[Advice needed] Advanced to case interview despite manager flagging internal consulting experience
Hey everyone, looking for advice from people who've been through this.
Background: I work as an internal strategy consultant at a top-tier law firm in Europe. Today I had a first round interview with a tier-2 strategy firm (think OW / EY-Parthenon / Roland Berger level) with a manager
What happened: The fit portion went reasonably well. I walked him through my experience, and he asked what areas I felt strongest in financial analysis, process mapping, or technology, and I said financial analysis, explaining that I'd consistently positioned myself toward that type of work and felt most comfortable there.
His response was honest: "The truth is we're looking for someone with more external consulting experience. Most of your background is with internal clients. That said, I think you have some capabilities, so I'd like you to do a case with a colleague and we'll talk after."
So I'm through to the case round, but the flag is sitting in my head.
Two things I need help with:
- Case interview prep (my weak spots):
I've been practicing with Crafting Cases but I have two specific gaps:
- Market sizing - I struggle to structure these quickly and confidently
- Performing in front of people - I get nervous and it affects my thinking. I'm fine alone but freeze up with someone watching
Any specific drills, resources or mindset shifts that helped you crack these two things?
- The internal consulting flag:
I know this comes up a lot for people transitioning from in-house roles. The manager was honest that it's a concern. My actual work (board-level advisory, strategic planning, process transformation, a €90M project at a boutique before this) is genuinely consulting-level. It just doesn't carry the external label.
Has anyone successfully made this transition? Did you address it directly in later rounds or just let the work speak for itself? Would love to hear from people who've been on either side of this.
How can i change his mind/convice him, that my lack of experience with external client shouldn't be the reason he doesn't hire me?
Thanks in advance.