Frequently asked questions

Preparation

When should I start preparing for my interviews?

We advise candidates to allow 5 to 10 months for preparation:

  • For integration in January 2024, we would need to start looking at the interview process between April and August 2023.
  • For integration in September 2024, preparations would have to start between December 2023 and April 2024.

What are the main stages of preparation?

Successful preparation can be broken down into 3 main stages:

  • Initiation
  • Acceleration
  • Further training

How does initiation work?

This stage lasts around 3-4 weeks. It is divided into three main dimensions:

  • First complete learning of theoretical fundamentals (case study approach structures, business sense, calculation tips and tricks, fit)
  • 10-15 real-life case studies with case buddies
  • Preparing and sending out job applications (CV adapted to the board and customized LM for each firm) and networking

This step must be carried out at the very beginning of the preparation process. Applications should be sent as far in advance as possible!
➡️ PrepaStrat provides an integral, modern, French training method that enables you to learn theory independently and exhaustively within a unique reference space
➡️ PrepaStrat puts you in touch via private loops with candidates of the same level who are preparing at the same time as you, so that you can find your buddy and your partners
➡️ PrepaStrat accompanies all bootcamp candidates in the correction of their CV and LM with several iterations by our coaches, as well as those candidates accompanied with real-life interviews who have subscribed to the "Screening" option.

When and how to apply?

You need to apply as far in advance as possible, ideally between 6 and 8 months before the expected start date. When you apply, you'll need to send a CV and cover letter, usually in English.

  • The CV must be perfectly adapted to the codes of the board.
  • SCI needs to be highly personalized for each practice.

Ideally, all applications should be made via the classic online process, and sent by an in-house consultant. In order to do this, you need to start networking with existing consultants before you apply, in order to..:

  • On the one hand, gather key differentiating information about the firms you're applying to.
  • Secondly, to enable you to forge links with consultants who can support you and help you gain visibility for your job applications.

How can I plan my recruitment process effectively?

Give us a call! We'll answer any questions you may have about your preparation, and advise you on tailor-made planning for your recruitment process. We'll answer questions such as:

  • How many firms should I apply to given my profile?
  • How can I stagger my visits to different practices?
  • What are the specifics of each firm and how can I prepare for the online tests?
  • ...

How does acceleration work?

Once the theoretical foundations have been laid, the case study demystified and the applications sent in, the aim will be to increase the amount of case study practice, so as to have practiced at least once in conditions covering all types of case study, all sectors and a maximum number of different tips and tricks. This acceleration phase lasts between 1 and 3 months, depending on the time available to the candidate (full-time or part-time preparation).

⚠️ Quantity should not be at the expense of quality. Each case study must be scrupulously debriefed, analyzed and documented, so that you never make the same mistake twice, and never get stuck on the same trick twice.
➡️ The PrepaStrat Bootcamp fits in perfectly with this acceleration phase, since in just a few weeks it enables you to deal with around a hundred different case statements in an ultra-intensive way. Our bootcamp is designed for candidates who need a high level of face-to-face support.
➡️ Real-life interviews with experienced MBB consultants are also an ideal part of this acceleration phase. Simulations should be staggered throughout the ramp-up period, with a frequency to be defined together. Our simulated interview rounds are designed for candidates who are more autonomous in their preparation, and who wish to measure their progress on a regular basis face-to-face with a top firm.

How do I know if my CV and cover letter will pass the screening?

Unfortunately, it's not an exact science! The target schools are : HEC, ESSEC, ESCP, EM LYON (limit) / Polytechnique, Centrale-Supélec, Mines ParisTech, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, Télécom Paris (limit) / Sciences Po Paris

  • If you've done a preparatory course, it's even better.
  • If you have a double degree, too.

But don't go away defeated! A good CV with solid professional experience relevant to the strategy consulting profession can open doors for you at many top strategy consulting firms. What's more, for experienced candidates, the more years of significant professional experience you have, the less importance your diploma will have in favor of your professional experience.

Is training necessary to make a difference?

We have seen a significant increase in the level of preparation of candidates in recent years, in relation to an ever higher selectivity bar and a number of candidates that is not decreasing, quite the contrary.

Some candidates manage to join the best firms after independent preparation. However, their path is often much longer and more tedious. Many fail to identify the specific points they need to work on, due to a lack of real feedback from experienced consultants, and often miss out on whole swathes of tips and tricks to use in strategy consulting firm interviews.

That's why we've created the PrepaStrat method, to help you gain time and maturity in your preparation, leaving absolutely nothing to chance and never slackening our efforts to offer you comprehensive, methodical training, to learn in a structured and progressive way how to succeed at interviews. We guarantee to maximize your potential and help you land the firm of your dreams.

How can I improve?

This last stage lasts at least two weeks before the first rounds, and then continues until the end of the processes. The idea is to do less quantity and more quality. It involves fine-tuning every detail of your performance and correcting any rough edges. As the name suggests, perfection is the goal at this stage, in order to drastically minimize the chance factor.
⚠️ You must now leave nothing to chance. Everything in your attitude and in your ability to solve case studies must be aimed at perfect mastery. You need to step back at this stage: you need to be able to adapt to any type of case study and really problematize your approach, even to the most unusual cases.
➡️ A few real-life interview sessions with experienced MBB consultants can be very useful at this stage, so that they can provide you with that ultimate level of rigor that you can only find in working consultants.