I'm an experienced applicant from a competing firm that was recently recruited by a headhunter. I made it through first interview and I’m up for an interview with a partner or director soon. Can anyone tell me what to expect and what kind of questions they'll be asking? What, essentially, are they looking to learn about me? I've heard it's basically whether the like you, and if you "fit in"? Will there be a case study like some other companies give at this stage of interviewing? Also, it appears they cannot offer a substantial pay rise, but claim to offer better career progression and development, etc... What do people think? Should I push for sponsorship for an MBA, given I'd like to get one, in lieu of a pay rise? I think I'd need that commitment in writing for it to really mean anything. Would that be too "cheeky" to bring up? In my view it's a smart way to make them accountable for what they are promising... Is this too low level to discuss with a director/partner... or does this get hammered out later with HR?Thanks.

The education reimbursement policy for MBA's is contingent on performance so HR would likely argue (to be fair, they'd be right) that they can't write it into the contract. However, what you can do is be very clear in your conversation with the Director/Partner that your coming to Deloitte is on the understanding you'd be sponsored for an MBA (as long as you met performance targets, put in a couple of years of solid work first, etc.).Either way, bargain for every penny of salary you can. Budgets are tight, but cash is king - even if you get laid off, you can put the cash towards paying your own way through the MBA.

Sounds a bit like a "shitty" deal for you.What is your career path today? Maybe it´s better to ask your boss first if they can bring you in some rewarding programs first, before leaving to head the tough DC-world with lots of "broken promises" especially in economically tough times?Just my 2 cents - I am lucky that I turned their offer down.