How to prepare for management consulting interviews

Here, I’ll focus on ten critical steps to prepare for management consulting interview rounds. As general advice, by far the best way to become a distinctive interviewer is to get live experience – thus the reason why you should spread a wide net in your search for different consulting firms.

Preparing for case studies

1. Buy Case In Point – a strong, 100% case-focused manual

2. Peruse Victor Cheng’s website www.caseinterview.com – as a former McKinsey consultant, Victor has a strong grasp of successful case study techniques and strategies

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 guesstimation/sizing questions in spare waking moments (eg, if you see a Ford while driving, think about how many Ford cars are manufactured in Mexico). It seems silly, but this is exactly how to become an expert at case studies

The most important thing: practicing case studies with current or former consultants. Never underestimate their willingness 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 answering in front of a mirror – this helps familiarize you with body language, pacing, volume, and more

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 suggestions

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 how-to article on preparing for management consultant interviews. Good luck!