Kearney Principal Interview Questions
& Process

8 individual interviews with partners, involving case studies. They really tried to sell the firm, making promises about compensation (bonus, car type) that later turned out to be inaccurate. The interviews themselves were quite easy. The interviewers were friendly, though I get the impression they select candidates to meet them. The office space and location were nice. The person who greeted me on the phone was very friendly. I understand they lose a lot of consultants due to the demanding pace and internal tensions, which is why they put so much effort into recruiting. The discussions were pleasant and friendly. No personal questions were asked.

Interviewed for Principal position. I had been warned that it would be pretty specific -- really tough industry questions, case studies at a Senior Level Nothing further from the truth -- it was really a personality click interview. Personal questions, going through the experiences on the resume. I guess they actually just want to see if you are the kind of person with whom they want to spend long hours in the office. Expect many interviews of this sort -- starting off with those at your level (Principal in this case), and then at least a few partners, in order of seniority. Nothing to be nervous about -- you either click with them or you don't.

It was a two-round process. The first round had two 45-minute interviews, each focusing on a case. The second round involved one case where you were given an hour to prepare and then present to two consultants. After that, there were two individual interviews, which might or might not include a case, depending on the interviewer. The cases were pretty standard, like those from MBA case workshops, nothing out of the ordinary.