8 Comments
 

I'm assuming this is a not a conversation with HR but a conversation with an actual team member.

Most firms will let you know the type of interview it would be if you asked.

For behavioral, expect questions like tell me a time when:

-you worked with a difficult coworker -led or managed a team -you failed -needed to overcome a particular task you had no prior knowledge of -dealt with a crisis...etc.

Technical interviews can vary based on the business line you are going to but make sure to speak in general about the current landscape, recent changes, particular systems, vendors, or regulatory changes.

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I would think phone interview is much like a meet and greet -- they'll save the technicals for later in all likelihood

"They are all former investment bankers that were laid off in the economic collapse that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have no marketable skills, but by God they work hard."
 
Best Response
CountryUnderdogI would think phone interview is much like a meet and greet -- they'll save the technicals for later in all likelihood
^ Why would you say anything if you have no clue, you're setting this kid up to bomb the interview.

Had consulting phone interviews. Consisted of behaviorals but the majority of time is taken up with a case, very similar to how you would walk through one in person. It's important to communicate very clearly on what you are thinking to the interviewer ie. walk through exactly what you are doing over the phone as you do it on paper.

Also the silences can be very hard to manage but still make sure to take 30-60 seconds at the beginning of the case to form your thoughts, they expect it.

 

My experience with phone interviews has been to act as if it's the real deal. They're generally shorter but you should try to accomplish the same three things: show them you can structure/solve problems, show them you're not a dick ("airport test"), and show them that they can feel confident putting you in front of a client.

Expect general behavioural questions (tell me about yourself, why consulting/this firm) but probably not more specific ones ("Tell me about a time when you...")

Expect a case/market sizing. Hopefully you have done a few of them as practice. If not, there's a lot of material and casebooks out there that can teach you the general approach pretty quickly.

Good luck.

 

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