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.
Case study prep
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 online case studies - most firm websites have plenty of cases (some like Bain even have video case studies). The key is to answer the question yourself before reading the suggested answer. There are good consulting websites with case study materials as well, including Rice’s Consulting Club
4. Practice case studies with friends - if no friends have relevant experience, search Craigslist, consulting forums, and the like for practice buddies
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 interview prep
1. Create example fit interview questions and prepare example replies - avoid simple memorization, but outline your key talking points.
2. Practice responding in front of a mirror - this helps you with body language, pacing, hand gestures, and so on
3. Practice with colleagues - make them ask you questions with no prepared responses. Improvisational skills will serve you well in your business career
General interview prep tips
1. Wear something that looks clean, sharp, and makes you feel confident - first appearances are deceptively powerful. Dress like a management consultant, and people will think you deserve an offer.
2. Talk to as many consultants as you can get ahold of - the better you understand the day-to-day job, the more comfortable you are with consulting phrases like “deck” and “scope“, the better you’ll do. It’s also great for job hunting and networking
That wraps up our how-to article on preparing for management consultant interviews. Good luck!
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