Acing Your Consulting Behavioral Interview: 10 Questions to Conquer

So you’ve prepped for those challenging case studies but don’t let your guard down just yet. Consulting firms like McKinsey Bain, and BCG place equal importance on “fit” interviews, where they assess your personality, values, and overall suitability for the role. These interviews are your chance to shine as a well-rounded individual, not just a problem-solving machine.

Why Fit Interviews Matter

These interviews go beyond technical skills and delve into your soft skills teamwork abilities, and cultural fit within the firm. They want to know

• Are you someone they’d enjoy working with? This is crucial, as consultants spend long hours together.
• Can you represent the firm professionally in front of clients? This requires strong communication, persuasion, and problem-solving skills.

10 Common Fit Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

1. Tell me about yourself

• Do: Briefly highlight a key strength relevant to consulting, then provide examples from your resume that demonstrate and contextualize it.
• Don’t: Ramble through your entire resume without focus.

2 Walk me through your resume

• Do: Point out major accomplishments and connect the dots between jobs/positions. Use phrases like “I took this position because…” or “I changed positions because…” to provide context.
• Don’t: Ramble or be overly humble about achievements (though credit the team where appropriate).

3. Why are you interested in management consulting?

• Do: Mention specific interactions with industry professionals that sparked your interest, showcasing your understanding of the work and the firm’s values.
• Don’t: Arrive unprepared without demonstrating research or genuine interest.

4. Why are you interested in working for [Specific Firm]?

• Do: Show your understanding of the firm’s project types and values, using specific examples. Mention stories from interactions with consultants at the firm.
• Don’t: Show up without attending presentations or visiting the firm’s website.

5. What’s something you’ve worked on outside of school?

• Do: Discuss a passion project or leadership role in a club/organization, showcasing your dedication and impact.
• Don’t: Talk about a position where you didn’t have a measurable impact.

6. Tell me about a time you dealt with a tough problem.

• Do: Show perseverance and learning from the experience, even if it wasn’t a complete success.
• Don’t: Use the “strength disguised as a weakness” approach.

7. Tell me about a time you led others.

• Do: Demonstrate cooperative leadership, not dictatorship. Focus on facilitating a strong team and crediting them for success.
• Don’t: Portray others as clueless. Remember, you’ll lead smart colleagues, not minions.

8. When did you have to convince someone to change their mind?

• Do: Show you can relate to different perspectives, build a persuasive case, and be respectful.
• Don’t: Sound dictatorial.

9. Tell me about a failure.

• Do: Describe the failure, what you learned, and how you’d improve next time.
• Don’t: Directly criticize past colleagues or let the question derail your interview.

10. What do you like to do for fun?

• Do: Be genuine and personable. Show your interests and passions.
• Don’t: Blow off the question. Choose something you genuinely enjoy and can discuss in detail.

Remember: These are just examples. Tailor your responses to your experiences and strengths, showcasing your unique value to the firm.

The Power of Storytelling

The best way to answer fit interview questions is through storytelling. Stories help you connect with your interviewer on an emotional level and help them remember you. Use the A STAR(E) structure to craft compelling narratives:

• A – Answer: Start with a concise answer to the question.
• S – Situation: Set the scene: when, where, who was involved.
• T – Tension: Describe the challenge or conflict you faced.
• A – Action: Explain the steps you took to address the situation.
• R – Result: Share the outcome of your actions.
• (E) – Effect: (Optional) Reflect on what you learned from the experience.

Mastering Your Fit Interview

Practice your answers with case study partners, incorporating feedback to refine your stories. Focus on:

• Delivery: Speak naturally, with pauses and appropriate emotion.
• Body Language: Maintain eye contact and use engaging gestures.
• Authenticity: Avoid sounding robotic. Remember the key points, but deliver them naturally.
• Self-Recording: Use Loom or your phone’s camera to record yourself practicing. This helps identify areas for improvement.

The “George Clooney” Mindset:

Just like George Clooney embraced rejections as stepping stones to success, approach your interview with confidence. Believe in your potential and remember that the firm is looking for talented individuals like you.

Additional Resources:

• Case Interview Prep: https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/
• McKinsey PEI: https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/mckinsey-pei/
• Bain Experience Interview: https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/bain-experience-interview/

By following these tips and practicing your stories, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your consulting behavioral interview and land your dream job. Remember, you’ve got this!