Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Consultant at AArete, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I started with a resume screen and then a recruiter call where I talked through why I was interested in the firm and the program, plus a “tell me about yourself” style prompt and a few behavioral questions. About a week later I heard back that I was moving on to a case interview, which felt like a fairly typical consulting case and landed in the medium difficulty range. I remember the case being the main focus, and then quickly following that I got told I’d have a final behavioral round.
My process started with a recruiter conversation, and then I met with a manager (or two) by phone. After that, I had an on-site day at their Chicago office that was basically built around interviews plus one case component. The whole thing was compressed into about a single day once I got there.
The interview process typically begins with a phone screening conducted by a recruiter, focusing on the candidate's interest in the firm and behavioral questions. Candidates noted varying levels of responsiveness and professionalism from recruiters, impacting their overall impression of the process.
Candidates generally encounter a case study during the interview process, which assesses their problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. The difficulty of these cases is described as medium, requiring thoughtful reasoning rather than trick questions.
A timed Excel assessment is commonly included in the interview process, focusing on data analysis skills such as formatting, calculations, and visualization. Candidates found this assessment engaging and relevant to the role.
Subsequent to the case study, candidates typically participate in behavioral interviews that delve deeper into their backgrounds and experiences. These rounds are often described as conversational but can include extensive follow-up questions.
Candidates reported mixed experiences regarding communication throughout the process, with some appreciating the transparency about expectations and timelines, while others faced delays and a lack of follow-up, leading to frustration.
The overall interview experience varied significantly among candidates, with some feeling positive about the structure and clarity, while others left with negative impressions due to miscommunication or perceived unprofessionalism. Offers were extended to some candidates, while others did not receive offers, often without clear feedback.