HVS Interview Questions
& Process

I had two rounds of interviews. The first round involved an HR person who asked me basic questions about hotel management contract valuations and trends. Then, I had to complete three tests: a grammar test similar to the SAT Writing section, focusing on sentence flow, minor grammar mistakes, and spelling; a numeric test that involved reading Profit & Loss statements and calculating CAGR in Excel; and a writing and analytical test which was the longest and assessed my knowledge of Revenue Management, trends, market/brands, and English. The second interview was with a VP and an Analyst.

The interview process had 3 parts. First, a Skype interview with Kerry Phillips from HVS, who handles recruiting. It was brief but direct, and she was very pleasant. They gave us a written article from HVS and asked questions about it. Second, there were online assessments: numerical, written, and grammar – they were really tough. Third, an interview with the Managing Director of the specific office. Finally, there was a 'Day in the Life' shadowing day, where I joined a conference call with the whole HVS team, shadowed three different associates, and even got to help out with the office for a bit!

They sent over a written and a numerical assessment via email. The written test had some interesting questions that were pretty relevant to the job. The numerical test, however, was incredibly long and tough, basically impossible to finish in the time given. What was frustrating was not getting any feedback after I spent time preparing for and completing their difficult assessments. They just sent a generic email, making it seem like they don't even look at the tests. I don't get how they could grade it but not provide any feedback?

The first step was a Skype chat, where they asked some usual stuff but phrased it in a confusing way to make it harder. There was also a role-playing bit that needed fast thinking. Then, there was a tough three-part assessment. The number/Excel part was the most challenging, so brush up on your Excel skills if you're interviewing. You have to get over 70% on all three parts or you're out.