Deloitte Interview Questions and Answers

Summary

Jenny Ray Larue, a former consultant, shares expert advice on preparing for a Deloitte interview, focusing on seven key behavioral questions. She emphasizes the importance of personal and specific answers, using stories to showcase your fit for the company. Topics covered include handling multiple tasks, discussing strengths and weaknesses, teamwork experiences, and the ever-important ‘Why Deloitte?’ question. By utilizing structured storytelling methods like STAR or CAR, candidates can effectively demonstrate their skills and align with Deloitte's values, ensuring they stand out in the competitive interview process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deloitte is highly selective in its hiring process, aiming to attract top talent from around the world.
• 😀 The interview process is competitive, focusing heavily on assessing cultural and skills fit for the organization.
• 😀 One of the most common questions is 'Why Deloitte?', where candidates should share a personalized, specific story instead of generic answers.
• 😀 Another key question involves managing multiple tasks at once; candidates are encouraged to use STAR or CAR methods to showcase their ability to handle complexity.
• 😀 The 'Walk me through your resume' question is an opportunity to summarize your personal background, education, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
• 😀 When asked about weaknesses, candidates should focus on a professional weakness they have worked to improve, without damaging core skills valued by Deloitte.
• 😀 For strengths, it’s recommended to provide three key strengths, ideally including data/analytical skills, teamwork, and a personal trait that aligns with Deloitte’s values.
• 😀 Deloitte values teamwork, and questions like 'Tell me about a time you worked successfully in a team' are common. Candidates should be ready with several teamwork stories.
• 😀 When asked why Deloitte over other firms, candidates should prepare a comparative answer, detailing specific reasons why they are drawn to Deloitte over competitors like McKinsey or BCG.
• 😀 Being prepared with personal stories and concrete examples that align with Deloitte's values (impact, sustainability, solving complex problems) is crucial for a successful interview.
• 😀 It’s important to practice responses to these common questions to ensure fluidity and confidence in delivering your answers.

Q & A

Why is Deloitte considered a prestigious firm in the consulting industry?

Deloitte is considered prestigious because it is the largest and one of the most respected firms in the consulting industry. It is often compared to the MBB firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) and is known for its strong reputation in delivering high-impact work, especially in areas such as sustainability and solving complex problems.

What is the primary focus of Deloitte's behavioral interview questions?

The primary focus of Deloitte's behavioral interview questions is to assess whether a candidate is a good cultural and skills fit for the organization. These questions typically explore how well a candidate can manage complexity, work in teams, and demonstrate the qualities that Deloitte values.

How should you answer the 'Why Deloitte?' interview question?

When answering 'Why Deloitte?', your response should be personal, specific, and tailored to the firm. Avoid generic information from their website. Instead, tell a story about someone from Deloitte who influenced your decision and explain how their values resonate with your own career goals.

What is the STAR method and how should it be used in the interview?

The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It's used to structure your answers to behavioral questions. The CAR method, which stands for Context, Action, and Result, is another similar approach. Both methods help provide clear, concise stories that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and achievements.

How should you approach the question 'What is your greatest weakness?' during an interview?

When answering 'What is your greatest weakness?', focus on a weakness that doesn't directly conflict with Deloitte's values, such as teamwork or managing complexity. Instead, highlight a more manageable weakness, like being deadline-driven or handling a large volume of data, and explain how you've worked to improve it over time.

What are the three strengths you should focus on during a Deloitte interview?

In a Deloitte interview, you should highlight three strengths: 1) Analytical skills or data-driven abilities, 2) Collaboration and team-building, and 3) A personal or professional skill that aligns with the firm's values, such as client management or solving complex problems.

How should you answer the question 'Tell me about a time you worked successfully in a team'?

To answer this question effectively, use the STAR or CAR method. Focus on describing the context of the situation, the specific actions you took, and how the team succeeded as a result. It's also helpful to have several teamwork stories prepared that show different aspects of collaboration, such as resolving conflict or showing leadership without a formal title.

What is the difference between the 'Why Deloitte?' question and the 'Why Deloitte over other firms?' question?

The 'Why Deloitte?' question focuses on why you're interested in the firm in general, while 'Why Deloitte over other firms?' specifically asks you to compare and contrast Deloitte with other consulting firms, including the Big Four or MBB firms. In the latter, you should highlight personal reasons for choosing Deloitte over its competitors, based on unique features of the firm that resonate with you.

How can you demonstrate that you’re a good fit for Deloitte during the interview?

To demonstrate that you're a good fit for Deloitte, you need to showcase your ability to manage complexity, work effectively in teams, and align with the firm's values such as sustainability, impact, and problem-solving. Use concrete examples from your past experiences to show how you embody these qualities.

Why is it important to be honest about other firms you're considering during the interview?

Being honest about considering other firms is important because it shows that you are making an informed decision about your career. However, it is essential not to promise that Deloitte is your top choice unless you are certain about accepting an offer. Misleading the interviewer can hurt your chances of getting the job.