What is the difference between Oliver Wyman interview round 1 and 2 for entry level position?

Hey there,

Congrats on passing the first round!

95% of partner rounds are just as standardized as the first round. The reason why you read about freestyle partner experiences is that they deviate from what people expect, hence they post about it more frequently online, hence giving others the impression it is much more common.

Additionally, partner rounds are often perceived as more challenging, just because it's a partner sitting across the table rather than a more junior colleague. It is purely based on the impression and not on the content. :-)

If there are any deviations from the standard interview, expect them to be in the following realm:

• Focus on one or two areas where you were perceived as not as strong in round one, which can be specific case questions or fit stories
• Only doing a case, only doing fit instead of both
• Doing two shorter cases in quick succession
• Challenging your answers more
• Not providing any time for you to think about the answer, making it more conversational

In any case, the most important thing is not to be startled by this and just keep working on the case or the fit in a calm manner.

All the best for your second round!

Cheers,

Florian

Key differences you need to prepare for your R2 interview:

• Top-Down Communication: Partners value clarity and structure, so ensure your answers are concise and organized.

• Unusual Cases: Be ready for cases that deviate from standard frameworks, and practice adapting to non-typical scenarios.

• Outstanding Stories: Prepare compelling examples and polished answers to explain why the firm is your ideal fit.

• Act on Feedback: Incorporate any feedback you received from earlier rounds to show growth and readiness.

Expect the interview to be more conversational, so focus on building rapport and engaging naturally while showcasing your skills.

Good luck,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Chic & Stitch

Congrats on passing the first round ! 
Typically R2 is not different, just that R2 interviews will be with senior folks, mainly partners. For R2: 

Continue to refine Case Skills:

• Practice dealing with ambiguous cases and adjusting frameworks as new information arises.

Enhance Fit Stories:

• Use specific examples to showcase leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Stay Confident and Calm:

• Engage conversationally, showing clarity, enthusiasm, and genuine interest.

Good luck!

Hi there,

Q: What is the difference between Oliver Wyman interview round 1 and 2 for entry level position?

A final round/ round 2 normally has the same structure as the first round (fit + case + your questions).

In a final round, the interviewers might:

1. Spend more time on fit and your alignment with the company.
2. Ask questions related to the areas of improvement for which you got feedback after the first round.
3. Not use a “standard” case. During one of my finals, I had one interview made by two market sizing questions and a brainteaser, without any business case.

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To prepare, you can work on the following:

1. Review your fit answers – they might spend more time on the fit part compared to the first round.
2. Work on the case areas they mentioned you could improve, if any (you can base that on the feedback they provided, if present).
3. Focus your case prep on the weakest areas. If you are tracking your performance, you can do drills for the areas where you are struggling the most / review cases where you made mistakes.

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Extra reading:

▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview

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Good luck!

Francesco

Hey there, 

Generally from a case perspective, there may not be a difference in the type of case. However, the main difference would come in the seniority of the interviewer.

Round 2 cases typically are reserved for senior leadership (so Principals / Partners) and Round 1 for Associates / Engagement Managers (but also sometimes Principals if there is a shortage of availability of associates and engagement managers). 

Then the difference comes in with how you best answer and carry yourself to the Partners vs Round 1, and I think then the advice my fellow coaches have shared here is very relevant

All the best