A step-by-step guide to the consulting recruitment process

The consulting selection process follows a very clear and competitive structure. It includes an initial application with a resume, cover letter, and test, followed by case interviews that assess your analytical skills, cultural fit, and motivation. Thoroughly understanding each phase is key to progressing successfully.

Breaking into consulting is not a matter of chance. Each firm follows a highly structured process, with clear filters at each stage. Understanding this process in detail is the difference between advancing and being cut in the first round. Here, we explain what to expect in each phase and how to prepare to overcome them.

1. Two key stages

The selection process is divided into two main phases:

• Initial Application: This includes your resume, cover letter, and entry tests. It's the first cut and determines who will be invited to interview.
• Case interview: assesses your analytical skills, cultural fit, motivation, and abilities. It consists of Fit and experience questions, a business case, and the final Q&A.

2. The initial application

Don't underestimate it. Many applications are rejected at this stage because they don't meet the required standards.

• Resume: should demonstrate leadership, analytical skills, and quantifiable results.
• Cover Letter: Answers three questions: Why consulting? Why this firm? Why you?
• Entry tests: reasoning, logic, or mathematics, designed to quickly filter candidates. Practicing them in advance is key.

3. The case interview

This is the core of the process and consists of three parts:

• Fit and PEI Questions: These questions aim to understand your motivation, fit, and background.
• The business case: a real or hypothetical problem that you will need to structure, analyze, and solve in 30–40 minutes.
• Final Q&A: your opportunity to demonstrate genuine interest and ask strategic questions about the firm.

Practical advice:

• Practice different types of cases (profitability, market entry, M&A, operations).
• Craft compelling Fit stories with clear and quantified examples.
• Simulate the pressure of the interview and avoid relying on a calculator.
• Prepare questions to ask during the Q&A.

4. Balance your preparation

A common mistake is focusing solely on the cases. To succeed, your plan must balance:

• CV and cover letter: Step 1 of our guide.
• Understanding the process: Step 2.
• Case fundamentals: Step 3.
• Entry Tests: Step 4.
• Interview cases: Step 5.
• Fit/PEI Interviews: Step 6.
• Calculations and math: Step 7.

5. Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating the initial part of the process: especially the tests.
• Practicing cases excessively without improving: always memorizing the same frameworks with the same types of cases.
• Neglecting Fit and experience questions: This includes either not preparing for them at all or memorizing answers without proper preparation.
• Being overconfident with the timelines: Once the process begins, everything moves very quickly (test, first round of interviews, and second round); there is no room for improvisation.

6. Mini-FAQ

How long does the entire process take?
Between 3 and 6 weeks. Once you enter the interview phase, everything speeds up.

Do I need a referral to get an interview?
It's not essential, but it is recommended, especially if you come from a non-target school.

What weighs more: your resume or the interview?
Both are eliminatory. A good resume grants you access; a good interview, the offer.

How do I know if I'm ready to apply?
When you have practiced 15–30 cases, prepared Fit stories, and trained for the tests.

7. Resources and next steps

To help you get started, we've created an Excel-based Preparation Plan Template outlining the 7 steps from our NextEp MBB guide. It's part of our FlashTips: when you join, you'll receive it in your email along with instructions for customization.

Additionally, in our resources section, you'll find the guide Crack the Interview Process, where we delve into each stage with examples and practical advice.

And if you want to continue preparing for consulting, explore our comprehensive 7-step guide. You'll find more tips on resume building, networking, case interviews, mental math, and more: