We have attempted below to answer some of the questions frequently asked by candidates. We cannot cover all questions, nor all answers, in as much depth as we would like, so please contact us if you have further questions.
When do I apply as an Associate Consultant, and in which case as a Consultant?
Typically, you should apply as an Associate Consultant when you have received a Bachelor degree as your highest degree. When your highest degree is a Diplom, Master or a PhD you should be applying for a Consultant position.
What’s your response time?
We need very little time to decide whether we will invite you to an interview or recruiting day. We will contact you a few days after receiving your application.
How much time passes between interviewing and my first day at work?
In this case we are also highly flexible and try to meet your wishes. If you were successful in the first interview round, we immediately try to arrange an appointment for the final round of interviews with two of our Partners. We then communicate our offer. Theoretically, you can start the day after the final round of interviews. However, on average, it takes three weeks from final interview to the first day at work. It is up to you.
How long before my planned first day at work should I apply?
Again, this is a question of your own choice. If you want to start working right after graduation, apply early. In theory, the entire application process can be finished in a few days. On average, the process takes eight weeks altogether.
When should I apply? Are there any deadlines?
You can apply any time as there are no deadlines – we are always interested in meeting new talent! Your application will be processed as soon as we receive it. If you choose to work with us you choose the where and when to start.
Why recruiting days?
We aim at getting a feel for whether you are a good fit with OC&C - and helping you decide whether OC&C is for you. Besides getting to know you, we are especially interested in your analytical, numerical and communication skills which we assess in the course of interviews using concrete case studies from our consulting work.
How often and when exactly do you interview?
Typically, recruiting days are on Friday. Depending on the number of applications we receive, interviews take place over three or four days. We agree with you the exact date for your interview round.
How many applicants are there per recruiting day?
We aim to interview five to six applicants per day as this gives you a chance to meet potential future colleagues and facilitates the organisation of interview rounds for us.
How many interviews are there on one recruiting day?
After a brief welcome and introduction, you will have two one-to-one interviews and an analytics test (see below for examples) in the morning, a group case study after lunch and two more interviews in the afternoon.
How can I prepare for interviews?
First and foremost, we want to meet you as a person. Hence there is not much preparation required. If you are able to relax and show who us you are, we are sure our recruiting day will be a very positive and inspiring experience for you. Go to Hints & Tips > Interviews for more information.
Are there group case studies?
Yes. After the first two rounds you will be working on a case together with you co-applicants. You will have 1,5 hours for working on the case and will then present a short version of your results in English.
What are case studies about?
Cases follow a similar pattern: Whether your task is to estimate the number of fish in the sea or whether you are asked to derive a recommendation for a company, you will always be faced with a problem you are asked to solve. However, we aren’t looking for an answer; we want to get an idea of how you build your case, structure the problem, tackle the task conceptually and react to time pressure. Got to Hints & Tips > Case studies for more information.
What do I do if I cannot make an appointment for a recruiting day?
Give us a call. We are sure to find an alternative appointment.
Will OC&C cover travel expenses incurred during the process?
Yes. Send us the receipts for the costs incurred in the course of taking part in a recruiting day and we will credit the amount to your account.
Will OC&C cover hotel costs when I arrive on the evening before the interviews?
Again: Yes. If you cannot travel on the day of the interviews, we will book a nearby hotel in Düsseldorf for you and directly pay the hotel bill.
When are the final round interviews?
Usually, these are only a few days after your first interview round. We will agree on a suitable date and time with you.
Can I take some time out before starting on the job?
Like we said before: Only you decide on when to start. We are very positive about candidates taking time off before starting at OC&C – a lot of your potential future colleagues have done so before - we are ready to wait a couple of months more for you.
Which questions do I have to expect in the analytics test?
There are three kinds of questions: "Data Suffiency", "Problem Solving" and "Critical Reasoning" in multiple choice procedure.
Questions could be read like this:
A - How much is Julia's weekly salary? (1) Julia's weekly salary is twice as much as Tim's weekly salary. (2) Tim's weekly salary is 40% of the total of Michael's weekly salary and Julia's weekly salary.
Potential answers:
a) (1) alone is sufficient
b) (2) alone is sufficient
c) (1) and (2) needed
d) (1) alone or (2) alone is sufficient
e) data is not sufficient (correct answer)
B - Water has been poured into an empty rectangular tank at the rate of 5 cubic meter per minute for 6 minutes. The length of the tank is 4 meter and the width is one half of the length. How deep is the water in the tank?
Potential answers:
a) 0.75 meters
b) 3.5 meters
c) 3.75 meters (correct answer)
d) 5.5 meters
e) 30 meters
C - Monopoly is chracterized by an absence of or decline in competition. The ABC Company realizes that its operations are in competitive industries. Which of the following conclusions may be inferred from the above?
Potential answers:
a) ABC's market is not monopolistic (correct answer)
b) Monopoly is defined as one seller in a market
c) The ABC Company has no domestic competitors
d) The ABC Company is publicly owned
e) The ABC Company is in a service industry