Monitor Deloitte Consultant

I interviewed with Monitor Deloitte at the end of 2014, and was offered a position as consultant.

##### Online Application #####
Note that the online application required to answer two particular questions (in 100 words each), in addition to the obvious information to fill in. Not replicating the questions word for word, expect to be asked:
(1) how you fit with the particular service line of interest at Deloitte, with respect to your motivations, interests and drive.
(2) what you expect to be doing as an analyst/consultant while at Deloitte.

##### Proceedings #####
After a couple of days, I was invited to take a numeracy assessment test. Following this, I was automatically informed by email that I passed the requirements, and was invited to take a 'critical reasoning' test, the outcome of which (positive) was once again very promptly sent to me by an automated email. From that point, the process became very sluggish, as I first received an email 2 days later informing me that I passed the two tests (which I already knew), and that I would be updated later about the next steps in my application. I had to wait an entire week to receive the news that I was selected for yet another CV swift, and did not receive any response afterwards (and certainly not within the timeline I was given). After contacting the staff, I was invited for a first round.

##### First round (written case) #####
The first round consists of two parts, one in the morning, and if successful, a second part in the afternoon. The first part consists of an 'on-the-spot' (written) case, in which I was given 20 minutes to read through a document consisting of a report, email correspondance, exhibits, various tables, and 4 questions to address. Some of the questions are quite quantitative, and require to be comfortable with well-spread, heterogenous and ambiguous information (you won't find all the numbers at the same place or presented in the same way, and footnotes are important!). I was surprised to be given a calculator, considering that the maths were quite easy to do mentally. Regardless, the 20min were short, and at the end of it my interviewer promptly collected me to start the interview. There was first a 'fit' interview, with questions about my CV, my motivations etc. Following this, we went through the case, and this was pretty much interviewer-led. The case was interesting, but not very challenging. At the end of the discussion, I had 3-4 minutes to ask questions.

##### Second round (group case) #####
After lunch, I was informed that I had passed the interview. The afternoon consisted of a group case, which typically involves 5-6 candidates and start with material similar to the 'on-the-spot' case, and candidates have specific segments of the analysis to go through individually for 20/30 minutes, at the end of which they collectively address the case by presenting their findings and discussing them. The point here is to be smooth, respectful yet a driving force in the discussion. Being aggressive, arrogant, or showing a lack of listening skills are all traps to avoid at all costs. You are basically being judged on your ability to further a discussion by being sharp and analytical on the one hand, and diplomatic and professional on the other, and the overall success of the group depends on how many candidates do show these traits. But only such candidates will be called back for the final round.

##### Final round (presentation and discussion with a Monitor partner) #####
I was called on the same day and invited to a partner interview, and was asked to prepare a 5 minute presentation on a specific topic given in the email. I was allowed to prepare a printed handout, and what I did was to make sober, professional powerpoint slides (1 title slide and 5 simple slides, plus a summary with more text) of my topic and print them. To prepare, I read a lot of material from Deloitte University Press, Harvard Business Review articles etc. I found specific recent business stories from the UK relating to my topic (one of which had actually involved Deloitte and was directly relevant). I also studied the divisions within the firm that were relevant to the topic, and read opinion articles authored by Monitor Deloitte partners from the relevant division. In fact, one of these partners was interviewing next room (but he did not interviewed me)! I did not learn by heart my "speech", but I did write a bullet-point script of my speech and learned some transitions and phrasing that were both critical and efficient. This allowed me to feel very comfortable, and have a natural 'conversation', rather than trying to be overly formal and sticking to a piece of badly handwritten notes while blushing (which is my impression of what quite a few candidates happen doing!). After that, we discussed some aspects of the problem, and moved on to a "motivation assessment". I was asked a lot of questions about my motivations, my background (I come from a natural science background in an elite university), and how I would act in various business situations as a Monitor Deloitte consultant. I was also asked where I would see myself in 5 years. Last but not least, we discussed industry trends (consolidation, use of Big Data in strategy and operations and the position of Deloitte), the integration of Monitor at Deloitte, how it impacted the staffing of international teams, or the footprint of the strategy practice, and finally career opportunities.

##### Offer #####
On following the Friday I received a notification that I had passed the final round and would receive an offer letter in the next days.