Navigating the high-pressure landscape of case interviews requires more than just preparation; it demands a strategic approach to stress management. The pressure to perform at your best, mixed with the uncertain environment and low acceptance rate, can easily create a state of anxiety for candidates. However, understanding the causes of this stress and learning how…
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Case interviews form a critical stage in the consulting recruitment process. These interviews are a unique blend of problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication. Amidst these crucial skills, an often underestimated yet central aspect is the art of taking notes effectively. While the notes you take during a case interview are not evaluated by your…
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The Bain Hypothesis Planning Case Interview is a specific case interview format. This type of interview is not always part of the assessment yet we are receiving occasional reports from our clients having to go through it. All of them have reported feeling clueless about this format, but with a better understanding of what it…
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Bain & Company is one of the world’s leading management consulting firms. Founded in 1973, the firm provides management consulting services to businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations around the globe. Bain is known for its expertise in strategy, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, organizational performance, and marketing, among other areas. One of the factors that…
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Updated May 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant The MBB consulting ban period (also called the “cool-off period” or “reapplication policy”) is the time you must wait after a rejection before applying again to the same firm. McKinsey enforces a 18-24-month ban. BCG enforces 12 months for undergraduate / Master’s candidates and…
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Florian spent five years at McKinsey as a Senior Consultant and is a highly experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach. Having conducted interviews with hundreds of candidates, he understands exactly what top-tier firms look for in successful applicants.
He founded StrategyCase.com to make top consulting careers more accessible by providing tailored, up-to-date insights into the recruiting process. Recognized as the most successful case and fit interview coach, Florian has helped his clients secure 700+ offers at MBB, Tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms over the past four years.
He is the author of “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview,” “The 1%: Case Interview Workbook,” and “Consulting Career Secrets”, all available on Amazon.
