Kearney Excel Test - Tips

Hi,

Powerpoint and Excel are the most used programmes in consulting. 

For Excel, you will need to show you master the most used function by filling in a pre-made Worksheet: Vlookup, Sumif, Countif, Index, Match ...

For Powerpoint, it is more important you can visually draft a good Consulting slide containing the following elements: action title, supporting graph (bar chart, line chart, scatter plot) or table and resources 

I recommend to use LinkedIn Learning as a source to improve your Excel and Powerpoint skills:

• https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/build-your-excel-skills
• https://www.linkedin.com/learning/powerpoint-essential-training-microsoft-365 

Good luck with the preparation and the tests!

Let me know if I can help you further with preparing the tests and interviews.

Kr,

Mattijs

Hi there -- congrats on landing the assessment with Kearney. See below for some tips to help you succeed. If you have any questions, reach out! 

Excel Modeling Tips

The Four-Step Process for Effective Modeling:

1. Understand the Problem and Define KPIs: Break down the question into manageable parts and identify the core analysis / KPIs that provide actionable insights. You start with the output in mind (e.g., market size in US Dollars, EBITDA margin, # of customers, % improvement in a KPI)
2. Draft the Output on Paper: Define the desired output (e.g., charts, tables, key metrics) and sketch it on paper to ensure a clear structure and logical flow. This could be a basic sketch -- think framework. Make sure your output spits out the data in a format that is easy to leverage for charts and tables for the slide(s) you're making)
3. Define Structure and Inputs: Create a MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) driver tree, mapping out the inputs and outputs. Ensure it mirrors the question structure and keeps the analysis simple.
4. Populate your Inputs and Assumptions: In a real case, you leverage historical data, benchmarks, or client-provided data, and document assumptions and sources. For an assessment like this, I would think of two types of inputs: a) Kearney provided data (no brainer to use); b) any additional assumptions you make for the analysis (note sources and any assumptions you're making with clear comments). 

Excel Best Practices:

• Avoid Hardcoding: Use dynamic formulas to ensure flexibility.
• Keep it Symmetrical: Maintain a consistent layout within a tab and across tabs (e.g., inputs, calculations, and outputs separated).
• Focus on Insights: Prioritize outputs that directly address the problem and provide actionable recommendations. Work backward from this!
• Document as You Go: Use clear labels, color-coded cells (e.g., inputs in blue), and consistent formatting. Add a comment column to note sources and any clarifications on calculations or assumptions.
• Check for Errors: Always double-check your formulas and calculations for accuracy. You can do quick sums or (A = B) checks to make sure you're not missing any components of a calculation. Look up tips on how to do quality checks on an excel model -- there are plenty online. 

Slide-Writing Tips

Core Principles of Slide-Writing:

1. Clarity: Convey one message per slide with simple and focused visuals.
2. Consistency: Maintain a uniform style, font, and layout throughout.
3. Powerful Visuals: Use charts, tables, and diagrams to communicate insights effectively. Ensure visuals align with the narrative/title.
4. Audience-Centric: Tailor the content to what your audience needs to know. Calibrate the level of detail accordingly.

Slide Design Best Practices:

1. Titles and Body: Use titles to highlight the key message, and keep body text concise with clear bullet points.
2. Storyline and Flow: Start with the key takeaway and build slides logically to guide the audience through the narrative.
3. Tables and Charts: Use tables for precision and charts to highlight trends or relationships. Keep visuals clean and purposeful.
4. Diagrams: Leverage diagrams like process flows or concept maps to simplify complex ideas and engage visually.
5. Language: Be concise, clear, and punchy. Use action-oriented language to deliver a confident message. Be factual -- don't share opinions. 

Mastering these Excel and slide-writing techniques will help you stand out in your assessment. Focus on clear, structured thinking and actionable outputs to align with the standards of top-tier consulting firms. Let me know if you’d like additional guidance or mock practice! Good luck!

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from Kearney!

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

• First of all, while I (like most likely all coaches) have not done this specific Kearney pre-interview assessment myself, I would highly advise you to focus on learning common MS Excel functions as well as MS Excel and PowerPoint shortcuts.
• Moreover, please keep in mind that unless you are applying as an experienced hire, there is a good chance that all candidates will have similarly poor skills in these tools. So I would not worry too much about that.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

Best,

Hagen