Hi,
I am applying to undergraduate internships at MBB. I have been networking with recruiters/consultants and a recruiter mentioned they would be ok to have a call if I have any questions. I said yes, but I'm stuck now.
What are good questions to ask them? I know basic questions to ask a consultant or partner about their job, etc. but what do I ask a recruiter that would still be beneficial for my application? Any tips would be appreciated!
Hi,
Good on you for securing a call with a recruiter, and great question!
Is the recruiter in question someone from HR who manages the recruitment process (i.e., is not a consultant, is involved in setting up recruiting events/interviews, but will not be involved in the interview process or the call on whether you get an offer or not), or a consultant involved with recruiting (i.e., works the job you are applying for, will be involved in interviewing)?
If the former, this is a good chance to go over any questions about the recruiting process itself that you are unsure about (e.g., when will I hear back, how many interviews do I get, do all interviews cover both case and fit, etc.). It would also be a good idea to show your interest in the job and explain what exactly makes you interested and/or a good fit for the company, since (in some firms at least) recruiters do have some degree of influence over which resumes are seen.
If it is the latter - i.e., a consultant involved in interviewing, I would avoid asking questions about the process that HR would have the answer to. I would ask them for any tips on the recruiting process, and also a bit about their personal experience on the job. If they work in the office/practice you are applying for, you could ask them about what the work culture there is like, and how their experience there has been. If you have a common industry interest, you could talk about that! Even if not, it would be good to find some balance of asking them about their work and projects they've been involved with, what they've enjoyed etc., and also share what you're interested in, what experiences you've had, and what makes you a good fit for the job. Essentially, you're trying to build a connection, show your interest and fit, while also clarifying any questions you may have had and finding out some more information about the firm.
Above all, be polite, professional, and engaged. Best of luck!
Hello!
It´s basically a chance for networking, learning a bit more about them and about the process, and making them see you and (hopefully) like you. This said, one needs to come prepared for these conversations, and also ready to answer some questions they may pose to you. This part is very similar to the FIT part of the interviews, luckily.
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 Expert Articles on PreLounge, in a sreies dedicated to preparing for the different parts of FIT:
1. https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/cv-interview-questions
2. https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/motivational-fit-interview-questions
3. https://www.preplounge.com/en/behavioral-interview-questions
Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch
Hope it helps!
Hi there,
Always good to get a call with recruiters to establish yourself as someone who's friendly, competent, and keen to do the work and prepare best possible. If they like you, they may invite you on the spot and pair you with the nicest interviewers in return :)
Jokes aside, a recruiter will be able to help you with process i.e. application formats + tips, how many interviews, what kind of interviewers, what type of interviews, maybe success criteria, etc. They will also be able to help you with questions about the role, the office, and anything else that's unclear. Make sure your questions are specific and relevant - you don't want to be seen as someone who's wasting their time.
Hope this helps! Best of luck!
Hi there,
Well done on the networking!
First and foremost: Ask what you genuinely want to know.
People can spell dis-ingenuity and canned/rehearsed conversation a mile away. Think long and hard about genuine questions (their advice for you, what the office culture/projects are like, if consulting is right for you, etc.)
There's no magic question that's going to make the recruiter like you. It's the overall conversation.
In addition to this, please make sure you know your “Three Whys”! Come in prepared to defend/pitch yourself to the recruiter as well! (If they ask)
https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question
Hey there,
Share details about your profile along with school and internships that you have done and your motivation to want to join a consulting firm. Post that ask them about the firm's hiring requirements and if your profile would meet these requirements, if not what additional steps you can take to be considered for an interview.
Thanks
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