Consulting Interview Questions: Behavioral, Fit, and MBB Examples

Breaking into consulting isn’t just about having the right resume; it’s about showing up to interviews ready to think on your feet, structure complex problems, and connect with your interviewer. Whether you’re aiming for MBB or a boutique firm, consulting interviews are tough. In the interview process, they test your problem-solving, communication, and cultural fit – all under pressure.

I’m a former McKinsey Business Analyst with experience on both sides of the table, as a successful applicant and as a recruiter. I know what MBB and other top firms are looking for, and how to help you stand out. While at McKinsey, I led event recruiting efforts for WashU, where I organized five on campus events, including weekly 1:1 coffee chats that drew 15+ Business Analysts from across the country to meet with 60+ students to discuss their experience, application, and interview tips, and answer questions. I also led a team of four that planned and hosted eight virtual events for applicants, including a resume workshop and a case workshop to prepare students for the rigorous interview process. Internally, I also led a hiring accelerator for a client where I built the hiring rubrics, screened applications, and advised executives on who to interview and hire, giving me firsthand insight into how firms make hiring decisions. Today, I’m on Google’s Business Operations & Strategy team — a small, high-impact group of ex-consultants that drives cross-functional AI strategy across the company.

As a coach, I’ve helped 50+ candidates land offers. My background at McKinsey allows me to help you tell a compelling story, sharpen your candidacy, network efficiently, and build a personalized recruiting game plan.

In this guide, I’ll walk through common consulting interview questions, explain what firms are really looking for, and show you how to answer with clarity, confidence, and structure. You’ll get sample answers, strategic tips, and insider context to help you stand out and ultimately, land the offer.

Read: What is Management Consulting? and How to Get Into Consulting – Tips From Consulting Career Coaches

What to Expect in Consulting Interviews

Consulting interviews typically happen in multiple rounds, often a first round focused on fit and relevant skills or basic business skills, followed by second round interviews that dive deeper into casework, leadership, and firm fit.

You may also encounter ice-breaker questions, brainteasers, or light discussions about your past experiences, resume, or project management background. Beyond the introductory discussion, you’ll face 3 main types of interview questions:

1. Behavioral questions
2. Case interview problems (often with case math or market sizing)
3. Fit interview questions about your interest in the consulting role and the specific firm

Let’s break them down.

Read: Why Choose Consulting? Exploring the Benefits and Opportunities

Types of Consulting Interview Questions (with Sample Answers)

1. Consulting Behavioral Interview Questions

Consulting behavioral interviews assess how you’ve handled challenging situations, demonstrated leadership, or applied structured problem-solving in the past. Firms want to see how you think, communicate, and respond under pressure, because those same traits show up on the job.

Use the STAR method to structure your responses clearly:

• Situation: Set the scene. What was the context or background?
• Task: What specific responsibility or challenge were you facing?
• Action: What steps did you personally take to address the issue? Focus on your role.
• Result: What was the outcome? Quantify it when possible, and highlight what you learned that you will take into future situations at the firm.

Avoid vague answers or generic team descriptions. In my experience, it is always best to use “I” instead of “we” when describing impact. Your interviewer wants to understand your decision-making process, initiative, and resilience.

Sample Behavioral Questions:

• “Describe a time you missed a tight deadline. How did you recover?”
  • "In my internship at XYZ, I was managing a client analysis project with a tight turnaround. Midway through, I realized we had underestimated the scope. I communicated quickly with the client, reprioritized tasks, and worked with another analyst to divide the work. We delivered the project on time. It taught me the value of early issue flagging and collaborative problem solving."
• “Tell me about a time you handled a setback.”
  • "During a group strategy case competition, our original plan fell apart after feedback from the judges. As team lead, I gathered everyone and reframed the problem. We rebuilt our pitch overnight and ended up placing in the top three. This showed me how critical adaptability and team trust are under pressure, especially in a consulting role where dynamics change fast."

Behavioral interview questions are more than just a formality: they’re a window into how you think, work, and lead. Practice structuring your stories with the STAR method and choose examples that highlight traits consulting firms value: ownership, analytical thinking, communication, and resilience. The best answers don’t just show what you did; they show how you’ll add value in the fast-paced, ambiguous world of consulting.

Read: Mastering Consulting Behavioral Questions: A Comprehensive Guide and The 3 Whys of Consulting Behavioral Interviews & How to Answer Them — Why You, the Role, and the Company

2. Consulting Case Interview Questions

The case interview is the centerpiece of most consulting interviews. You’ll be asked to solve business problems on the spot: anything from estimating market size to identifying the root cause of declining profits. It’s not about getting the “right” answer, but about how you approach complex, ambiguous challenges with structure and clarity. McKinsey interviews are interviewer-led, meaning the interviewer largely guides the discussion and question flow. In contrast, Bain and BCG interviews are interviewee-led, where you'll be expected to drive the case analysis and present your findings. Given these distinct formats and question styles, it's crucial to practice both approaches during your interview preparation.

Case interviews test your ability to:

• Think analytically and structure problems
• Work comfortably with numbers and perform mental math
• Understand industries, market trends, and client priorities
• Communicate clearly under pressure
• Use information to ask thoughtful questions that help you solve the case

Sample initial responses to case interview questions:

• "How many electric vehicles will be sold in Europe in 2028?"
  • "I'd use a top-down approach. First, I’d estimate the population of Europe – around 750 million – and assume the number of households and car ownership rates. I’d look at current EV adoption trends and government policy forecasts for 2028, then factor in replacement cycles and projected growth rates. From there, I’d segment the market (e.g., by country or urban vs. rural) if needed."
• "Why are our profits dropping despite rising revenue?"
  • "I’d break this down using a profitability framework. Since profits equal revenue minus costs, I’d start by confirming whether the increase in revenue is from volume or price. Then I’d explore cost changes. Have fixed costs gone up? Are variable costs rising faster than revenue? I’d also consider external factors like competitive pressure or supply chain issues."
• "Should a private equity firm invest in a declining media company?"
  • "I’d structure this around three areas: 1) Market outlook: Is the decline cyclical or permanent? 2) Company performance: Are there turnaround levers (cost-cutting, digital transformation)? 3) Deal economics: What’s the price, expected return, and exit strategy? If the decline is reversible and there’s a path to value creation, it could still be a smart investment."

My tips for success:

• Talk through your thinking out loud
• Prioritize structure over speed – it’s okay to ask for time to gather your thoughts
• Ask clarifying questions when needed
• Practice mental math and chart interpretation
• Use mock interviews to build confidence under pressure – i.e., you want to sound natural and not robotic during your interviews

Top consulting firms care less about getting the "right" answer and more about how you structure your answer. Practice with mock interviews and build a habit of talking through your logic out loud. If you want a consultant’s feedback on your answers, mock interviews with an expert management consulting coach can help you avoid blind spots and improve faster.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to the Consulting Case Interview – With Examples

3. Fit Interview Questions

Fit interviews explore why you’re pursuing consulting, what motivates you, and how well you align with a firm’s values, culture, and client work. While less structured than behavioral or case interviews, these questions are just as important: they help firms assess whether you're genuinely interested in the role and a good long-term match.

You should expect to answer questions like:

• Why consulting?
• What makes you a strong fit for our team or client projects?
• How do your past experiences prepare you for a consulting career?

Think of these as your chance to connect the dots between your background and what the firm is looking for. Strong fit answers are personal, specific, and forward-looking. Don’t give generic statements about “learning” or “impact” that could apply to any job. Ground your answer in real experiences and show that you’ve done your research on the firm. In my experience, when applying, the best answers come from learnings from current or former consultants at firms you’re applying to.

Sample Fit Question:

• “Why consulting?”
  • "I'm drawn to consulting because I enjoy tackling complex problems that have real business impact. In previous roles, I thrived in fast-paced environments where I collaborated with diverse stakeholders, something that mirrors the client-facing and team-based nature of consulting. I’m motivated by continuous learning, and I know consulting will push me to grow both analytically and interpersonally."

Fit questions may seem softer, but they carry real weight. Firms want to know: Are you excited to be here? Will you be a great team member on Day 1? Prepare answers that show authenticity, curiosity, and alignment with the firm’s mission, not just what you think they want to hear.

MBB-Specific Question Styles

While behavioral and case interviews make up the core of the consulting interview, MBB firms may also include additional question types that test how you think, communicate, and connect, often early in the interview or between major sections. Here’s how each of the MBB firms approaches these “other” question types:

McKinsey

McKinsey interviews are known for their structure and consistency, beginning with conversational warm-up questions that transition into the firm’s signature Personal Experience Interview (PEI). While these early questions may seem casual, such as “How did you become interested in consulting?” or “What motivates you outside of work?”-- they are anything but filler. Interviewers use them to assess your ability to build rapport, communicate clearly, and connect on a human level, skills that are core to client work at McKinsey. The PEI itself is rigorous and focused: each interviewer typically probes one specific trait (i.e., inclusive leadership, personal impact, entrepreneurial drive, or courageous change), and expects you to demonstrate it through a single, in-depth story. Interviewers often will interrupt you to ask questions and for more details about the story. Your answers must be structured, specific, and outcome-driven.

In addition to behavioral questions, McKinsey often incorporates logic-based estimation or math questions that are more guided than traditional case interviews. Rather than handing you a prompt and stepping back, the interviewer might walk you through the problem step-by-step, asking you to explain your reasoning aloud. This format tests not just your analytical skills, but also how clearly you think and communicate under pressure: hallmarks of McKinsey’s client-facing work. Strong candidates come prepared with polished PEI stories, comfort with mental math, and the ability to stay calm, curious, and structured throughout the conversation.

Sample PEI Question:

• “Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.”
  • "During my junior year, I was elected president of our campus consulting club, just as a few of our executive board members had recently graduated. We had lost several company partnerships due to inconsistent communication in the prior semester. Our annual pro-bono consulting initiative, which matched students with local startups, was at risk of being canceled for the first time in six years. I knew we needed to act fast. First, I met with past sponsors to understand what had gone wrong. They shared that teams had submitted deliverables late and communication had fallen through. I took full accountability and promised a reset. Then, I restructured the program: we added weekly check-ins with clients, appointed experienced team leads for each project, and built a shared playbook based on past winning presentations. I also reached out to alumni in consulting who agreed to coach teams and help us restore credibility. The result? We signed five new startups, retained three former partners, and delivered every project on time. Two clients even offered paid internship opportunities to our students afterward. More importantly, our club reestablished its reputation for professionalism. I learned that leadership isn’t just about stepping up when things go well. It’s about taking ownership when they don’t, and being the one to rebuild trust."

This story works well for McKinsey because it focuses on one clear, high-stakes example that showcases the candidate’s leadership. It demonstrates ownership and proactive problem-solving, especially in the face of a failing initiative. The candidate doesn’t just describe what happened; they walk through the structure of their response, explain why they made certain decisions, and highlight the tangible results. The outcome is both quantifiable and client-facing, aligning with McKinsey’s emphasis on delivering impact. Most importantly, the story reflects core values McKinsey looks for: calm leadership under pressure, clear and structured thinking, and a strong orientation toward client needs and relationship-building.

BCG

BCG interviews are designed to assess more than just business knowledge. They place a strong emphasis on intellectual flexibility, curiosity, and how you think through ambiguity. While you’ll still encounter traditional case interviews, BCG interviewers often incorporate broader, open-ended questions that don’t have a single correct answer. These are designed to test your ability to reason through complex topics, explore trade-offs, and articulate a thoughtful, original perspective.

You might be asked questions like:

• “What book have you read recently that changed your perspective, and why?”
• “How would you evaluate whether a city should host the Olympics?”

While these questions can feel unstructured, that’s the point. Interviewers want to see how you make sense of messy problems, how you draw on different disciplines, and whether you can ground creative ideas in practical reasoning. There’s no need to memorize frameworks; what matters is your ability to stay calm, think aloud, and demonstrate a curious, analytical mindset.

Sample BCG Question:

• “What book or article have you read recently that changed your perspective?”
  • "I recently listened to a podcast on AI in drug development, and it shifted my view on what drives innovation in healthcare. I used to assume R&D success was mostly a function of funding, but the discussion highlighted how speed, cross-functional collaboration, and early data integration are just as important. It made me more curious about how firms like BCG are helping healthcare clients rethink innovation strategy – not just from a technical lens, but through organizational design and agility."

This answer works well for BCG because it blends intellectual curiosity with business relevance. It shows the candidate is not just consuming information, but applying it to broader questions about how companies operate and evolve. It also connects their interests to BCG’s healthcare work, which demonstrates alignment with the firm. Most importantly, the response is structured, reflective, and speaks to the kind of nuanced, cross-disciplinary thinking BCG values in its consultants.

Read: BCG: A Deep Dive Into The Boston Consulting Group and How to Get a Job at BCG--Interviewing and Networking Tips

Bain

Bain interviews are often described as the most conversational and down-to-earth of the MBB firms. While the cases still require sharp business thinking, Bain places a heavy emphasis on fit, culture, and team dynamics. Interviewers are evaluating not just how smart you are, but how well you’d work on a team, take feedback, and contribute to Bain’s collaborative, supportive environment. While McKinsey and BCG have distinct behavioral sections, Bain assesses cultural fit throughout the case interview. In later rounds, Partners have discretion over the number and type of behavioral questions asked.

Interviews often start with light, personal questions meant to break the ice and get a sense of who you are beyond your resume. You might hear:

• “What’s something not on your resume that you’re proud of?”
• “What would your teammates say is your biggest strength?”

These aren’t throwaway questions. They’re designed to assess humility, self-awareness, and interpersonal fit: core qualities for success at Bain. While less common, some Bain interviews may also include brainteasers or mini-cases to test your business instincts. In those moments, clarity of communication and calmness under pressure often matter more than arriving at the exact answer.

Sample Bain Question:

• “What would your teammates say is your biggest strength?”
  • "They’d probably say I stay calm under pressure. In high-stress group settings, I tend to help people refocus and keep moving forward. That’s likely why I’ve often ended up leading team projects, even when I wasn’t the formal lead. I’ve learned that staying composed helps others stay grounded too, which ultimately drives better outcomes."

This answer works well for Bain because it highlights a team-oriented, level-headed approach, two traits the firm deeply values. It avoids sounding boastful while still showing leadership and maturity. Most importantly, it aligns with Bain’s people-first culture, where emotional intelligence, collaboration, and humility are just as important as analytical horsepower. The best Bain candidates don’t just perform well – they make others better.

Top Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview

The last few minutes of your consulting interview are not a throwaway. They are a strategic opportunity to reinforce your interest, assess firm fit, and show the interviewer you’re already thinking like a consultant. Strong questions demonstrate genuine curiosity, self-awareness, and a client-ready mindset.

Ask About the Interviewer’s Experience

Questions about your interviewer’s personal journey build rapport and show that you value lived experience over generic firm branding. For example, asking what surprised them most after joining, or how their view of the firm has changed over time, opens up a meaningful conversation. You might also ask what advice they’d give to their past self before starting their consulting career, a question that often yields candid, helpful insights.

Ask About Projects, Staffing, and Early Exposure

Top candidates are curious about how they’ll contribute and grow, not just what the firm can do for them. You can ask what types of consulting projects new hires typically work on, how project staffing decisions are made, or how much client exposure junior consultants receive early in their tenure. These questions signal that you're thinking ahead to the real demands of the job and are eager to hit the ground running.

For example, asking how consultants are staffed, whether by interest, firm needs, or availability, shows you know how important project fit is to long-term development. Similarly, asking what types of experiences tend to accelerate someone’s trajectory reveals a growth-oriented mindset.

Ask About Culture, Feedback, and Development

Top consulting firms are known for their feedback culture, but the day-to-day experience can vary by office or team. Asking how feedback is typically given, or what professional development looks like beyond formal training programs, shows that you're thinking about how to thrive, not just survive. Another strong question is, “How would you describe the difference between someone who does well here and someone who excels?” This shows maturity and self-awareness, while also giving you a clearer sense of expectations.

Tie Your Question Back to the Interview

If the interviewer led your case or pushed on a behavioral response, you can use that as a jumping-off point. For instance, you might say, “I really enjoyed that case. I’m curious how you might have approached the market sizing differently?” or, “Earlier, we discussed team conflict. How have you seen that play out in real projects at the firm?” This shows engagement, coachability, and an ability to reflect in real time.

What to Avoid

Avoid asking questions that are easily answered on the company’s website or recruiting materials. You should also be cautious about focusing too heavily on work-life balance or exit opportunities, especially early in the conversation. This can signal that you’re more concerned with life after consulting than with succeeding in the role itself. Finally, aim for depth over volume. One or two thoughtful, well-placed questions are better than a laundry list of generic ones.

Ask with Purpose, Listen with Curiosity

The best candidates treat this moment as the start of a two-way conversation, not just the closing ritual of an interview. What you ask and how you respond to the answers can leave a lasting impression. Make it count.

What Consulting Firms Are Really Looking For

While intelligence matters, getting a consulting offer isn’t just about IQ or technical ability. Leading consulting firms evaluate candidates holistically; they’re hiring future client advisors, project leaders, and firm ambassadors.

Here are the five core traits firms assess and how they actually evaluate them:

What differentiates strong from exceptional candidates?

• Self-awareness: Can you reflect on what you learned, how you’ve grown, or what you’d do differently?
• Curiosity: Do you dig deeper, ask thoughtful follow-ups, and show an interest in real business challenges?
• Client-readiness: Are you polished enough to put in front of a client tomorrow? (Most consulting firms imagine this when making a decision.)

These are the traits that will get you the offer.

Final Prep Tips

• Practice with real questions for the case interview portion
• Have 5+ prepared stories ready for any behavioral interviews
• Dig into each firm’s recent consulting projects so you can tailor your responses
• Refine your communication style by recording yourself and watching the playback
• Don’t underestimate the importance of delivering the right stories in the preferred method (e.g., STAR)
• Research your interviewers' industry expertise and read their published articles. This can help you anticipate the case topic and build rapport

Ready to Land Your Consulting Offer?

Your preparation, mindset, and communication skills are what will set you apart. Whether you're weeks into prep or just getting started, I can help you master the interview and land your dream consulting job. Book a free intro call with me today!

Read these next:

• The Ultimate Consulting Interview Prep Guide
• How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" in Consulting Interviews
• How to Succeed in a Consulting Career - An Expert Coach's Guide
• Mastering Case Interview Math: Essential Formulas

FAQs

What should I wear to a consulting interview?

• Dress in formal business attire unless instructed otherwise. For most consulting firms, this means a tailored suit, conservative colors, and polished shoes. Even in virtual interviews, dress as you would for an in-person meeting — it shows professionalism and respect for the process.

How long do consulting interviews typically last?

• Interviews typically last an hour each and include behavioral and case portions. Ensure you practice doing multiple practice interviews back to back to simulate the real experience. Final rounds may last several hours and include multiple case interviews and behavioral assessments.

How important is networking in the consulting hiring process?

• Networking plays a significant role, especially at top firms. A strong referral or internal connection can help you secure an interview slot and learn more about a firm's culture and expectations. Coffee chats, alumni outreach, and attending firm events are key ways to build these relationships.

Read: Consulting Coffee Chats: The Ultimate Guide

What should I bring to a consulting interview?

• Bring multiple copies of your resume, a notepad, a pen, and any firm-required documents. If it’s a virtual interview, ensure a quiet environment, reliable internet, and your resume printed or visible for reference.

Do consulting firms care about GPA?

• Yes, especially for undergraduate and MBA candidates. While a perfect GPA isn’t mandatory, most top firms use academic performance as one filter among many. A lower GPA can be offset with strong leadership experience, a top-tier school, high test scores, or a referral, but it’s still a factor.