Month: May 2009

How should I rank my office preferences?

Some applicants like to "game" the recruiting process, applying to less popular offices in thinking that the interview process will be easier. My answer: it depends on which consulting firm, which office, which year. It's a risky move because you automatically limit your upside (assuming the less popular office is not your first office choice).

What’s the difference between 1st and 2nd round interviews?

Both interview rounds will have fit interview and case interview components. The 1st rounds will likely be less challenging, with less senior consultants. The 2nd rounds will be much tougher, and you'll interview with senior consultants whom you'll be working with should you get the offer.

What are consulting firms looking for in fit interviews?

"Someone who I want to work with from 8am to 8pm" is how one McKinsey interviewer explained it to me. That means you are: A good communicator An effective hard-worker (note this means you not only put in the sweat, you do it in the right way) A positive, generally likeable person Fit questions measure…

What if I make a mistake during a consulting case study?

It happens all the time. Admit your mistake ("Wait a minute, that doesn't seem right because..."). Take a second to regroup, and rewind to where you think the error started. Restate all the facts that you know, confirm those facts with the interviewer, and recalculate/rethink the question. If you still can't figure it out, ask…

I’m not getting any interview offers. How can I change that?

Listen to interviewer feedback! That is clue #1. If they don't provide it, actively follow-up with your interviewers. Fix what's wrong. If you're not getting interviews, your resume may be weak. Or you may not have the best access to recruiters and firms. Comb through this site and perhaps sign-up for a coaching session.

How do I prepare for the consulting recruiting process?

Read this overview post on the management consulting recruitment process. Read business news regularly (Economist, WSJ, Fortune). Start refining your resume and practicing interviews. Get expert help if needed.

What can I do to get more business experience?

Plenty of successful consultants had minimal business experience when they applied. It may put you at a slight disadvantage, which is why the resume, cover letters, and interviews are even more important now. Concentrate on: Demonstrating business interest and understanding, even if its not formal work experience Nailing the interviews, particularly the case study Showing…

What are minimum GPA requirements for consulting jobs?

If your overall GPA is above 3.5, or your major GPA is above 3.6 - you should be fine for most "screening criteria". If your GPA is under 3.5, you'll need to have a strong resume and network your way to success.

How do I know if I want to do consulting or finance?

Yet another post should help you here.

I know nothing about consulting. How do I learn more?

You've come to the right place. First, read the following articles: Management Consulting and the Consulting Industry 101 Day in the Life of a Management Consultant (client version) Management Consulting versus Investment Banking Top 10 Resume Tips Top 10 Interview Tips Overview of the Management Consulting Recruiting Process Then, subscribe to my RSS feed. I…