One-Page Guide for Management Consulting Recruitment

There are three main steps–casing, networking, and applying–for recruiting at management consulting firms (e.g., Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain). In fifteen bullet points, I attempt to summarize my main strategies for each of these three steps. Please click on the hyperlinks to find additional resources I used throughout my process.

1. Casing

  • Watch this video (~15 minutes) to get an idea of how a ‘case’ works

  • Review this framework for the general ‘flow’ of consulting cases

  • Find a ‘casing partner’ to (1) give cases to and (2) receive cases from

  • Use these case study resources to run through different types of cases

  • Contact incoming/returning consulting interns to run practice cases

2. Networking (check out How to Network for more advice)

  • Connect with people on LinkedIn via the “Personalized invite” button

  • Follow up with people who have not responded to you in a week

  • Set up 15–20-minute calls with people from firms to learn more and get referrals

  • Ask current employees if they are willing to run through a practice case with you

  • Keep your connections posted as you go through the process (i.e., each round)

3. Applying

  • Devise a calendar to keep track of deadlines for the firms you are interested in

  • Seek feedback on your resume to ensure you put your best foot forward

  • Message your interviewers one day later to thank them for their time

  • Request feedback about your interviews if you do not receive the next round/offer

  • Leverage a less ideal offer for a more ideal offer if you are given a deadline

Lastly, note that based on your current university, you may or may not be considered a ‘target school’ for particular firms. If you are a target school, you will likely have a school-specific recruiter (whom you should contact throughout the process). If you do not, find alumni from your university at the firm and do your best to develop a good rapport with people at the firm.

I hope you find these resources helpful. Should you have any questions about or suggestions to improve this document, please contact me (email: sis35@cornell.edu; cell: (818)-404-8601).