Cornerstone Research Associate Interview Questions
& Process

Applied online. The first round had two case interviews with two associates. The second round was a flyout that included four case interviews, a seminar presentation, and lunch with two associates. While interviewing, especially during my seminar, I felt like a victim of a practical joke. I wasn't taken seriously during my seminar talk and was met with crude jokes and hostile questions, even though I tried to be gracious. I'm not sure if this antagonism stemmed from my race, gender, or how they perceived my credentials, but the ambushing and belittling felt encouraged. Ironically, the analysts present were the most polite and respectful. My prior interview experiences at other litigation consulting firms were vastly different, so I hope this isn't an industry-wide problem. Aside from the seminar, my one-on-one interviews were professional and engaging. I might not have been a good cultural fit at Cornerstone, but I hope minority and women candidates receive better treatment in the future.

Applied in late October and got an initial interview invite for early November. The first round was in mid-November, featuring two back-to-back Zoom calls. The first call was mostly behavioral, asking about my interest in economic consulting and Cornerstone, then delving into my research and its practical uses, finishing with a manageable case. The second interview heavily focused on my research and its real-world applications, also ending with a similar case. Both interviewers were really nice and easy to chat with. Two business days later, I heard back that I was moving to the second and final round, which is an all-expenses-paid trip with five interviews and lunch. Everyone was super friendly. Four of the five interviews were different from the first round, as they weren't really behavioral but focused on my research. Three of those four included cases that seemed harder than the first round's, but I think as long as you logically talk through the problem with them, that's what matters. The fifth and final interview seemed entirely behavioral. I felt pretty good and confident about my chances afterwards. However, about seven business days later, they told me I didn't get the job. I wasn't in my penultimate year of my Ph.D., and I suspect that might have been the reason; one interviewer was even surprised I wasn't a fourth year. So, if you're not a fourth year, just be aware they seem to really want fourth years. Overall, it was a great process with excellent people who are both smart and pleasant.

It was two 45 min video interviews, one with an associate each. They were super nice and helped me understand the case. I could ask them for clarification on anything unclear. Cases were like merger and labor discrimination. I tried to build my logic and made sure the setup was correct with them. I asked if my thinking was going in the right direction.