Weird situation with boutique firm

Question

Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice on a current situation with a boutique consulting firm.

I interviewed with them a few months ago for an entry-level analyst role. I went through the whole process—CV review, a numerical test, a self-recorded interview, and multiple in-person interview stages — and was told I just missed out on an offer. They mentioned that if any of offer-holders declined, I’d be next in line. They also talked about potential project work in the future and hinted that I’d have an advantage in the next recruitment cycle.

Their recruitment for the next analyst intake just opened, and I received an interesting email from their head of recruitment. Because of "such a strong performance last time", he said they’ve inviting me straight to the final-round interviews with support from one of the senior partners. He also mentioned I might just have one interview with a partner who didn’t meet me before, with some flexibility around scheduling around the time of the final interviews.

Normally, their final-round process involves three interviews (two with senior partners, one with a more junior consultant), so I’m trying to figure out if this means they’re fast-tracking me with just one interview this time, or if this one interview would be in addition to the usual three-round process (though surely that defeats the point of fast-tracking me)?

Interestingly, he also mentioned that they’re “open to discussions around a suitable start date” if I wanted to join before their start date (June 2025). Could this mean they’ve already made up their mind and are using this interview as more of a formality?

Has anyone had a similar experience with a boutique consulting firm, or have insights on whether this might suggest they’re close to offering me the role?

I'd appreciate any of your thoughts!

Answer 1

Hello there,

Congrats on the invitation!

On your first question, you should directly ask HR. Just frame the question as a clarification on whether you’re going to do the usual 3 final round interviews or an another arrangement.

Regarding the second question, I’d strongly advise you to treat these interviews as seriously as you would’ve if they hadn’t called you back. If they had their mind made up 100%, they would’ve already extended the offer so this means you’re in a good spot but the job’s not done yet.

All the best,

Fathu

Answer 2

Hi there,

While the experience is rare, it's not uncommon or unusual - and not just for boutique firms. MBB is doing this too!

If you performed very well and as in your case one of the partners is really supporting you, it often means that, even if you did not make the cut, you can re-apply without much delay (e.g., in McK this is usually 6 months).

It definitely suggests you are close to the offer but still need to perform distinctively in the final interview!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

Hi! To answer your question directly: Your interviewer expects that you provide very concrete and clear examples of... (read entire answer)

Hi! To answer your question directly: Your interviewer expects that you provide very concrete and clear examples of leadership in a difficult situation to show. So here's what... (read entire answer)

Answer 4

Hi, That is correct, the traditional track at McKinsey from bottom to top is Analyst>Associate>Engagement Man... (read entire answer)

Hi, That is correct, the traditional track at McKinsey from bottom to top is Analyst>Associate>Engagement Manager>Associate Partner>Partner. Moving from one positi... (read entire answer)