Your step-by-step guide
How to prepare for consulting interviews: the 7-step method
The proven method that has helped hundreds of candidates land their offers at MBB. 7 clear phases — select the ones you need or explore them all in order. And when you're ready to practice, all our books are available digitally on the Preparation platform.
Step 1
Apply correctly
How to take the first step toward your consulting career
schedule15 min readingComplete guide: how to apply to strategy consulting
The entire application process explained step by step.
Applying to McKinsey, BCG or Bain requires much more than a strong academic record. Your CV must be adapted to the format expected by strategy consulting firms, your cover letter needs to convey why consulting and not another sector, and networking can make the difference between your application being reviewed or discarded. Here you'll find everything you need to prepare a solid application and maximize your chances from the very first step.
Key insights
How to Write a CV for Consulting
Your CV is the gateway to your consulting career. Don't let it close before you even start.
How to Write a Cover Letter for MBB
The structure used by candidates who land the interview. With a real example from a McKinsey admit.
Networking for Consulting
How to reach out to real consultants, what to say, and the mistakes that kill your application before it starts.
Complete preparation book
Free support materials
Step 2
Understand the process
Every step between you and the offer — and how to clear them
schedule20 min readingComplete guide: the MBB selection process
From application to offer: every stage explained.
The selection process in strategy consulting is different from any other industry. McKinsey, BCG and Bain use multiple interview rounds combining practical cases, personal fit questions, and online tests. Understanding how each stage works, which type of firm best fits your profile, and what the application timelines are gives you a real competitive advantage over other candidates.
Key insights
The MBB Recruitment Process
Every stage of the process, who evaluates what, and what nobody tells you about real timelines.
Firm Types: MBB, Big Four and Boutiques
Culture, salary, and career trajectory compared. Choose the firm that matches your ambition.
Consulting salary guide by level and firm
Real ranges by level and firm — MBB, Tier 2 and Big Four — with data from Glassdoor and Levels.fyi.
What is MBB and Why it's Hard to Break In
McKinsey, BCG and Bain in detail. What makes them unique, acceptance rates, and why it's worth it.
Complete preparation book
Free support materials
Step 3
Learn to solve cases
Master cases and prove you think like a consultant
schedule45 min readingComplete guide: case interview fundamentals
Case types, structures, and the concepts you must master before practicing.
The case interview is the heart of the strategy consulting interview. To solve it successfully you need to master the MECE principle, know how to build issue trees, understand the different case types (profitability, market entry, pricing, M&A), and learn to structure your answer with frameworks that demonstrate logical thinking. This phase lays the foundations that make the difference between an average candidate and one who stands out.
Key insights
Types of Case Interview
Profitability, market entry, pricing, M&A... each type broken down with real examples and structure.
MECE: What it is and How to Apply it
If you don't master MECE, you won't pass. The principle MBB evaluates in every answer, with practical examples.
Issue Trees: Problem Structuring
The tool consultants use to structure any problem. Learn to build your own.
How to Structure a Case (Framing)
The first 3 minutes define whether the interviewer sees you as a candidate or just another name. Nail the opening.
Free support materials
Complete preparation books
The book that teaches you to build your own structures for any type of case. Stop memorizing generic frameworks and learn to think like a real consultant.
Other related insightsexpand_more
Step 4
Prepare for tests
Clear the filters that eliminate 70% of candidates before the interview
schedule25 min readingComplete guide: consulting assessment tests
Which tests each firm uses, what they evaluate, and how to prepare for each one.
Before reaching the interviews, most top firms apply online tests as an initial filter. The McKinsey Solve (formerly PST), the BCG Casey Game, Pymetrics assessments, and other digital exercises can eliminate you before you speak to anyone. Knowing the format, the type of questions, and the specific strategies for each test gives you a clear advantage in this critical phase of the process.
Free support materials
Complete preparation books
The test that eliminates most candidates. This book puts you on the side of those who pass.
Step 5
Practice cases
The difference between preparing and being prepared
schedule20 min readingComplete guide: how to practice case interviews
Step-by-step method for practicing solo and with peers.
Theory without practice won't land you any offer. Practicing case interviews effectively, both solo and with other candidates, is what separates those who receive the offer from those who come close. In this phase you'll learn proven methods for solo practice, how to organize practice sessions with peers, give and receive constructive feedback, and avoid the most common mistakes candidates make during their preparation.
Key insights
How to Practice Cases Solo
The method that lets you make progress every day even without a partner. Structure your practice and track your progress.
How to Practice with Peers
The practice protocol that multiplies your learning. How to give useful feedback and make the most of every session.
Case Interview Mistakes
The 10 mistakes that eliminate good candidates. Identify them before they cost you the offer.
Free support materials
Case Workbook
Full cases to practice solo: prompt, structure, data, and step-by-step solution.
Download free →
30 Preparation Tips Guide
The 30 most practical tips that summarize everything you need to stand out from other candidates.
Download free →
WhatsApp Community
Find practice partners, share questions, and advance alongside other real candidates.
Join free →
Complete preparation books
Everything you need to solve any case with confidence and reach the final interview knowing you can do it.
Master mental math and numerical estimates that appear in every case. The perfect complement so numbers never slow you down.
Other related insightsexpand_more
Market Sizing
Market estimation is a skill that impresses. Learn to do it with precision in minutes.
Math in Case Interviews
Fast mental math and numerical techniques for solving cases without a calculator.
Case Framing
The first minutes define your interview. Learn to start strong.
Step 6
Prepare FIT questions
Convince the interviewer you already think like a consultant
schedule30 min readingComplete guide: FIT questions in consulting
The questions you'll be asked and how to prepare solid answers.
FIT questions (or PEI at McKinsey) represent between 30% and 50% of your evaluation in the interview. Solving cases well isn't enough: your personal story, your motivation for entering consulting, and the questions you ask the interviewer can be decisive. Preparing authentic, structured, and convincing answers for the most frequent questions is key to demonstrating you fit into the firm's culture.
Key insights
Most Common FIT and PEI Questions
The exact questions McKinsey, BCG, and Bain ask. Prepare answers that leave an impression.
"Why Consulting?" — How to Answer
The question they always ask and 80% of candidates answer poorly. Learn to stand out.
Q&A: What to Ask the Interviewer
The smart questions that show you already think like a consultant. The detail that makes the difference.
Free support materials
FIT & Q&A Workbook
Templates to structure your personal stories and prepare the FIT questions most asked at MBB.
Download free →
Evaluation Guide
The exact criteria MBB uses to evaluate you in each interview. Knowing what they measure lets you prepare better.
Download free →
Complete preparation books
Prepare answers that convince. Structured stories, genuine motivation, and the keys to making the interviewer feel you're already one of them.
Step 7
Master the math
Never let numbers slow you down in an interview
schedule10 min readingComplete guide: math in case interviews
Mental math techniques and the tricks consultants use.
Math in case interviews isn't complicated, but it requires speed and precision under pressure. Multiplications, divisions, percentages, and market estimates (market sizing) are part of almost every case. Mastering mental math and having tricks to simplify complex operations lets you focus on strategic reasoning instead of losing time with numbers.
Key insights
Free support materials
Complete preparation books
The book that gives you the numerical speed and confidence you need so calculations never slow you down in an interview. Progressive exercises to master consulting math.
Get closer to the offer every week
Each tip is designed to move you one step closer to MBB. Based on 300+ real interviews as an evaluator at Bain & Company.
FlashTip example:
"In a profitability case, always start by breaking down Revenue vs Costs before making any hypothesis."
No spam. Cancel anytime.