Personal Fit Interview Questions - Get into McKinsey, BCG, Bain

Summary

In this video, former McKinsey consultant Heinrich shares insights on personal fit questions in consulting interviews. He dispels myths about firm-specific consultant profiles, emphasizing the importance of appearing capable and confident. Heinrich provides tips on answering common questions, such as why one wants to join consulting or a specific firm, and offers advice on discussing one's CV. He also cautions against generic or prestige-focused motivations, advocating for personalized and authentic responses.

Takeaways

• 😀 Personal fit questions in consulting interviews are crucial and often underestimated, focusing on whether the candidate would be a good fit for the team and the client.
• 🔍 Heinrich, a former McKinsey consultant, aims to provide guidance on personal fit questions, emphasizing that these are not just relevant for consulting but also for corporate and banking interviews.
• 🤔 The misconception that each consulting firm seeks a very specific type of consultant is debunked; personal fit is more about the candidate's ability to perform and represent the firm well to clients.
• 💼 Interviewers primarily want to assess if the candidate can do the job and represent the firm professionally in front of clients, regardless of the specific consulting firm.
• 🌟 Strong personal fit answers often draw on past experiences, such as internships, to demonstrate a genuine interest and understanding of the consulting field.
• 🚫 Avoid citing exit opportunities as the main motivation for joining consulting, as it may imply a lack of commitment to the job itself.
• 📚 Do not mention interests that are incompatible with the consulting role, such as a desire for long-term, in-depth research, which contrasts with the fast-paced nature of consulting projects.
• 🏢 When answering 'why this firm?', leverage specific opportunities the firm offers, cultural aspects, or personal connections to demonstrate both research and a genuine desire to join.
• 📈 For smaller firms with a niche focus, highlight passion for that specific area and provide evidence of related past experiences to show alignment with the firm's expertise.
• 💡 Use personal network connections to the firm to convey insights about its culture and why those aspects appeal to you, showing you've done your research and begun networking.
• 📝 Prepare a structured answer for questions asking to guide through your CV or introduce yourself, and be ready to engage in a conversation with the interviewer to demonstrate interpersonal skills.

Q & A

What is the importance of personal fit questions in a consulting interview?

Personal fit questions are crucial as they help interviewers assess whether a candidate would be a good fit for the team and the firm's culture, and whether they can represent the firm well in front of clients.

Why is it a misconception to think that each consulting firm looks for a very specific type of consultant?

It's a misconception because the personal fit among top consulting firms is rather homogeneous; differences among firms are not as pronounced as some might believe.

What is the main question interviewers want to answer when evaluating a candidate's personal fit?

The main question interviewers want to answer is whether the candidate would be able to do the job effectively and represent themselves and the firm well in front of clients.

What should a candidate avoid when explaining their motivation for joining consulting?

Candidates should avoid focusing on exit opportunities as their main motivation, as it may imply they are not genuinely interested in the consulting work itself.

Why is it not advisable to mention enjoying long-term, in-depth work when interviewing for a consulting role?

This is not advisable because the nature of consulting work is often fast-paced and involves a variety of projects, not allowing for long-term, in-depth focus on a single topic.

How can past experiences, such as internships, strengthen a candidate's answer to why they want to join consulting?

Past experiences, like internships, show that the candidate has a clear understanding of what consulting involves and that they have actively pursued and planned for a career in consulting.

What are some approaches to answering 'Why this firm?' when the differences among firms are not significant?

One can focus on the specific niche of smaller firms, the opportunities provided by larger firms, or leverage personal connections and insights about the firm's culture to show genuine interest and research.

What should a candidate avoid when explaining their choice of a specific consulting firm?

Avoid stating superficial reasons like prestige alone, as it shows a lack of understanding of the firm's values and the benefits it can provide to the candidate's career.

How can a candidate effectively guide an interviewer through their CV during an interview?

A candidate should prepare a structured summary of their experiences and how they relate to the consulting role, while also being open to engaging in a conversation with the interviewer.

What is the purpose of asking 'Can you guide me through your CV?' at the beginning of an interview?

This question serves as an icebreaker, allowing the candidate to talk about themselves and their experiences, which is typically easier than jumping directly into case interviews.

How can a candidate demonstrate their interpersonal skills during an interview?

By being open to conversation, responding to the interviewer's questions thoughtfully, and showing the ability to engage in a professional dialogue, a candidate can demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.