Whats the interview day like?

Hello, Christoph! 

My name is Georgii. I had two interview days in Big4 Strategy Consulting. 

The interview is organised by the following style: 

Usually it is you (the candidate) and one or two managers (the interviewees).Managers introduce themselves, and then ask you about your motivation for career in consulting (why do you want to work in strategic consulting? why this company?), also there can be some questions concerning your professional eperience (giving example of projects, difficult situations, important decisions taken by you inyour life). 

After that there can be challenges as brain-teasers for you. 

And then, you nedd to solve the case of different types (like market-sizing (how many cars in your city, how many smartphones used in your country, etc.), market-entry (should the partucular company enter a new market, launch new product, etc.) and others).

In the conclusion you have an opportunity to ask some specific questions about the company, practices and projects.

Usually the interview is around 40 minutes.

The company gives you feedback in around 2-3 days.

Good luck!

Best regards,

Geaorgii

Hi Christoph,

I agree with Georgy, here are some additional elements of the typical interview day in a consulting firm:

1. Greetings: first impression is important in consulting. Here you will be judged on your handshake and clothing. You also have sometimes the option to develop small talks with the interviewer while moving to the room – good moment to break the ice and create connections
2. Fit questions: typical questions are Why consulting, Why company XYZ, Why should I hire you, Tell me about a time when you Lead a team/Achieved something important/Didn’t work well with a supervisors. In general they are related to leadership, drive, impact and teamwork (here you can find some more information on typical fit topics: http://bit.ly/2zkxHVX)
3. Case: most of the time profitability based, could also be related to M&A, pricing, enter a new market, operations, new product, comp response. Sometimes you will also receive market sizing, more rarely brain teasers.
4. Your questions at the end: great moment to show your due diligence in the firm and further connect with the interviewer. Good questions relate to the personal experience of the interviewer and aim to make him/her feeling important ((here you can find some more information on typical fit topics: http://bit.ly/2yZpGXb)

You usually have 2 interviews with Managers/Principals in first rounds and 2-3 interviews with Partners in final round.

Best,

Francesco