PwC Advisory Manager Interview Questions & Experience Guide
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Location: Dallas
Application Process: Spoke at length with the recruiter before traveling to Dallas for interviews with the Partner and team.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Recruiter Discussion:
-
Questions Asked: General discussion about the role, my background, and fit for the position.
-
Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly, aligning my experience with the role’s requirements and showcasing my problem-solving skills.
-
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
-
Round 2 - Partner and Team Interview:
-
Questions Asked: In-depth discussion about my experience, problem-solving abilities, and a specific problem-solving session where I proposed a unique solution.
-
Your Approach: Engaged actively, demonstrated expertise, and even offered a fresh perspective on a problem.
-
Outcome: Felt confident about my performance but did not receive an offer.
Conclusion:
Overall, I felt the interview went exceptionally well, and I was well-suited for the role. However, I sensed that the decision might have been influenced by factors beyond my qualifications. While it’s disappointing, I remain proud of my performance and would encourage future candidates to focus on showcasing their skills and unique perspectives, as I did.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Technical/Domain Interview:
- Questions Asked: The interview focused heavily on domain-specific questions, which were quite challenging. Topics included industry trends, problem-solving scenarios, and technical knowledge relevant to the advisory role.
- Your Approach: I prepared by thoroughly reviewing industry reports, case studies, and brushing up on technical concepts. During the interview, I tried to structure my answers logically and provided examples where applicable.
- Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.
-
Round 2 - Managerial Interview:
- Questions Asked: This round was more about assessing communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall personality. Questions revolved around teamwork, conflict resolution, and how I handle managerial responsibilities.
- Your Approach: I focused on being articulate and confident, sharing real-life examples to demonstrate my managerial capabilities. I also ensured my body language was positive and engaging.
- Outcome: The round went well, and the interviewer seemed satisfied with my responses.
Preparation Tips:
- For the technical round, dive deep into domain-specific knowledge and stay updated with industry trends.
- For the managerial round, practice situational questions and work on clear, concise communication.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but fair. The technical round was the toughest, but once cleared, the managerial round felt much smoother. My advice would be to prepare thoroughly for the domain-specific questions and ensure you can articulate your thoughts clearly in the managerial round.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: The application was forwarded by a recruiting firm. There was a 15-minute telephonic interview for a background check and to gauge my interest in the firm. The face-to-face interviews typically happen on Fridays.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Telephonic Interview:
- Questions Asked: Background check, interest in the firm, and general fit for the role.
- Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role.
- Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for face-to-face interviews.
-
Round 2 - Face-to-Face Interviews (3 sessions):
- Questions Asked: Each 45-minute session covered different aspects like technical skills, problem-solving, and cultural fit. Some questions included case studies and situational challenges.
- Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing common case study frameworks and practiced articulating my thought process clearly. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.
- Outcome: Successfully cleared all three sessions.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice case studies and situational questions using frameworks like STAR.
- Research the firm’s culture and recent projects to tailor your answers.
- Be ready to discuss your background and interest in the role succinctly.
Conclusion:
The process was smooth and well-organized. The external recruiter was very communicative, which made the experience less stressful. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for case studies and to be clear about their fit for the role. The breaks between interviews were helpful to regroup and stay focused.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: The application process involved a direct interaction with the Partner, which was more of a casual conversation than a formal interview.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Partner Interview:
- Questions Asked: The Partner stepped through my CV, focusing on high-profile experiences rather than recent ones. They asked probing questions to ensure I could explain the work I had done, including the significance and impact of certain projects.
- Your Approach: I treated it as a conversation rather than a strict Q&A, ensuring I could articulate my experiences clearly and highlight the value of my work.
- Outcome: The round went well, with the Partner showing interest in my background and the reasoning behind my career choices.
Conclusion:
The interview was more about fit and the ability to communicate past experiences effectively. It was a great opportunity to showcase my thought process and the relevance of my work. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on being able to explain the “why” behind your experiences, not just the “what.”
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Location: [Location not specified]
Application Process: [Details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - General Discussion:
- Questions Asked:
- How do you get to know the right people and who matters in the company?
- What do you know about the latest events in the company?
- How do you understand the business?
- Your Approach:
- I researched the company’s recent news and key personnel to answer the first two questions. For the third, I tied my understanding of the business to my experience in advisory roles.
- Outcome: [Result not specified]
- Questions Asked:
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s recent events and key stakeholders.
- Understand the business model and how your role fits into it.
Conclusion:
The interview was insightful, focusing on how well I could integrate into the company culture and contribute to the business. Preparing with company-specific knowledge was crucial.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: [Not specified]
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Senior Manager Interview:
-
Questions Asked: The conversation was very pleasant and focused on understanding my experience and fit for the role. Specific questions were not mentioned.
-
Your Approach: I engaged openly, discussing my background and how it aligns with the Advisory Manager role.
-
Outcome: The round went well, and I progressed to the next stage.
-
Round 2 - Senior Manager Interview (Different Location):
-
Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, the discussion was about my experience and suitability for the role.
-
Your Approach: I maintained consistency in my responses and emphasized my relevant skills.
-
Outcome: This round also went positively, leading to the final round.
-
Round 3 - Partner Interview (Phone Call):
-
Questions Asked: The conversation was more strategic, touching on my vision for the role and expectations.
-
Your Approach: I highlighted my strategic thinking and alignment with PwC’s goals.
-
Outcome: While the interview itself went well, the process concluded without an offer due to salary expectations not aligning.
Conclusion:
The overall interview experience with PwC was very positive, with all rounds being professional and engaging. However, the process ended without an offer because my salary expectations, which were industry-standard, were deemed too high by the company. For future candidates, it might be helpful to clarify salary expectations early in the process to avoid misalignment later.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: The application process involved multiple interviews spread out over two and a half months. The interviews were conducted with the partner and several directors. Communication with the recruiter was minimal until the offer was made.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Partner Interview:
- Questions Asked: The partner asked about my experience in advisory, my approach to solving complex client problems, and how I handle high-pressure situations.
- Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and provided specific examples of how I’ve successfully managed advisory projects and client relationships.
- Outcome: Passed this round and moved forward to the next set of interviews.
-
Round 2 - Director Interviews:
- Questions Asked: The directors delved deeper into my technical expertise, asked situational questions about handling client conflicts, and inquired about my leadership style.
- Your Approach: I tailored my responses to align with PwC’s values, emphasizing collaboration, problem-solving, and client-centric approaches. I also shared anecdotes to demonstrate my leadership and conflict-resolution skills.
- Outcome: Successfully cleared these rounds, though the process was lengthy.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was fair, but the lack of communication during the process was a bit frustrating. My advice to future candidates would be to stay patient and prepare thoroughly for each round, as the interviews can be quite detailed. Highlighting your alignment with the company’s values and providing concrete examples from your experience will go a long way.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: The process involved two phone calls and one in-person meeting. While it seemed straightforward, the experience was quite challenging.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Phone Screening:
- Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and why I was interested in the role.
- Your Approach: I kept my responses concise and focused on aligning my skills with the job requirements.
- Outcome: Passed to the next round.
-
Round 2 - Phone Interview:
- Questions Asked: More detailed questions about my advisory experience, problem-solving skills, and how I handle client interactions.
- Your Approach: I provided specific examples from my past work to demonstrate my expertise and approach.
- Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
-
Round 3 - In-Person Meeting:
- Questions Asked: Behavioral and situational questions, such as “Tell me about a time you managed a difficult client” and “How do you prioritize tasks under tight deadlines?”
- Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and highlighted my adaptability and leadership skills.
- Outcome: The round was intense, but I felt I performed well.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s advisory services and recent projects.
- Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.
- Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that align with the role’s responsibilities.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but insightful. I realized the importance of being well-prepared with concrete examples and staying composed under pressure. For future candidates, I’d advise thorough preparation and confidence in showcasing your skills.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: The process involved three rounds of informal interviews. The first round was with HR, followed by interviews with hiring managers. There was some delay in scheduling, but the overall experience was pleasant and the interviewers were friendly.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - HR Interview:
-
Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
-
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on aligning my skills with the job requirements.
-
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
-
Round 2 - Hiring Manager Interview:
-
Questions Asked: More detailed questions about my advisory experience, problem-solving skills, and how I handle client interactions.
-
Your Approach: I provided specific examples from my past work to demonstrate my expertise and approach.
-
Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
-
Round 3 - Senior Hiring Manager Interview:
-
Questions Asked: Questions about strategic thinking, leadership, and how I would contribute to the team.
-
Your Approach: I highlighted my leadership experiences and how I’ve driven results in advisory roles.
-
Outcome: Successful and received an offer.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s advisory services and recent projects.
- Prepare specific examples of your advisory work and how it added value.
- Be ready to discuss your problem-solving and client management skills.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the interviewers were very approachable. I would advise future candidates to be well-prepared with examples of their work and to stay calm and confident throughout the process.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: The process began with an initial recruiter interview, followed by a skills interview, and culminated in a partner interview. The entire process was quite relaxed and conversational in tone.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Recruiter Interview:
- Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
- Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on aligning my skills with the role’s requirements.
- Outcome: Passed to the next round.
-
Round 2 - Skills Interview:
- Questions Asked: More detailed questions about my technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and past projects relevant to advisory work.
- Your Approach: I provided specific examples from my experience to demonstrate my capabilities.
- Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
-
Round 3 - Partner Interview:
- Questions Asked: High-level discussions about my vision for the role, how I handle client relationships, and strategic thinking.
- Your Approach: I focused on showcasing my leadership qualities and ability to think long-term.
- Outcome: Received a positive response and moved forward in the process.
Conclusion:
The entire interview process at PwC was very conversational and relaxed, which made it easier to present myself authentically. I found that being prepared with specific examples and staying confident in my responses worked well. For future candidates, I’d recommend thoroughly researching the role and practicing articulating your experiences clearly.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: The application process was straightforward, involving interviews with partners and directors. However, it was unexpected when they asked for referral letters at the end of the process, which I hadn’t prepared for.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Fit and Experience Discussion:
- Questions Asked: The interview was mostly conversational, focusing on fit and understanding my previous experience and its relevance to the role.
- Your Approach: I highlighted my past projects and how they aligned with the responsibilities of an Advisory Manager. I also emphasized my adaptability and problem-solving skills.
- Outcome: The round went well, and I progressed to the next stage.
-
Round 2 - Partner/Director Interview:
- Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, the focus remained on fit and experience. No case studies were involved.
- Your Approach: I maintained a conversational tone, ensuring I articulated my value proposition clearly. I also asked insightful questions about the team and projects to show my interest.
- Outcome: The interviewers seemed engaged, but the process ended with a request for referral letters, which I hadn’t anticipated.
Preparation Tips:
- Focus on articulating your past experiences clearly and how they relate to the role.
- Be prepared for a conversational interview style rather than technical or case-based questions.
- Have referral letters ready in advance, even if they aren’t initially requested.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and conversational, but the last-minute request for referral letters was a hiccup. The experience varies depending on the partners you interview with, so flexibility is key. If I were to do it again, I’d ensure all supporting documents, like referral letters, are prepared beforehand.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Location: Chicago
Application Process:
I was contacted by an HR representative via LinkedIn, and we had an immediate telephonic discussion. Following this, I was scheduled for a technical discussion with a Senior Manager within a week. After clearing the technical round, I was invited for an in-person interview at their Chicago office.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Telephonic HR Discussion:
-
Questions Asked: General introduction, career aspirations, and why I was interested in the role at PwC.
-
Your Approach: I kept my responses concise and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
-
Outcome: Cleared the round and was scheduled for the next technical discussion.
-
Round 2 - Technical Discussion with Senior Manager:
-
Questions Asked: Technical aspects related to advisory services, problem-solving scenarios, and my experience in the field.
-
Your Approach: I focused on providing practical examples from my past work to demonstrate my expertise and problem-solving skills.
-
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and was invited for the in-person interview.
-
Round 3 - In-Person Interview (Directors and Partner):
-
Questions Asked: Discussions about advisory viewpoints, strategic thinking, and how I would handle specific client scenarios.
-
Your Approach: I engaged in a dialogue, sharing my insights and asking relevant questions to show my interest and understanding of the role.
-
Outcome: Received positive feedback and was extended a verbal offer within a week.
Preparation Tips:
- Brush up on technical aspects of advisory services and be ready to discuss real-world scenarios.
- Research PwC’s values and recent projects to align your responses.
- Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The key to success was being prepared with relevant examples and demonstrating a clear understanding of the advisory role. I would advise future candidates to focus on their communication skills and align their responses with the company’s expectations.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Location: Rome, Italy
Application Process: The interviews were arranged at the PwC Rome office. The process involved three separate interviews with different individuals over three different days.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Human Resource Interview:
- Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, experience, and motivation for applying to PwC.
- Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills and experiences with the role’s requirements and emphasized my enthusiasm for the advisory field.
- Outcome: Passed to the next round.
-
Round 2 - Technical Interview with a Director:
- Questions Asked: Technical questions related to advisory services, problem-solving scenarios, and case studies relevant to the role.
- Your Approach: I structured my answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear and concise responses.
- Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
-
Round 3 - Interview with the Head of the Unit:
- Questions Asked: High-level strategic questions, leadership scenarios, and alignment with the company’s values and goals.
- Your Approach: I highlighted my leadership experiences and how I could contribute to the unit’s success.
- Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s advisory services and recent projects.
- Practice case studies and problem-solving scenarios.
- Be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences and how they align with the role.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but challenging due to the scheduling of three separate interviews. I recommend future candidates to be well-prepared for both technical and strategic discussions and to manage their time effectively to accommodate multiple interview rounds.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: Applied through an online job portal.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - HR Interview:
- Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and why I wanted to join PwC.
- Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills with the role and showcasing my enthusiasm for the company.
- Outcome: Passed to the next round.
-
Round 2 - Technical Interview:
- Questions Asked: Case study-based questions, problem-solving scenarios, and technical aspects of advisory work.
- Your Approach: I structured my answers logically and used real-life examples to demonstrate my expertise.
- Outcome: The interview went well, but I never received any follow-up or feedback.
Conclusion:
The interviews were positive, and I felt confident about my performance. However, the lack of communication post-interview was disappointing. For future candidates, I’d recommend following up proactively if you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Location: San Jose
Application Process: I applied online for the position. PwC responded the same day to schedule a phone screen.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Phone Screen with Practice Director:
- Questions Asked: General fit for the role, understanding of PwC’s brand, and networking abilities.
- Your Approach: I focused on aligning my experience with PwC’s values and demonstrated my ability to network and manage client relationships.
- Outcome: Passed and was invited for an in-person interview in San Jose.
-
Round 2 - In-Person Interviews (5 Interviewers):
- Questions Asked: A mix of technical questions to test my skills and behavioral questions to assess managerial and client interaction abilities. They also emphasized PwC’s brand and the importance of networking.
- Your Approach: I ensured my answers reflected my technical expertise, confidence, and ability to thrive in a high-stress environment. I also highlighted my positive attitude and alignment with PwC’s culture.
- Outcome: Successful, as I was able to demonstrate a strong fit for the role.
Preparation Tips:
- Know your resume inside out and ensure it accurately represents your skills.
- Be prepared to discuss PwC’s brand and how you align with their values.
- Practice answering both technical and behavioral questions, especially those related to networking and client management.
- Showcase a “go-getter” mentality and your ability to handle stress.
Conclusion:
The interview process was well-organized, and PwC made the logistics seamless. The key to success was demonstrating technical competence, confidence, and a strong cultural fit. Being honest about my abilities and maintaining a positive attitude were crucial. If you can show you’re a good fit for their brand and can handle the competitive environment, you’ll have a great chance.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager (Analytics Role)
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: Applied for the role, followed by a phone interview with the Advisory Manager, an on-site interview, and another phone interview post on-site. The scheduling process was somewhat disorganized, with last-minute travel arrangements for the on-site interview.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Phone Interview with Advisory Manager:
- Questions Asked: Details not provided.
- Your Approach: Prepared for general analytics and advisory-related questions.
- Outcome: Advanced to the next round (on-site interview).
-
Round 2 - On-Site Interview:
- Questions Asked: Details not provided.
- Your Approach: Focused on showcasing analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Outcome: Advanced to another phone interview.
-
Round 3 - Phone Interview:
- Questions Asked: Details not provided.
- Your Approach: Reiterated key strengths and fit for the role.
- Outcome: No response received despite follow-ups.
Conclusion:
The interview process was professional, but the scheduling and communication from the recruiting team were lacking. Despite multiple follow-ups, there was no feedback or closure. For future candidates, it might help to proactively confirm interview details and timelines to avoid last-minute hassles.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process:
I received a call from a sourcing team, followed by a 30-minute interview with a recruiter. The process took about 3 months, with a significant delay of around 9 weeks between the initial sourcing call and the recruiter reaching out to me.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Phone Interview with Director:
- Questions Asked: General fit questions, experience in advisory, and situational scenarios related to the role.
- Your Approach: I focused on aligning my past experiences with the role requirements and provided clear examples of my advisory work.
- Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.
-
Round 2 - In-Person Interviews:
- Questions Asked: Met with a Manager, Director, and Principal. Questions ranged from technical advisory scenarios to behavioral and cultural fit.
- Your Approach: I prepared by researching PwC’s advisory services and tailored my responses to demonstrate my expertise and alignment with their values.
- Outcome: The interviews went well, and I felt confident about my performance.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s advisory services and recent projects.
- Practice situational and behavioral questions, especially those relevant to advisory roles.
- Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, focusing on outcomes and learnings.
Conclusion:
Overall, the process was thorough but lengthy due to delays. The key was staying patient and prepared. I recommend future candidates to keep their responses concise and aligned with the company’s expectations while showcasing their advisory expertise.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: Applied through an online application process.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Experience & Situational Interview:
- Questions Asked:
- Can you walk us through your experience?
- Why do you want to work at PwC?
- Situational questions related to the role.
- Your Approach:
- I focused on highlighting relevant experiences and aligning them with the role’s requirements. For situational questions, I used the STAR method to structure my answers.
- Outcome: The interview went smoothly, and the interviewers made me feel comfortable. I passed this round.
- Questions Asked:
Conclusion:
The interview was a great experience. The interviewers were welcoming, and the questions were fair and relevant. Preparing for situational questions using the STAR method was very helpful. For future candidates, I’d recommend thoroughly researching the company and practicing situational responses to feel more confident during the interview.
Company Name: PwC
Position: Advisory Manager
Application Process: I applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting. The process was straightforward, and I received a call for the interview within a couple of weeks.
Interview Rounds:
-
Round 1 - Senior Management Interview:
- Questions Asked: The interviewers were primarily interested in my past experience and how it could be applied to the role at PwC. They asked detailed questions about my accomplishments listed on my resume.
- Your Approach: I made sure to thoroughly explain my past roles, projects, and achievements, linking them to the skills and responsibilities required for the Advisory Manager position. I also provided concrete examples to substantiate my claims.
- Outcome: The feedback was positive, and I was invited for further rounds.
-
Round 2 - Senior Management Interview:
- Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, the focus was on my experience and how it aligned with PwC’s expectations. They also asked situational questions to gauge my problem-solving skills.
- Your Approach: I continued to emphasize my relevant experience and used the STAR method to answer situational questions effectively.
- Outcome: I progressed to the next round.
-
Round 3 - Senior Management Interview:
- Questions Asked: This round delved deeper into my leadership skills and how I handle challenges in a team setting.
- Your Approach: I shared specific instances where I led teams through difficult projects and highlighted the outcomes.
- Outcome: Another successful round, moving forward.
-
Round 4 - Senior Management Interview:
- Questions Asked: The final round was more conversational, focusing on cultural fit and long-term career goals.
- Your Approach: I kept my answers genuine and aligned them with PwC’s values and vision.
- Outcome: I received positive feedback and an offer shortly after.
Preparation Tips:
- Review your resume thoroughly and be prepared to discuss every detail.
- Practice the STAR method for situational and behavioral questions.
- Research PwC’s core values and recent projects to align your answers with their culture.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused on experience and cultural fit. Being well-prepared to discuss my past roles and how they relate to the position was key. I would advise future candidates to focus on substantiating their accomplishments and demonstrating alignment with PwC’s values.