How to prepare for "role play" interviews (DHL Consulting)?

Hi there,

As other colleagues said, I definitely recommend you get in touch with a coach with consulting experience to help you with the role play simulations and give you feedback on how to improve.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you need help on this.

Best,

Alberto

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Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from DHL Consulting!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, I would advise you to clarify the objectives of the role play with the recruiter. Role plays in consulting interviews usually aim to assess your interpersonal skills, client handling, negotiation skills, and sometimes, your problem-solving capabilities under pressure.
• Moreover, familiarize yourself with potential scenarios. For example, dealing with a resistant client, negotiating timelines, or convincing stakeholders about a particular solution.
• Lastly, always remember to stay calm, think before you speak, and prioritize the relationship while meeting the objective of the role play.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi,

Similar to case interviews, its really impossible to predict the specific situation/scenario that you will get.

But you are still expected to show certain traits and abilities w.r.t. client engagement and achieving outcomes.

I have conducted trainings for consultants on this before - happy to share more tips, just drop me a dm.

Absolutely, role plays can be quite interesting and challenging. In a role play scenario at DHL Consulting or similar interviews, you'll often encounter a "client" (played by an actor or consultant) who's portraying a specific persona or situation. Your objective may vary, such as calming a frustrated client, negotiating a better deal, or gathering crucial information.

It's essentially an exercise in emotional intelligence and your ability to navigate complex interpersonal situations. The key is to actively listen, empathize with the client's concerns, and use effective communication to achieve your goal. Sometimes, it's about finding common ground or addressing their underlying needs.

If you're looking for more examples and advice, you can check out role play exercises on platforms like YouTube. Many of them come with valuable insights and tips.

Best of luck with your DHL Consulting interview preparation! Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further guidance.

Warm regards, Frederic

Hi there!

Oh, I had an interview like that as well. It was quite fun. I sometimes do this as part of case sessions with candidates now.

Basically, in ‘role play’ situations you might have to deal with a client is who is frustrated. The respective actor / consultant will play that role and will try not to budge from their position. You will have a certain objective that you need to achieve e.g., asking for a postponement, getting some data, etc. 

It's an emotional intelligence exercise. You can check out a few examples of these on youtube. Some have even a good advice section. 

Best of luck!
Cristian

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Hi there,

Congrats on the interview.

A role play session is essentially when they provide a scenario for you and ask how you would resolve it.

For example, x client has x issue and they bring you in with x format. Once you respond to what you would do, there might be a “response” from the client. Via x channel and with x wording and with x implications. You again have to talk through how you'd handle it.

The best (read: only) way to practice for this is to actually run through the simulations. 

Get a coach to actually do this roleplay with you. Reading materials online just honestly will not cut it here.