| December 16, 2014
Cheat Sheet explores the elaborate auditions companies put job applicants through for their most desirable positions. In this edition, a Deloitte hiring manager offers a detailed manual for talented MBAs looking to become senior consultants. Previously: How to become an account manager at Microsoft.
First Round:
Business school students drop off résumés with recruiters at campus information sessions or over coffee, hoping to dazzle with a fleeting first impression.
Second Round:
50 Candidates
Two interviews: one "behavioral," to gauge intellect, curiosity, poise, and leadership; and a 30-minute case interview in which candidates quickly solve a business challenge, such as how to determine a film studio's profitability with limited data.
Third Round:
15-20 Candidates
Second behavioral interview that probes candidates about their accomplishments, followed by an hour-long case interview that's tougher than the first round and gets into clients' specific problem areas. Finally, a group interview in which applicants role-play as an executive team and tackle a case together.
The Score:
Everyone's assigned a 1-5 rating early on. After round three, recruiters discuss their impressions of candidates, then combine that with the 1-5 score for a final decision.
Do show you care. "Take your time and be sincere about your interest in Deloitte. I want you to be just as interested in me as I am in you."
Do carry on an engaging conversation. We talk about the 'airport test'–If you were stuck in an airport with someone for six hours, would you enjoy it? Our clients want to work with people who are interesting and smart."
Don't skip opportunities to meet recruiters and employees. "We provide an abundance of opportunities for you to meet with us. If I ask you what you've done to get to know us, and your answer is, 'I went on your website,' that's a nonstarter."
