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What are typical questions when interviewing for a partner role in Big 4 or MBB?

Hi,

I'm currently a principal/director in an MBB where I stayed for 10+ years and now interviewing for a partner role at a Big 4. Any advice on what to expect, typical interview questions, and how to handle the process?

Thanks

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Top answer
on Oct 28, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

One specific pointer from my side is that don't surprised if you are asked to case. 

Even at MBB, partner hires get asked to case, so this might be definitely so for Big 4.

In addition I would suggest that you prepare questions around your commercial platform/ability, as this is what your key KPI as a partner will be.

Hope this helps to clarify for anyone in a similar position!

Serhat
Coach
on May 31, 2019
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries

Hi there,

I did not conduct any partner interview but based on my experience with my senior coachees who interviewed for the principal position, I can tell that you can expect very similar case interviews in addition to typical behavioral questions including more challenging questions mostly related to people aspect.

Cheers

Serhat

 

Anonymous
on Jun 02, 2019

Hi,

Just helped someone who was interviewing for a Partner role at McKinsey Dubai. Cases were standard, as you would expect. PEI questions are less standard, and more about how/why you make the transition. These were the PEI questions:

+ Why do you want to make a jump from industry? Why McKinsey? (spent 15 mins on this)

+ How would you approach building a client base in Dubai?

+ Describe a time you showed Leadership

+ Are you a risk taker? Describe a time when you took risk?

Hope this helps!

Nirmit

1
Clara
Coach
on May 27, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

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