Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking

834: Harsh Partners (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

Being a young business analyst or associate on the receiving end of blunt and harsh feedback from a partner is a very jarring experience. However, it is also somewhat of a compliment. I never understand this very, very important point until my mentor, a senior partner, pointed this out to me when the managing partner gave me a very time about an initiative I was running. In hindsight, this was one of the most profound lessons I had in my consulting career, and the managing partner became a huge ally when I was up for partnership. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]

833: Using Storytelling in Cases (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

Storytelling is a very powerful technique to ensure someone remembers you after an interview. In fact, even when we screen people at Firmsconsulting today, we use this technique I applied as a partner. The rule is simple: if I can remember your key messages from the interview the next day, I would make you an offer. That, of course, assumes you had passed all the other hurdles well enough. One way to be remembered is to be your answers around compelling stories using the New York Times rule of facts, facts and facts with a beginning and end. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]

832: Five phrases to avoid (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

Communication and image in a case interview is governed by both what you say and how you say. It is true that how you say something tends to carry more weight. However, in some case, certain phrases should definitely be avoided because they cause much damage it is very hard to recover from them. We discuss them in this podcast. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]

831: How to Hold Networking Conversations (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

Networking calls/coffee chats are tricky. You should not be following the advice found for general recruitment. We insist our clients network with partners so most of the advice we provide is for networking with McKinsey and BCG partners. The reality is that partners are best equipped, and most influential, to assess a unique profile and make a judgement call on the spot. The danger is that if you do not impress the partner, you are very unlikely to go anywhere with further networking. The more atypical your profile, though, the greater the need to network with a partner, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]

830: Speed is the wrong focus area (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss speed. Far too many candidates focus on being faster. That is another myth. Speed is an outcome of having good technique. So if you are slow, deconstruct your technique, analyze weaknesses and develop a new way to solve arithmetic. That is key. Unless your technique improves aka "your process to solve math," you will never improve. We explain how in this podcast. Moreover, if an interviewer or practice partner indicates you are slow, think carefully if your technique can be improved, versus merely trying to speak faster. Note, there are many different techniques to solve arithmetic problems so do not search for the "best" technique. Find one that works for you. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach] McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf] Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo [http://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo]