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Business consulting interviews: 10 important steps to prepare
By Kevin Gao - Management Consulted | May 9, 2009
I’ll focus on the 10 crucial steps to prepare for business consulting interviews. As overall advice, by far the best way to become a top interviewer is to get live interview experience - precisely the reason why you should spread a broad net in your search for the right consulting firms to apply to.
Getting ready for case studies
1. Buy Case In Point - a strong, 100% case-focused manual
2. Review Victor Cheng’s www.caseinterview.com - as an ex-McKinsey consultant, Victor has a strong grasp of successful case study strategies and tactics
3. Practice case studies through the Internet - most consulting firm websites have plenty of real cases (some like Bain even have video simulations). The key step is to try answering the question yourself before reading the correct answer. There are several consulting websites with case study materials as well, one example is Rice’s Consulting Club
4. Practice with friends - if no friends can be found, search sites like Craigslist, consulting forums, and the like for suitable partners
5. Practice estimation questions in spare moments (eg, if you see a Chrysler while driving, think about how many Chryslers are manufactured in the U.S.). It seems silly, but this is how you become quick and agile in your thought process
The most critical thing: practicing cases with current consultants. Don’t underestimate their ability to help.
Fit/experiential interview prep
1. Create simulated interview questions and outline sample responses - avoid straight memorization, but outline your main points.
2. Practice responding in front of a mirror - this helps you with body language, pacing, hand gestures, and so on
3. Practice with friends and family - have them ask you questions where you don’t have prepared responses. Improvisational interview skills will serve you well for consulting interviews
General interview preparation advice
1. Dress in something that looks sharp and makes you feel good - first appearances are powerful. Dress like a business consultant, and you’ll look like you deserve to be there.
2. Talk to current and former consultants - the better you understand the job and lifestyle, the more comfortable you are with consulting lingo like “on the beach” and “5,000 mile view“, the better you’ll do. It’s also great for recruiting and networking
That wraps up our tour of the necessary steps to prepare for management consulting interviews. Good luck!
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