Personal Fit

Question

I recently completed my first-round interviews for an internship at a Tier 2 management consulting firm. While I didn’t advance to the second round due to a lack of confidence and case leadership, the interviewers organically reassured me that I was a strong fit for the firm. They emphasized that they see potential in me and could envision me working there in the future. They also praised my constructive and positive attitude and encouraged me to reapply next year for a full-time Business Analyst position.

I’m now wondering how genuine this feedback is. Do firms often provide such encouragement to many candidates, or can I take this as a strong indication that I’ll be considered seriously if I reapply next year?

Answer 1

Hey there,

Consulting firms pride themselves in transparency and a strong development feedback culture. So that praise they gave you is most likely genuine and something to be happy about and believe in.

Feedback is designed to help you improve on areas that need development but also hold on to and keep doing the things you are good at. So your attitude and characteristics that they determined in the fit are things you should retain whilst working on the case leadership and other elements in your case

All the best

Answer 2

Hey!

Based on my experience at McKinsey, where I also served as an interviewer, firms don’t provide such specific and positive feedback to everyone. If they praised your fit, attitude, and potential and encouraged you to reapply, it’s likely genuine. Consulting firms are keen on retaining strong candidates who just need more time to develop their skills. Use this year to strengthen your case skills and confidence, and you’ll have a strong chance next time. Good luck!

Alessa :)

Answer 3

Hi there,

That praise is no small accomplishment. If you stick with it and invest in your case/fit interview preparation for re-application, you should have a strong chance of landing this offer and others.

I experienced the same thing at BCG in 2019. During my first round, the team was impressed with my background and potential for the role, but my case performance fell short of expectations. They invited me to re-interview in six months, and I put in the work to ensure I landed the offer.

This has shaped my understanding of how to prepare effectively (or not) and informs my strategy for coaching candidates to break into consulting. I learned it hard and hope to make it easier for folks now.

Reach out if you want to learn more!

Best

Vini

Answer 4

As a former interviewer at a tier-2 firm, I’m 99% sure the feedback is genuine.

If you don’t like a candidate at all, the last thing you’d want is to waste time on their application next year.

Best,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Sierra Sprints - New Product Launch

Answer 5

Hi there,

Sorry to hear!

If they told you about a great fit, you should believe it. The feedback you will receive is always honest.

Cheers,

Florian