Why was I rejected?
Was called in for an interview for a big consulting firm for the Strategy Consultant role. I was asked only few ice breakers. As I was explaining my resume high points, the Partner (interviewer) was looking across my shoulder. I wasn't even asked the customary aptitude or case study question. This has happened twice , earlier with another large consulting firm. I wonder how could they have judged my candidature in such a short time(like 10 minutes) , and if there were some serious gaps, why was I even invited? And, No I haven't lied in my resume or was trying to put a cooked up story how I solved world hunger and peace problems. Is it about energy and enthusiasm? Or do they want handsome Hunks? Peers with inferior resumes got the jobs or at least were asked the case study question.
Maybe over qualified for the job?
Ask your friends who got it to interview with you. See where they excel and why, this might show you why you failed if you can analyze the situation. And look at yourself and see if you dress well enough for the interview. Maybe it’s your outfit
Yes but the ice breakers questions happen to be a bit subjective and no one has a definite answer to what is right and wrong. If I failed at the case study question, I could retrospect the approach but I never get to that step. Outfit is pretty standard and fine compared with others, so is personal grooming and hygiene
Communication style? Throw in more buzz words
Was this MBB?
Is it common/normal practice to reject candidates just based on icebreakers? If it is, what is the rationale?
No, it's not common practice. Although I'm curious if are you a non traditional candidate? Like an engineering PhD or something? I didn't do an MBA in the US. But recruiting from the top schools typically means pre selecting for most of the things said on the thread - like 'executive presence' etc.
Sometimes interviewers are just tired and you caught them at a moment where they wished they were somewhere else. It happens. Short stick.
Client presence, you either got it or you don’t
Should I take personal grooming and communication skills classes?
Wouldn’t hurt