Application Process: After submitting my application online, Kantar sent me a link via email to complete a video interview. The process involved answering questions displayed on the screen with 5 minutes to prepare and respond to each question.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Video Interview:
Questions Asked: The questions were behavioral and situational, focusing on problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. Examples included:
“Describe a time when you had to work under tight deadlines.”
“How would you handle a disagreement with a team member?”
Your Approach: I used the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure my answers, ensuring clarity and relevance. I also made sure to highlight my problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate.
Outcome: I successfully passed this round and was invited to the next stage.
Preparation Tips:
Practice using the STAR method for behavioral questions.
Record yourself answering common interview questions to improve clarity and confidence.
Research Kantar’s values and recent projects to align your answers with their culture.
Conclusion:
The video interview was straightforward but required quick thinking and clear communication. Practicing beforehand helped me stay composed. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on concise, structured responses and familiarizing yourself with Kantar’s work to tailor your answers effectively.
Your Approach: Prepared using standard aptitude test materials and practiced time management.
Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.
Round 2 - Business Problem & SQL Interview:
Questions Asked: Business problem-solving and basic SQL concepts.
Your Approach: Structured the solution logically and ensured clarity in thought process. Focused on explaining the reasoning behind the approach.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 3 - Business Problem Interview:
Questions Asked: Similar to Round 2 but with a different business problem.
Your Approach: Applied the same structured thinking and clarity in communication. Took feedback from the interviewer to refine answers.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Practice aptitude questions at an easy CAT level.
Brush up on basic SQL concepts and business problem-solving frameworks.
Focus on clarity of thought and structured communication during interviews.
Conclusion:
The interviewers were supportive and helped me refine my answers. The key was demonstrating a clear thought process and logical structuring of solutions. For future candidates, practicing problem-solving and communication skills will be beneficial.
Application Process: Applied online for the Consultant role. The process began with an initial HR screening call.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Screening:
Questions Asked: The HR representative discussed my salary expectations and whether it aligned with their budget.
Your Approach: I was transparent about my salary expectations, ensuring they were reasonable for the role and my experience.
Outcome: The HR mentioned they would call back if my salary range fit their budget. Unfortunately, I did not receive any further communication, indicating a mismatch in expectations.
Conclusion:
The process was straightforward, but the lack of feedback or closure was disappointing. For future candidates, it might help to research the company’s salary benchmarks beforehand to align expectations better. If there’s no follow-up, it’s likely due to budget constraints, so don’t take it personally!
Application Process: I was invited to interview directly, and the process involved three one-on-one interviews with different individuals.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - One-on-One Interview:
Questions Asked: The interviewer was very pleasant and asked general questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role. They also inquired about my understanding of the company and the consulting field.
Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills and experiences with the job requirements and demonstrated my enthusiasm for the role.
Outcome: The interview went well, and I felt confident about my responses.
Round 2 - One-on-One Interview:
Questions Asked: This round was more technical, with questions about analytical skills, problem-solving, and how I would approach specific consulting scenarios.
Your Approach: I used examples from my past projects to showcase my analytical abilities and structured my answers logically.
Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my answers, and the conversation flowed smoothly.
Round 3 - One-on-One Interview:
Questions Asked: This was a mix of behavioral and situational questions, including how I handle challenges and work in teams. I was also asked to discuss the report I had prepared beforehand.
Your Approach: I shared anecdotes from my experiences to highlight my teamwork and problem-solving skills. For the report, I explained my thought process and findings, though I later realized they didn’t expect much from it.
Outcome: The interviewers were very nice, and the overall interaction was positive.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company thoroughly and understand its core values and services.
Prepare for both technical and behavioral questions, especially those relevant to consulting.
Don’t overstress about pre-interview tasks (like the report); sometimes, they’re more about seeing your effort than the content.
Conclusion:
The interview experience with Kantar was very pleasant, and the interviewers were friendly and engaging. While I spent a lot of time on the report, it turned out to be less critical than I anticipated. My advice to future candidates is to focus on being authentic and prepared, but not to overthink every detail of the process.
Application Process: The application process involved multiple steps, including a phone interview, an in-person meeting, and a case study. The process was thorough but well-structured.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Phone Interview:
Questions Asked: The interviewer asked behavioral and situational questions to assess my fit for the role and company culture.
Your Approach: I focused on providing clear, concise answers and used the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure my responses.
Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for the next stage.
Round 2 - In-Person Meeting:
Questions Asked: This round was more conversational, with questions about my previous experiences, problem-solving skills, and how I handle challenges.
Your Approach: I ensured I was relaxed and engaged in the conversation, highlighting my relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: The interviewers seemed satisfied, and I progressed to the final round.
Round 3 - Case Study:
Questions Asked: I was given a business scenario to analyze and provide recommendations.
Your Approach: I took a structured approach, breaking down the problem, identifying key issues, and proposing actionable solutions.
Outcome: My analysis was well-received, and I was selected for the role.
Preparation Tips:
Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Brush up on case study frameworks for consulting roles.
Research the company and its recent projects to tailor your answers.
Conclusion:
The interview process at Kantar was smooth and well-organized. The interviewers were friendly, which made the experience less stressful. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for behavioral questions and case studies, as they are key components of the process.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Case Study Interview:
Questions Asked: The interviewer presented a case study and asked questions based on it. The focus was on analyzing the case and providing solutions.
Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my ability to think critically and creatively, going beyond the given parameters of the brief. Staying calm and composed was key.
Outcome: The round went well as I was able to showcase my problem-solving skills and out-of-the-box thinking.
Preparation Tips:
Practice case studies to improve analytical and problem-solving skills.
Work on staying calm under pressure to articulate thoughts clearly.
Think beyond the obvious solutions to demonstrate creativity.
Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. What worked well was my ability to think differently and stay composed. For future candidates, I’d advise practicing case studies and focusing on presenting unique solutions confidently.
Application Process: Applied through a standard recruitment process, likely online or via campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Team Lead Interview:
Questions Asked: Standard interview questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills with the job requirements and showcasing my enthusiasm for the role.
Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Office Visit & Tasks:
Tasks Given:
Research Approach Task: Asked to develop a research approach based on a brief.
Data Analysis Task: Analyzed a provided dataset to derive insights.
Final Task: Given an hour to pull together a task on the spot, which felt unexpected and added pressure.
Your Approach: For the research and data tasks, I relied on my prior experience and structured my responses logically. The final task was challenging due to the time constraint, but I did my best to deliver under pressure.
Outcome: The final task felt odd, and I believe it would have been better with prior preparation time. Overall, the experience was mixed.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on research methodologies and data analysis techniques.
Be prepared for on-the-spot tasks, though they might not always be fair.
Practice structuring responses quickly under time constraints.
Conclusion:
The interview process was mostly standard, but the final task added unnecessary pressure. It would have been better if all tasks were shared in advance for fair preparation. Despite this, the experience was insightful, and I learned the importance of adaptability in such situations.
Application Process: After receiving an email indicating the need to take a selection test, I was provided with a link to the test. The test was in a Q&A format, with a limited time allocated for each question (1 hour in total).
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Online Test:
Questions Asked: The test consisted of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, likely assessing analytical and problem-solving skills.
Your Approach: I ensured I read each question carefully and managed my time efficiently to answer all questions within the allotted time.
Outcome: Awaiting results.
Preparation Tips:
Practice timed online tests to get comfortable with the format.
Brush up on analytical and logical reasoning skills.
Conclusion:
The process was straightforward, but time management was crucial. I would advise future candidates to familiarize themselves with similar test formats to perform well under time constraints.
Application Process: I applied for this role as I had previously worked for the company before, which streamlined the process.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Introductory Interview:
Questions Asked: The interview was more of a casual conversation to get to know each other. They asked about my previous experience at Kantar, my career goals, and why I wanted to return.
Your Approach: I kept the tone professional yet friendly, highlighting my familiarity with the company culture and my enthusiasm for the role.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - Case Study Interview:
Questions Asked: I was given a case study where I had to pitch one of Kantar’s tools to a hypothetical client. The focus was on demonstrating my understanding of the tool and my ability to sell its value.
Your Approach: I structured my pitch by first understanding the client’s needs, then aligning the tool’s features to address those needs, and finally presenting a compelling case for why the tool was the best solution.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received positive feedback on my presentation skills.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on the company’s tools and services, especially if you’re applying for a role that involves selling or consulting.
Practice case studies and pitches to build confidence in presenting solutions.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and my prior experience with Kantar definitely gave me an edge. I’d advise future candidates to thoroughly research the company’s offerings and practice case studies to excel in such interviews.
Application Process: I applied through an online application process. After submitting my application, I was contacted for further rounds.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Phone Interview with Vice President:
Questions Asked: The VP asked about my background, previous work experience, and why I was interested in the role at Kantar. There were also some situational questions about how I handle challenges in a team setting.
Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant skills and experiences, tying them directly to the role. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.
Outcome: I passed this round and was asked to submit a work sample.
Round 2 - Work Sample Submission:
Details: I was asked to provide a sample of my work to demonstrate the complexity and quality of my previous projects.
Your Approach: I selected a project that showcased my analytical skills and ability to handle complex data, ensuring it was well-documented and easy to understand.
Outcome: My work sample was approved, and I was invited for an onsite interview.
Round 3 - Onsite Interview (4 People):
Questions Asked: The onsite interview included discussions with four different team members. Questions ranged from technical skills (e.g., data analysis, problem-solving) to behavioral questions about teamwork and client management. One of the interviews was conducted over the phone with a team member from India.
Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing my past projects and brushing up on technical concepts. For behavioral questions, I used real-life examples to demonstrate my skills.
Outcome: The interviewers seemed satisfied with my responses, and I felt confident about my performance.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on technical skills relevant to the role, especially data analysis and problem-solving.
Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Have a well-documented work sample ready to showcase your abilities.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process at Kantar was thorough but fair. The key was to demonstrate both technical competence and the ability to work well in a team. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly and ensure their work samples are polished and relevant to the role.
Application Process: The application process was straightforward. I went through four interviews with different levels of management, followed by a final case study round.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Initial Screening:
Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the job requirements.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: Questions about my technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Your Approach: I provided examples from my past projects to demonstrate my expertise.
Outcome: Advanced to the next stage.
Round 3 - Managerial Interview:
Questions Asked: Behavioral questions and scenarios to assess leadership and teamwork.
Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my responses.
Outcome: Moved forward to the final round.
Round 4 - Case Study:
Questions Asked: A real-world business problem to solve within a limited timeframe.
Your Approach: I broke down the problem systematically and presented a structured solution.
Outcome: Successfully completed the case study and received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on case study frameworks and practice solving business problems under time constraints.
Review behavioral interview techniques like the STAR method.
Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.
Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth and well-structured. The key was staying calm and organized during each round. I’d advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for case studies and behavioral questions, as they play a significant role in the selection process.
Application Process: Applied through LinkedIn, and a phone interview was scheduled a few days after applying.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Phone Interview (HR):
Questions Asked: Mostly behavioral questions, such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work at Kantar?” and “Describe a time you handled a challenging situation.”
Your Approach: I focused on aligning my answers with the company’s values and my relevant experiences. I kept my responses concise and structured.
Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for an in-person interview.
Round 2 - In-Person Interview (Case Study with a Consultant):
Questions Asked: Presented with a business case study related to market research. Questions revolved around analyzing data, identifying trends, and proposing actionable insights.
Your Approach: I took a structured approach, breaking down the problem into smaller parts, and used logical reasoning to derive insights. I also made sure to communicate my thought process clearly.
Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my approach, but I felt the case study was quite generic and didn’t stand out much.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward but average. The HR round was smooth, but the case study could have been more engaging. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on basic market research frameworks and practicing clear communication during case studies.
Application Process: Applied online, followed by an informal phone interview with an Associate. The entire process took about a month from application to offer.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Phone Interview:
Questions Asked: Basics like resume/CV overview, interest in marketing research, and interest in MaPS specifically.
Your Approach: Prepared to discuss my background and why I was interested in Kantar and MaPS.
Outcome: Passed and scheduled for an in-person interview.
Round 2 - In-Person Interviews:
Questions Asked: Discussed work experience, background in using data to answer research questions, and reasons for choosing MaPS over competitors like ZS or Forrester.
Your Approach: Focused on highlighting relevant experience and aligning my interests with the role.
Outcome: Advanced to the case presentation round.
Round 3 - Case Presentation:
Questions Asked: Given a dataset and exhibits to analyze and present recommendations to the interviewer.
Your Approach: Structured my analysis logically and prepared clear recommendations, anticipating follow-up questions.
Outcome: Successfully presented and handled the grilling, leading to the shadowing round.
Round 4 - Shadowing:
Questions Asked: Observed a consultant in the role, discussed the work environment, and learned about typical hours and responsibilities.
Your Approach: Engaged with the consultant to understand the role better and asked about work-life balance.
Outcome: Positive experience, leading to an offer.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company and its competitors to articulate why you prefer Kantar.
Practice case presentations with datasets to build confidence in analysis and recommendations.
Be ready to discuss your data-driven research experience in detail.
Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but not as intense as some larger consulting firms. The team was friendly, and the work environment seemed collaborative. Shadowing was a great way to get a realistic view of the role. My advice is to prepare well for the case presentation and be genuine about your interest in the company and role.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Face-to-Face Interview with Director:
Questions Asked:
What are you looking for in this role?
Can you share details about your past experience?
What is your favourite marketing/branding campaign and why?
Your Approach:
I focused on aligning my career goals with the role and highlighted relevant past experiences. For the marketing campaign question, I chose a campaign I admired and explained its impact and creativity.
Outcome: [Outcome not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Research the company and its recent marketing campaigns to have insightful examples ready.
Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in detail and how they relate to the role.
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially for open-ended questions like the marketing campaign one.
Conclusion:
The interview was a great opportunity to engage with a Director and discuss my interests in marketing. I felt well-prepared for the questions, but I could have researched more about Kantar’s recent work to provide more tailored examples. For future candidates, I’d recommend diving deep into the company’s portfolio to stand out.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - [Round Type not specified]:
Questions Asked: [Questions not detailed]
Your Approach: [Approach not detailed]
Outcome: Passed to the next round
Round 2 - [Round Type not specified]:
Questions Asked: [Questions not detailed]
Your Approach: [Approach not detailed]
Outcome: Passed to the next round
Round 3 - [Round Type not specified]:
Questions Asked: [Questions not detailed]
Your Approach: [Approach not detailed]
Outcome: No communication received regarding the final decision
Conclusion:
The interview process with Kantar was disappointing due to the lack of communication post-interview. Despite completing three rounds, I was never informed about the final decision or provided any feedback. This reflects poorly on the talent acquisition team, specifically Mahika and Ronald, who failed to uphold basic professional courtesy. Future candidates should be prepared for potential communication gaps and may want to follow up proactively.
Application Process: The process began with a phone screen, followed by an in-person interview with a couple of interviewers.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Phone Screen:
Questions Asked: General questions about my background and interest in the role.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the job description.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - In-Person Interview:
Questions Asked: Relatively simple case questions. The interviewers also seemed distracted, texting during the interview.
Your Approach: I tried to stay composed and BS’d at length to fill the gaps, keeping my answers structured.
Outcome: The vibe felt political, but I managed to navigate it.
Preparation Tips:
Prepare for straightforward case questions.
Be ready to think on your feet and elaborate even if the interviewers seem disengaged.
Conclusion:
The interview process was as described by others, with a somewhat political environment. If you can handle that, you might find it manageable. Just stay confident and adaptable.
Application Process: I applied through a combination of online application and referral. The process was smooth, and I was invited for further rounds after the initial screening.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Phone Interview:
Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and why I wanted to join Kantar. Also, some situational questions to assess problem-solving skills.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my responses.
Outcome: Passed this round and was invited to the next stage.
Round 2 - In-Person Interviews (4 Rounds):
Questions Asked: Each round had a different focus—behavioral, case study, technical (related to consulting), and a fit interview. Questions ranged from “Tell me about a time you led a team” to solving a business case on the spot.
Your Approach: For behavioral questions, I stuck to the STAR method. For the case study, I took a structured approach—clarifying the problem, breaking it down, and proposing solutions. The technical round required brushing up on consulting frameworks.
Outcome: Cleared all four rounds successfully.
Round 3 - CEO Interview:
Questions Asked: High-level questions about my vision for the role, how I handle ambiguity, and my thoughts on the industry.
Your Approach: I focused on aligning my answers with Kantar’s values and demonstrated my enthusiasm for the role.
Outcome: Positive feedback and moved to the final round.
Round 4 - PPT Presentation:
Questions Asked: I was asked to prepare a presentation on a given topic and present it to a broader group.
Your Approach: I spent time researching the topic thoroughly, creating a clear and engaging PPT, and rehearsing my delivery.
Outcome: The presentation was well-received, and I was offered the role.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on consulting frameworks like SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces, etc.
Practice case studies and behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Rehearse presentations to ensure clarity and confidence.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but well-structured. I felt prepared because I had practiced extensively. If I could do anything differently, I would have networked more with current employees to get deeper insights into the company culture. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as Kantar values a holistic approach.
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Case Study Interview:
Questions Asked:
Presented with a case study to analyze. The focus was on understanding the problem, structuring the approach, and deriving insights.
Questions about basic and advanced Excel features (e.g., VLOOKUP, pivot tables).
Your Approach:
Broke down the case study into smaller parts to understand the problem clearly.
Used logical reasoning to structure the solution and highlighted key insights.
Demonstrated Excel skills by explaining how I would use specific functions to analyze data.
Outcome: Passed the round. Feedback highlighted strong analytical thinking and clarity in approach.
Round 2 - Technical + Behavioral Interview:
Questions Asked:
Further discussion on the case study from Round 1, with deeper questions on methodology.
Behavioral questions like “Describe a time you worked in a team” and “How do you handle tight deadlines?”
Your Approach:
Elaborated on the case study approach, emphasizing adaptability and problem-solving.
Used the STAR method for behavioral questions to provide structured answers.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received positive feedback on communication and teamwork skills.
Preparation Tips:
Practice case studies with a focus on structuring your approach rather than just the final answer.
Brush up on Excel, especially functions like VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data visualization.
Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method to frame your answers clearly.
Conclusion:
The interview process was insightful and emphasized analytical thinking and problem-solving. I felt well-prepared for the case study but could have practiced more Excel shortcuts to save time. My advice to future candidates is to focus on clarity in your approach and practice articulating your thought process confidently.
Application Process: The application process was straightforward. I applied online, and after a short screening, I was invited for the interview rounds.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Task Assignment:
Questions Asked: I was given a task to complete. It was designed to assess my analytical and problem-solving skills. The task wasn’t overly difficult but required careful thought and attention to detail.
Your Approach: I took my time to understand the requirements thoroughly before diving into the task. I made sure to structure my response logically and included clear explanations for my approach.
Outcome: I passed this round and was invited to the next stage.
Round 2 - Team Interview (Competency-Based & Task Q&A):
Questions Asked: This round involved two members of the team. They asked competency-based questions to gauge my fit for the role. Additionally, they reviewed the task I completed in the first round and asked follow-up questions to understand my thought process.
Your Approach: For the competency questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers, ensuring I highlighted relevant skills and experiences. For the task Q&A, I confidently explained my reasoning and was open to feedback.
Outcome: The interviewers seemed satisfied with my responses, and I felt it went well overall.
Preparation Tips:
Practice competency-based questions using the STAR method.
For task-based assessments, ensure you understand the requirements fully before starting and be prepared to defend your approach.
Conclusion:
The interview process with Kantar was smooth and well-structured. The task in the first round was a good test of my skills, and the second round allowed me to showcase my competencies and thought process. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for competency questions and to approach any tasks methodically.
Application Process: The application process was straightforward. I applied online, and the head recruiter reached out to schedule the interview. While follow-ups via email were a bit slow, the overall communication was pleasant.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and why I was interested in the role at Kantar.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on aligning my skills with the job requirements. I also highlighted my enthusiasm for the role.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - Technical/Consulting Interview:
Questions Asked: Case study questions to assess problem-solving skills and how I would approach client scenarios. Behavioral questions about teamwork and handling challenges were also included.
Your Approach: I structured my responses using a clear framework for the case study and provided real-life examples for the behavioral questions.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 3 - Final Interview with Senior Leadership:
Questions Asked: High-level questions about my long-term career goals, how I handle ambiguity, and my understanding of the consulting industry.
Your Approach: I emphasized my adaptability and shared my vision for contributing to the company. I also asked insightful questions about the team and company culture.
Outcome: Received a positive response and an offer.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on case study frameworks, especially for consulting roles.
Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Research the company thoroughly to align your answers with their values and goals.
Conclusion:
The interview experience at Kantar was pleasant and well-structured. While the follow-up process could be a bit slow, the interviewers were friendly and professional. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for case studies and be patient with the communication timeline.