Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for KPMG Senior Consultant
The Senior Consultant at KPMG involves a multi-stage assessment and interview process, designed to evaluate both technical skills and business proficiency. Below is a summary of the process and key points from the interviews you provided:
Assessment Test Rounds:
Round 1: Resume Shortlist
Focus: Screening for relevance of experience and alignment with the role (not an interactive round).
Note: Ensure your resume highlights Oracle Retail expertise and other relevant skills concisely.
Interview Rounds:
HR Interview
Focus: Motivation, alignment with KPMG, and overall fit.
Technical Interview
Focus: Oracle Retail (Merchandising, POs, Transfers, Store Inventory Management); potential discussion on Agile and SQL.
Fit Interview with a Director
Focus: Previous projects, teamwork, handling challenges; depth on problem-solving and client scenarios.
Case Study with a Director
Focus: Analyze a business case, structure the approach, present recommendations, and justify with logic.
Closing Interview with a Partner
Focus: Long-term goals, strategic fit, and how you will contribute to KPMG.
Technical/Domain (Oracle Retail, SQL, Agile)
What are the different types of Purchase Orders (POs) and Transfers in the Oracle Retail Merchandising module?
How would you explain the functionality of Purchase Orders (PO) in Oracle Retail to a customer?
How is store inventory managed in Oracle Retail? Walk through key processes and controls.
What Agile methodologies and ceremonies have you practiced, and how did you apply them on projects?
What is your experience with SQL, and can you demonstrate basic joins and aggregations relevant to retail/merchandising data?
Case Study/Problem-Solving
Analyze this business case and present your solution, including assumptions, structure, and recommendations.
Which framework would you use to structure your analysis, and why?
How would you estimate impact, identify risks, and outline implementation steps for your recommendation?
HR/Motivation/Fit
Why are you applying for this role?
What motivates you to join KPMG?
Behavioral/Teamwork/Challenges
Walk me through one of your previous projects and your specific role in it.
Describe a time you worked in a team. How did you collaborate and resolve conflicts?
Tell me about a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.
Leadership/Goals/Contribution
What are your long-term career goals?
How do you see yourself contributing to KPMG in the long term?
If the transcript contains the interview process or tips, summarize them as shown below:
Interview Preparation Tips:
Focus on Oracle Retail topics, especially POs, Transfers, and store inventory management.
Brush up on Agile concepts and be ready to discuss ceremonies, roles, and how you applied them.
Review SQL fundamentals (joins, aggregations) and practice explaining queries verbally.
Practice case studies using common business frameworks; structure your answers and quantify impact.
Reflect on past experiences to answer fit/behavioral questions confidently; use the STAR method.
Research KPMG’s culture and values to align your responses.
Communicate clearly and confidently; tailor examples to consulting and client contexts.
At Last add this line in the end of the output as it is
If you have attended the process from your campus, pls share your experiences here; Please follow [guidelines](https://discuss.boardinfinity.com/t/interview-transcript-guidelines/22428?u=abhay-gupta-ebaf4123)
Application Process: I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed before October 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist Round:
Questions Asked: No specific questions were asked in this round. The focus was on evaluating my resume for relevance and experience.
Your Approach: I ensured my resume was concise, highlighting my expertise in Oracle Retail and other relevant skills.
Outcome: My resume was shortlisted, and I moved to the next round.
Round 2 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Types of PO and Transfers in Oracle Retail Merchandising Module.
How to explain the functionality of PO to a customer.
Store Inventory Management.
Your Approach: I answered the questions based on my hands-on experience with Oracle Retail, providing clear and practical explanations.
Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on Oracle Retail topics, especially PO and inventory management.
Be confident and well-prepared for the technical round.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth. I felt well-prepared for the technical questions, but I would advise future candidates to also brush up on Agile and SQL, as these skills are highly regarded for this role.
Application Process: Applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed in January 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
Guess estimates industry questions.
Industry questions competition.
Your Approach: Prepared for industry-specific guess estimates and competitive analysis.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Round 2 - Case Study Round:
Questions Asked: Market overview on Thailand’s medical market.
Your Approach: Researched and analyzed Thailand’s medical market trends and competition.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on cracking case studies as they are the most challenging part. Other aspects of the interview are relatively easier.
Prepare thoroughly for finance-related guess estimates and industry-specific questions.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the case study round was the toughest. Preparing for industry-specific questions and case studies is crucial. For future candidates, I recommend practicing case studies extensively and staying updated on industry trends.
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Case Study Round:
Questions Asked: Two case studies involving extensive data and calculations. The interviewer emphasized focusing on the core question and ignoring irrelevant data points.
Your Approach: I carefully read the case to understand the problem statement and identified the key data points required for calculations. I made sure to articulate my thought process and the steps I was taking to solve the case.
Outcome: Passed the round by demonstrating clarity in calculations and logical reasoning.
Preparation Tips:
For the case study round, practice solving cases with a lot of data to get comfortable with filtering out irrelevant information.
Brush up on basic math and analytical skills, as the cases involve heavy calculations.
During the interview, clearly explain your calculations and reasoning to the interviewer.
Conclusion:
The interview was challenging but manageable. The key was staying focused on the problem and not getting overwhelmed by the data. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing case studies under timed conditions to build confidence and speed.
Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed before May 2023.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: General questions about past experience and operational excellence concepts.
Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and how I applied operational excellence concepts in my previous roles.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 2 - Case Study:
Questions Asked: Many questions around TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), TQM (Total Quality Management), and their real-life applications.
Your Approach: I discussed practical examples of how I implemented or observed TPM and TQM in my work, emphasizing results and learnings.
Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
Preparation Tips:
For the Strategy and Operations team, brush up on your MBA concepts.
Go in-depth for operations case studies, especially focusing on TPM and TQM.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused on real-world applications of operational concepts. I would advise future candidates to thoroughly prepare case studies and be ready to discuss practical examples from their experience.
Certain data-based questions on previous projects.
Why do you want to leave and join consulting?
Your Approach: Provided detailed examples of my work and linked my career goals to consulting.
Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
Round 4 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Salary expectations.
Your Approach: Researched industry standards and provided a reasonable range.
Outcome: Finalized the offer.
Preparation Tips:
Keep your resume concise and tailored to the role.
Be ready to discuss your work experience in detail, especially client interactions.
Research the consulting domain and align your answers to show your fit for the role.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused on experience and fit for consulting. I could have prepared more case studies to showcase my problem-solving skills. My advice is to thoroughly understand the consulting domain and practice articulating your experiences clearly.
Application Process: I applied for the position through LinkedIn and was interviewed in January 2024.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Case Study Round:
Questions Asked: The round involved a take-home case study to be completed within 24 hours. The case study likely tested skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and analytical abilities.
Your Approach: I focused on thoroughly analyzing the case, structuring my response logically, and ensuring clarity in my recommendations. I also made sure to align my solutions with the skills recommended for the role, such as strategy consulting and analytics.
Outcome: Awaiting results or feedback (if applicable).
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on case study frameworks and problem-solving techniques.
Practice time management for take-home assignments.
Familiarize yourself with industry-relevant tools and methodologies like Agile, SQL, and analytics.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the case study round was a great opportunity to showcase my analytical and strategic skills. If I could do anything differently, I might allocate more time to refining my final recommendations. For future candidates, I’d advise practicing case studies under time constraints and staying updated with industry trends.
Application Process: I was approached by the company directly and interviewed in June 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
Elaborate about a case study.
Share details about a previous case that was best as per your experience, particularly involving disease diagnosis.
How would you monitor a project where some client-side IAS (Internal Audit Services) is involved?
Your Approach:
For the case study question, I focused on structuring my response clearly, highlighting the problem, approach, and outcome.
For the disease diagnosis case, I shared a real example from my previous work, emphasizing the challenges and how I addressed them.
For the client-side IAS question, I discussed monitoring frameworks and communication strategies to ensure alignment with client expectations.
Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback on my structured responses and practical examples.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on presenting your previous work in a structured manner, especially case studies or projects you’ve handled.
Ensure clarity and fluency in English, as communication is key.
Prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate problem-solving and client management skills.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of being concise yet detailed in my responses. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing case study explanations and being ready to discuss your past work in depth.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked:
Questions about my previous employment and my educational background (both university and post-university).
Questions about my motivation for applying to this role.
Description of the company structure and the specific role they were looking to fill.
Explanation of the job responsibilities and potential areas of operation.
Your Approach:
I focused on aligning my past experiences and skills with the requirements of the role.
I emphasized my motivation and how my background made me a good fit for the position.
I asked clarifying questions about the role to show my interest and understanding.
Outcome:
[Outcome of this round not provided]
Preparation Tips:
Research the company and the role thoroughly to align your answers with their expectations.
Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in detail and how they relate to the new role.
Prepare to articulate your motivation clearly and confidently.
Conclusion:
The interview was a good opportunity to understand the role and the company better. I felt well-prepared, but I could have asked more specific questions about the team dynamics and growth opportunities within the company. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on how your skills directly address the job’s requirements and being proactive in understanding the company culture.
Application Process: I was approached by the company directly and interviewed in February 2024.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked: This round focused on in-depth knowledge related to the role I applied for. The interviewer was a Director or above with approximately 15+ years of experience.
Your Approach: I stayed calm and ensured I was thoroughly prepared for the role-specific questions.
Outcome: The round went well as I was able to demonstrate my expertise.
Round 2 - One-on-One Round:
Questions Asked: This round revolved around career orientation and my current job functionalities.
Your Approach: I answered honestly and aligned my responses with my career goals and experiences.
Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my responses.
Preparation Tips:
The interviewer is likely a Partner with vast domain and industry experience. Avoid bluffing and stay patient.
Focus on showcasing your knowledge and aligning your answers with the role’s requirements.
Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. Being honest and well-prepared helped me navigate the rounds successfully. My advice to future candidates is to thoroughly understand the role and avoid any exaggeration in your responses. Good luck!
Application Process: I was approached by the company directly and interviewed in March 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Technical discussion followed by pair programming.
Questions on OOPs and design patterns.
Your Approach: I focused on explaining my technical knowledge clearly and demonstrated my understanding of OOPs concepts and design patterns. For the pair programming task, I collaborated effectively to solve the problem.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 2 - Coding Test Round:
Questions Asked: Pair programming task was given.
Your Approach: I showcased my problem-solving skills and coding proficiency during the pair programming session.
Outcome: The feedback was positive, and I moved to the next round.
Round 3 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
Discussion about my projects and a brief introduction about myself.
Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant project experiences and articulated my skills and background clearly.
Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on mastering design patterns and OOPs concepts.
Brush up on technologies like C#, JavaScript, .NET Core, and SQL Server.
Practice pair programming to improve collaboration and problem-solving under time constraints.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt confident in my technical rounds, and the pair programming task was a great way to showcase my skills. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation in the mentioned areas and practicing clear communication during interviews.
Application Process: I applied through campus placement and was interviewed before July 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Details: The first round was a resume shortlist. Proper alignment and formatting of the resume were crucial to make a good impression.
Outcome: My resume was shortlisted, and I moved to the next round.
Round 2 - One-on-One Round:
Questions Asked: “Tell me about yourself.”
Your Approach: I gave a concise summary of my background, skills, and why I was interested in the role.
Outcome: I successfully cleared this round.
Round 3 - One-on-One Round:
Questions Asked: “What have you understood regarding the role?”
Your Approach: I explained my understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of a Senior Consultant at KPMG, linking it to my skills and experience.
Outcome: I progressed to the next round.
Round 4 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked: Questions about what I studied in my MBA and their practical application.
Your Approach: I discussed key concepts from my MBA coursework and how they could be applied in a consulting role.
Outcome: I cleared this round as well.
Preparation Tips:
Be thorough with everything mentioned in your resume. Ensure you can explain any detail confidently.
Understand the role and the company well to answer situational and technical questions effectively.
Conclusion:
The interview process was structured and focused on assessing both technical and interpersonal skills. Being well-prepared with my resume and understanding the role were key to my success. For future candidates, I recommend practicing common interview questions and aligning your answers with the job requirements.
Questions Asked: The interview was very open and friendly. The managers were extremely approachable, and it was clear from the start that the conversation would go well. They discussed various problems and collaboratively sought solutions.
Your Approach: I remained open and engaged, actively participating in the problem-solving discussions.
Outcome: The round went very well, and the feedback was positive.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was very positive. The managers were supportive and created a comfortable environment for discussion. I would advise future candidates to be open, collaborative, and ready to engage in problem-solving during the interview.
Application Process: Applied online for the Senior Consultant role.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Initial Screening:
Questions Asked: Asked to provide current salary details.
Your Approach: Declined to share current salary information as it was a personal preference and later found out it is illegal to ask for such details.
Outcome: Did not pass the initial screening due to not providing the requested salary information.
Conclusion:
While the process was straightforward, the requirement to disclose current salary was a hurdle. It’s important to know your rights as a candidate—asking for salary history is now illegal in many places. Future candidates should be aware of this and feel empowered to decline such requests if they’re uncomfortable sharing.
Application Process: The application process involved multiple levels of assessments and interviews. The HR representative was highly professional and supportive throughout the process.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Case Study:
Questions Asked: A detailed case study was provided to assess analytical and problem-solving skills.
Your Approach: I thoroughly analyzed the case, identified key issues, and proposed actionable solutions.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 2 - Written Assessment:
Questions Asked: A written test to evaluate technical and situational judgment skills.
Your Approach: I focused on clarity and precision in my responses, ensuring they aligned with the role’s requirements.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 3 - Presentation:
Questions Asked: Prepared and delivered a presentation on a given topic relevant to the role.
Your Approach: I structured the presentation logically, supported my points with data, and practiced delivery to ensure confidence.
Outcome: The presentation was well-received, and I progressed further.
Round 4 - Final Interview:
Questions Asked: A mix of behavioral and situational questions to assess fit for the role and company culture.
Your Approach: I used the STAR method to frame my answers and highlighted relevant experiences.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round.
Preparation Tips:
Practice case studies and presentations to improve clarity and delivery.
Brush up on technical knowledge relevant to the role.
Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and respectful. The interviewers were knowledgeable and made the experience engaging. I would advise future candidates to focus on thorough preparation, especially for case studies and presentations, and to stay confident throughout the process.
Questions Asked: General fit and experience-related questions.
Your Approach: Highlighted relevant experience and alignment with the role.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 2 - Case Study:
Questions Asked: Presented with a business case to analyze and provide recommendations.
Your Approach: Structured the problem, identified key issues, and proposed actionable solutions.
Outcome: Successfully passed and moved to the final round.
Round 3 - Final Interview:
Questions Asked: Deep dive into experience, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit.
Your Approach: Emphasized leadership skills and past achievements.
Outcome: Clearly a front-runner, but salary expectations did not align.
Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough and professional until the end. Despite being a strong candidate, the lack of communication post-interview was disappointing. It’s important to clarify salary expectations early to avoid mismatches. Overall, the experience was insightful but could have been handled better by the company.
Application Process: Applied through an online application. The process was prolonged and involved multiple rounds of interviews with significant delays in communication and scheduling.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Manager Interview:
Questions Asked: General behavioral and situational questions, along with some role-specific scenarios.
Your Approach: Prepared by reviewing common consulting case studies and behavioral questions, focusing on clear and structured responses.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round after a lengthy wait for feedback.
Round 2 - Manager Interview:
Questions Asked: More in-depth behavioral questions and hypothetical problem-solving scenarios related to the role.
Your Approach: Emphasized past experiences and how they aligned with the role, using the STAR method for behavioral answers.
Outcome: Progressed to the final round, though the scheduling was delayed.
Round 3 - Principal/Partner Interview:
Questions Asked: High-level strategic questions and discussions about the candidate’s vision for the role and the company.
Your Approach: Focused on aligning my responses with KPMG’s values and long-term goals, showcasing my strategic thinking.
Outcome: Received an offer after significant delays in the process.
Preparation Tips:
Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Research the company’s recent projects and align your responses with their strategic goals.
Be patient and persistent, as the process can be slow and unpredictable.
Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but dragged on for over three months with poor communication and scheduling delays. The recruiting team seemed indifferent until pressured with competing offers. Despite the challenges, the interviews themselves were insightful, and the offer was rewarding. Future candidates should be prepared for a lengthy process and advocate for themselves to keep things moving.
Application Process: The process began with an HR phone call to understand my background. After this, I received notifications from HR for further rounds, including interviews with a Senior Manager and a Partner.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Phone Call:
Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and motivation for applying to KPMG.
Your Approach: I kept my responses concise and aligned them with the role’s requirements, emphasizing my relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for the next interview with the Senior Manager.
Round 2 - Senior Manager Interview (1 hour):
Questions Asked: Technical and situational questions related to the role, such as problem-solving scenarios and past project experiences.
Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, providing clear examples of my work and achievements.
Outcome: Waiting for the result.
Round 3 - Partner Interview (1 hour):
Questions Asked: High-level strategic questions, alignment with company values, and long-term career goals.
Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my strategic thinking and how my goals align with KPMG’s vision.
Outcome: Waiting for the final decision.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough and professional. I felt well-prepared for the technical and situational questions, but I could have researched more about KPMG’s recent projects to tailor my answers better. My advice to future candidates is to practice the STAR method and thoroughly understand the company’s values and recent work.
Application Process: I applied through a recruiting cycle at my school. The application required a standard resume and cover letter submission.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Case Interview + Behavioural Questions:
Questions Asked:
Case study related to a business problem (specifics not disclosed).
Behavioural questions such as “Tell me about a time you led a team” and “How do you handle tight deadlines?”
Your Approach:
For the case interview, I structured my response by breaking down the problem into manageable parts, asking clarifying questions, and proposing a logical solution.
For behavioural questions, I used the STAR method to provide clear and concise answers.
Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.
Preparation Tips:
Practice case interviews using common frameworks (e.g., profitability, market entry).
Review behavioural questions and prepare examples using the STAR method.
Familiarize yourself with the company’s recent projects or news to tailor your responses.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. I felt well-prepared for the case study but realized I could improve by practicing more diverse business scenarios. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on both technical and behavioural preparation to ensure a balanced performance.
Application Process: The application process was straightforward, involving a series of interviews to assess fit and case study skills.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: Why are you applying for this role? What motivates you to join KPMG?
Your Approach: I focused on aligning my career goals with KPMG’s values and highlighted my relevant experience.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - Fit Interview with a Director:
Questions Asked: Questions about my previous projects, teamwork, and how I handle challenges.
Your Approach: I shared specific examples from my past roles to demonstrate my skills and adaptability.
Outcome: Successfully moved to the case study round.
Round 3 - Case Study with a Director:
Questions Asked: A business case study to analyze and present solutions for.
Your Approach: I structured my analysis clearly, used frameworks, and justified my recommendations with logic.
Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
Round 4 - Closing Interview with a Partner:
Questions Asked: High-level discussion about my long-term goals and how I see myself contributing to KPMG.
Your Approach: I emphasized my passion for consulting and my eagerness to grow within the firm.
Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer.
Preparation Tips:
Practice case studies using common business frameworks.
Reflect on past experiences to answer fit questions confidently.
Research KPMG’s culture and values to align your responses.
Conclusion:
The interview process was well-structured and gave me a chance to showcase my skills. I could have prepared more case studies to feel even more confident. My advice is to stay calm, be yourself, and thoroughly prepare for each round.