Interview questions and 2nd round with Partner

Question

Hello experts,

I have my interview with Partner (2nd round) tomorrow and wanted to ask the below-mentioned questions:

What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the Retail sector? (He is an expert in the retail sector and I am also interested in the retail sector)

What has made you jump to Oliver Wyman? (I would like to ask this question as he has switched many firms PWC, EY - Parthenon, and joined OW 1.5 years ago and I genuinely like to know why he jumped to OW)

1 - Is it ok to ask these questions to a partner? 2 questions are enough or should I make it 3?

2 - What is the difference between the EM round and Partner round (2nd round), 3rd and final round is scheduled with another Partner on Tuesday. I believe partners focus more on fit part.

Answer 1

Hi

Re 1) yes, both questions are perfectly fine to ask. Similar to what Ian mentioned, key point for fit interviews is that you don't just come with a laundry list of questions that you tick off, but rather genuinely and actively engage in the conversation

Re 2) Don't over-think this part. If anything, Partners are inclined to stay a bit more on a high / strategic level. They will want to see if you can connect the dots of the bigger picture a bit more than less senior folks. However, your approach will need to be as structured and methodical as in all other rounds.

Hope that helps.

Regards, Andi

Answer 2

Hi there,

I think these questions are fair game! Now, when he answers, make sure to ask a followup! Show that you've listened and “add” something do it. Another possible question would be what he thinks is the major difference between OW and the others.

No major difference between EM and Partner. Please try not to predict anything - anything can happen so just be read for whatever comes! (i.e. all fit or all case, something “classic” or completely left field).

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi there,

The first question sounds quite generic. I would skip it. It's also fine to just ask one question and then have a conversation rather than a list of questions.

In terms of the second question, I think this one is great, but I'd perhaps adjust the wording a bit: ‘I noticed you had exposure to multiple management consulting firms across your career. What are some of the things that you enjoy in particular about being at OW? And what are some of the things you miss from the other companies?’

Answer 4

Hello!

Both are perfectly “questionable” to a partner.

The most important thing is to engage in a good conversation with what he/she tells you, and show genuin interest.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara