Meeting with a partner

Hi there,

1) How should I handle this meeting? What is expected from me and from the partner?

Is this a coffee chat? If so, it might either (i) be an informal chat or (ii) include a few fit questions to test your motivation such as the one below:

1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why consulting
3. Why us
4. Why should we hire you

Additionally, you might have time to ask questions, which could help to leave a good impression. You can find some examples of good questions to ask below:

▶ Great Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview

2) I am interested to apply to the firm, should I apply before meeting the partner or request a referral (is it possible)?

I would recommend waiting to have the meeting so that the partner can possibly refer you. You cannot request a referral but you might hint at it.

3) Any recommendations on how to prepare for this meeting?

I would recommend to review the following:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Great first step! I can give my perspectives, though context will matter here (e.g. did you have a pre-existing connection with said partner?)

1. How should I handle this meeting? What is expected from me and from the partner?

I would reframe this to “how do I get the most out of this meeting?”. Firstly, the partners' time is expensive so don't waste it with things you can find out from the web, these forums, etc. I would demonstrate that you know why you want to go into consulting, why [his/her firm] is the best option for you, and that this is consistent with your professional goals. Then I'd ask him/her insightful questions that validate you hypothesis by [firm] is best for you, how the firm has evolved and what consulting will look like over the next 5 years (lots of change in the industry at the moment), how your role will change as you move up the firm, etc. Try to drive at stuff this the partner's experience will have a unique and valuable view on, thereby making it worth their time.

 2. I am interested to apply to the firm, should I apply before meeting the partner or request a referral (is it possible)?

I don't think it matters. Its mostly likey that the partner will note that they had a good experience with you, would be initially supportive of your application and that the firm should consider you. That note will go to the recruitng team, who will consider it along with the rest of your package. In the end, it's a small bonus to leave a good impression with a partner but it won't over come a CV/cover letter/case interview that doesn't cut the mustard.

3. Any recommendations on how to prepare for this meeting?

Yep, you need to be clear on your personal narrative as to (i) why consulting, (ii) why [firm], (iii) why your expriences have set you up to be successful in consulting and (iv) a list of questions you want to discuss with partner that they can uniquely answer.

Hope that helps!

B.

Hi!

Congrats! This a great opportunity. 

The most important thing for this call is to connect with the interviewer, not seek to impress them. 

So do your research on the firm and the role that you're interested in, and also research the Partner's background. Ask questions that you wouldn't be able to answer on your own and which ideally relate specifically to the Partner's background or knowledge. 

Sharing with you an article on how to make the most out of coffee chats and hint at referrals:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

Best,
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> CodeWave  

Hi there,

1. Have an elevator pitch prepared as to why you want to join their firm and why you are the right person - just don't bust out the pitch during the meeting like you are at a sales event. Rather use the underlying talking points to introduce yourself to the partner throughout the conversation. Try to be personable and show your “human side” while remaining professional because you are still being assessed
2. Do not apply before the meeting. Ideally the meeting will improve the positioning of your subsequent application (either through a referral or at least something you can reference in your cover letter)
3. Leave any sort of process related questions for the recruiters. Try to meet the partner at the strategic or “vision for the future” level when it comes to the questions you prepare. Research the industry/functional area the partner is active in. What are current trends in the space? Did the partner recently publish any sort of white paper or study or talk at a conference? 

Best of luck

Hi there,

1. How should I handle this meeting? What is expected from me and from the partner?

Use it as an opportunity to make a personal connection with the partner and start building your network with this consulting firm. Do you homework and check the partner profile to make meaningful questions around his/her experience and how the company work. Ask questions you cannot solve with a quick Google search.

2. I am interested to apply to the firm, should I apply before meeting the partner or request a referral (is it possible)?

Depending on how the conversation goes and the level of connection you develop, you can kindly ask for a referral. In any case, I suggest you don't apply before the meeting.

3. Any recommendations on how to prepare for this meeting?

Investigate the partner profile and experience and prepare some relevant questions. Also prepare to answer the question “why would you like to work here”.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

1. This is an informal conversation. It is not an interview, but you are being evaluated. To objective here is more to show interest, maturity, and to build rapport with that partner.

2. If you can apply AFTER meeting the partner, that is better,as you may be able to get a referral.

3. Is important that you research the partner, that you have relevant questions (and be aware that relevant questions ideally are relevant to you, although they should help the objectives I mentioned above.)

Hello! Congratulations on getting the opportunity to meet with a partner. Here's how I would suggest handling this meeting:

Approach the meeting professionally: Treat the meeting with the partner as a valuable opportunity to learn more about the firm and showcase your interest. Be prepared to engage in a meaningful conversation and demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry and the firm.

Understand the purpose of the meeting: The partner may want to get to know you better, assess your fit with the firm's culture, and gauge your potential as a candidate. Be prepared to discuss your background, experiences, and career aspirations. Also, be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the partner's own experiences and the firm's strategic direction.

Be proactive and prepared: Research the partner's background and the firm's recent projects and initiatives. This will help you ask relevant questions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm. Additionally, review your own experiences and accomplishments to effectively articulate your skills and potential contributions to the firm.

Seek guidance and advice: Use this opportunity to seek the partner's insights and advice on your career aspirations and how to best position yourself for success in the industry. Be open to feedback and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.

Regarding your application:

Apply before the meeting: It's generally a good idea to submit your application before the meeting with the partner. This shows your proactive approach and allows the partner to have a better understanding of your background and qualifications.

Request a referral: If you have a strong connection with the partner and feel comfortable doing so, you can politely inquire about the possibility of a referral. However, make sure to do this in a respectful and non-pushy manner.

Remember, the meeting with the partner is an opportunity to make a positive impression and build a relationship. Approach it with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to learn and contribute. Good luck, and I hope this helps!

Hi there,

Nice work!

First, prepare your “three whys”: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

It's likely to be quite conversational, so make sure you are ready to adjust/react to their questions, ask questions of your own, etc. etc.

You should apply after the meeting, as you're hoping to be referred.

Hi,

It would depend on the context of the meeting / how it was set up. For me, I would:

• prepare a few key, genuine questions that you'd like to ask the partner
• prepare to answer some potential questions from the partner
  • e.g. your motivation/story/tell me about yourself

Use the opportunity to really find out if that particular firm and/or consulting is right for you. 

I wouldn't outrightly ask for a referral, typically if you have to ask for one, you won't get one. Rather people who are impressed by you will naturally want to help you. 

Hi there, great opportunity! Ping me for a free coffee chat to have a real life practice with an ex. jr. partner. Warm regards, Freddy