It's Not A Crapshoot: Understanding How To Pass

How Case Performance Is Graded

At most consulting firms, the notion that you are in competition with your peers is only partially true. Fundamentally, you are competing against yourself and your own ability to dazzle the interviewer. Hiring targets are flexible and consulting firms will open doors for students they deem qualified. In my opinion after having asked people who conduct interviews, the weighting of the interview goes 60% case performance and 40% everything else. Not to be cliché, but you have to be able to do the case.

Here are some underlying principles.

First Round Interviews: For some firms, two people will interview you, while for others only one. If you get interviewed twice, both people most likely have to pass you unless you perform so outstanding in one of the interviews that a marginal second interview can be overlooked. Generally first round interviews are much more forgiving than final rounds.

Passing

A. Great candidate. Nailed the case, had profound answers to my questions, and was very likeable.

B. Great candidate. Performed well on the case although he needed a little guidance. Liked his personality.

C. I'd pass this candidate. His case performance was ok but he demonstrated enough passion for consulting where I'd like to see how he performs in final rounds. He had outstanding questions and showed true knowledge of the industry.

D. I'd pass this candidate. He did great on the case but I am not sure if he really has the passion for consulting or if he really knows what he's getting into. Maybe that will change final round after he conducts a little more due diligence.

Rejection

E. This candidate performed ok on the case but I was not impressed with his knowledge of consulting, our firm, or his passion for the job.

F. Even though the candidate was very likeable and had great answers for the interview portion, his performance on the case was not strong enough for me to warrant passing him into the final round.

G. This candidate was very marginal in both parts of the interview.

H. And my favorite, this kid nailed the case but overall I just felt like he was a complete jackass. He seemed bored and acted like I was wasting his time.

Final Rounds: During 2nd and Final rounds you'll most likely be interviewed by three or four representatives. It could be only two people, but usually it will be three. During final rounds, you pretty much you have to interview at an A or B level. Final rounds are much tougher. These companies are about to hand you a job and invest a lot of money and effort into you. They want to be 100% sure that you can succeed. You most likely can pass final rounds if you receive two A or B grades and one C or D. If you get one grade of an E or F, you would have to absolutely blow away your other cases to get an offer. If you get one grade of a G or H your odds of getting an offer are slim even if you blow away the other two interviews as the one person who graded you poorly will most likely be very vocal during your candidacy review. The minute someone says, "I would never want to staff this kid on my project" you candidacy is over.