s often underestimated by candidates who tend to focus on the challenging case interviews only. But the personal fit interview is just as important! It’s all about determining if you’ll fit well within the team and align with the company culture. Read this article to find out why the personal fit interview matters so much and how to prepare effectively.

What to Expect in the Personal Fit Interview

The personal fit interview can take place at the beginning or end of the interview process, or sometimes between other interview segments. This varies depending on the company and interview structure. For example, McKinsey often conducts a "Personal Experience Interview" (PEI) at the start or right after the case interview, while other firms like Bain or BCG are more flexible with the format. The personal fit interview usually only lasts 10 to 15 minutes, but don’t take it too easy. Consulting is a people's-business, so it’s crucial that you not only convince on a professional, but also on a personal level. Interviewers want to see that you’ll fit in as a team player and will become a valuable colleague.

What Questions Are Asked in the Personal Fit Interview?

The Personal Fit Interview isn’t about your technical qualifications; instead, it’s about getting to know you. Interviewers want to find out what motivates you, how you respond to challenges, and which experiences have shaped you. Here are the three main question categories you can expect:

1. Resume Questions

Most personal fit interviews start with questions about your resume. This allows interviewers to learn about the experiences you’ve gained and the skills you bring. They also get a sense of how you reflect on your past roles, helping them understand your personality. Sample questions include:

• "Tell us about yourself."
• "What challenges have you overcome in your career so far?"
• "What areas did you focus on in your studies, and why?"

2. Stress Questions

Stress questions are designed to test your resilience, self-reflection, and emotional stability. They help interviewers to evaluate how you handle unexpected or challenging situations and assess your ability to stay calm under pressure. These questions often present provocative or uncomfortable scenarios, allowing them to observe your reaction. Common examples include:

• "Why were your grades low that semester?"
• "Are you really ready to make sacrifices for this job?"
• "Why should we choose you?"

👉 Try our Stress Question Tool to train your responses.

3. Motivational Questions

Motivational questions aim to show your reasons for applying. Interviewers want to know what drives you and why you’re interested in this specific role and company. The goal is to understand your personal motivation and evaluate whether you’re a good match for the job and company culture. Possible questions include:

• "Why do you want to become a consultant?"
• "Why did you choose our company?"
• "What are your career goals?"

Preparing for the Personal Fit Interview

Good preparation is key to appear confident and convincing. It helps you provide clear answers and showcase your strengths and experiences without missing crucial points. Plus, preparation shows your genuine interest in the role and the company — interviewers can easily spot when someone is unprepared. So, let’s take a look at some preparation tips you can follow:

• Review Your Resume: Go over your resume and identify relevant experiences, strengths, and achievements you’d like to highlight during the interview.
• Practice Typical Questions: Prepare for common questions in the personal fit interview, such as those about your motivation, strengths, or past challenges. Practicing your answers will help you present them clearly and structured. Try to remain adaptable and use different scenarios for different questions, allowing you to respond flexibly and always have a fitting example ready. Avoid memorizing responses word-for-word; aim to sound natural and genuine.
• Research the Company: Learn about the company, its values, culture, and current projects. This will help you demonstrate genuine interest in your responses.
• Prepare Your Own Questions: Think of some questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. This shows your engagement and helps you learn more about the role and company. Your questions should also help you determine if this company is the right fit for you long-term.

Success Factors for Your Personal Fit Interview

Keep these key points in mind during your personal fit interview:

Relate Your Answers to the Company.

Always keep the company’s values in mind and try to reflect them in your answers. This shows you’ve researched the firm and your beliefs align well with the company culture.

Be Specific.

Avoid vague statements. Use specific examples to back up your answers. Instead of simply saying you're good at teamwork, describe a project where you collaborated successfully to achieve a goal.

Show Confidence.

Project confidence by sitting up straight, maintaining eye contact, and speaking clearly. Confident body language shows the interviewer that you believe in your abilities and are well-prepared for the conversation.

Stay Authentic.

Be honest and true to yourself when discussing your experiences. Interviewers appreciate authentic personalities who don’t put on a mask. Being genuine helps build a real connection with your interviewer and makes you appear more credible.

Use the STAR Method.

Structure is crucial in the personal fit interview. It helps make your answers clear and shows your analytical abilities, which are essential for consultants. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a proven tool for providing a clear structure to your responses. Let’s take a closer look at what each part means:

• Situation: Describe the specific situation or context, explaining when and where it took place.
• Task: Explain what your role or task was in this scenario.
• Action: Describe the steps you took, showcasing your skills and approach to problem-solving.
• Result: Conclude with the outcome, including any measurable achievements.
  

Key Takeaways

The personal fit interview is often underestimated but nevertheless it is vital to succeeding in consulting interviews. Prepare thoroughly and decide what you want to communicate clearly and concisely. Be genuine, show your personality, and highlight your skills. Use the STAR method to structure your responses and emphasize key points. With solid preparation and a clear understanding of what’s required in the personal fit interview, you’ll be ready to secure your dream job in consulting. Good luck! 🚀