The global pandemic has made virtual communication more important than ever before and consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain have adapted by conducting case interviews via video conferencing platforms like Zoom. While the pandemic has ended, virtual interviewing has stayed for most firms, roles, and offices. If you are preparing for an online case…
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By Florian Smeritschnig, former McKinsey Senior Consultant · Updated June 15, 2026 “Tell me about yourself” sounds easy, so most candidates wing it and ramble through their resume in chronological order. That is a wasted opening. It is the first 60 to 90 seconds of your consulting interview, it sets the interviewer’s impression before the…
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Updated May 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant A consulting coffee chat is a 25 to 45 minute informal conversation with a consultant (typically Senior Associate, Engagement Manager, or Partner) at McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or another consulting firm, used by the firm to assess your fit and used by you to learn…
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The case interview dress code at McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms is conservative business formal: a well-fitted suit in navy, charcoal, or grey, a crisp white or light-blue shirt or blouse, and polished closed-toe leather shoes. When in doubt, overdress. Here is the part most guides skip. Your outfit will not win you…
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Updated May 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant Consulting brainteasers are short logic, math, or lateral-thinking puzzles used by tier-2 firms, the Big 4, boutique consultancies, and in-house consulting teams to test structured problem-solving under pressure. McKinsey, BCG, and Bain almost never use them, so if MBB is your target, brainteasers are…
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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.
