I just wanted to say how disappointed I was with the interview process with Simon-Kucher.After making it to the final round and committing to a full day interview (over 6 hours), when I was finally rejected they sent me a one line email. When I replied asking for feedback, no reply. Not even a "cannot do." Just no reply.What is sad was that I was only considering this firm because they stressed how important their people were and the relationship of the consulting team. I considered them alongside Monitor, McKinsey and Bain just because I thought they really stood out as slightly different. It is amazing how they expect me to committ to a total committment time of close to 10 hours and in exchange, I get a 10 second email. I can say emphatically, that if anyone ever asks me about this firm, definite No Way. This isn't bitterness. It is about courtesy.

Let's face it, any firm that thinks a laptop and cellphone = "the perks that consulting firms offer" is seriously deluded about how their own status and how attractive they are to candidates. It's like saying "come work as a chef for us and we'll pay for your ingredients". Basic tools of the trade are not sufficient "perks" to be used as recruitment incentives.

I did an internship with them so I can tell you that they are an unbelievably dull bunch. Even a natural yoghurt has more of an exciting culture than they do...And yes, very rude of them not to give you feedback.

Hi,Sorry to hear abt your experience with SKPI am planning to apply to SKP . Can you please share with me your experience during your interview with them?thanks in advance.my email is ayejaydee@yahoo.com

dash - did you read this thread in a different way to the rest of us?!

Dave, I just wanted to know the questions and topics discusssed at Niche's 6 hour interview with SKP.If one looks at Vault's write up on SKP - which can be found on SKP's website , you have an independent review that is quite positive about the firm. A couple of people may not have had good experiences but those may be exceptions rather than the norm.

So far in the interview process I feel that Simon Kucher people are sincere and willing to help. Haven't experienced the final interview yet, so I can't say too much about that part. But obviously in Niche's case, they seem way too eager to spin off the extra work load once candidates are out of the circle. Nonetheless, from nother sources it seems that people in the firm are pretty happy about their culture. Of course opinions on these issues are always biased but more positive comments are still a good indication.True, it is not impressive at all to show off the cell phone and laptop as perks. And the salaries are not as high as some other top firms. But you can't argue with the better work/life balance, which has a unique appeal to many, just like its unique position in pricing.

Hello,I have a final round interview with SKP coming up and was wondering if anyone could offer a more detailed experience and/or insight as to what happened or what to expect from the partners/directors (im supposed to be meeting 5-6 of them)? I just recently graduated about 2 years ago with a science background and have been working in the nonprofit sector dealing with grant development ever since, so this is somewhat unfamiliar terrain. I would appreciate any insights you may have. Thanks!

Hello all,I just got sent a link to this thread, and as SKP's US Recruiting Coordinator, I was not amused.It is our policy to give final round feedback by phone, so I have little reason to believe Niche's story. As always, use your best judgment when reading job-board threads.Regards,Joshua Bloom

Yo Bloomy,You were not amused. So? I guess you're a fratboy. Anywayhows, your logic is well pony.Your "policy to give final round feedback by phone", which in and of itself makes the originating thread implausible. Odd. Twat.

Joshua, I actually interviewed with you, as well as with Susan, and Julia a while back. I was not extended an offer, and I was offered no explanation for feedback other than the typical "extremely competitive candidate pool" bs. Even after probing further, I was offered no worthwhile information. Very useless. Poorly run firm, if you ask me.Also, I agree that the group is a very dull bunch. Please tell Julia to go buy a personality... conversing with her in the interview was like talking to a rock.

This is crazy...I just received a rejection in the 2nd round interview with SKP...and like most of the others, I was there for almost 5 hours and all I got was the standard rejection email. Joshua...I would like to know where you work, because it seems that there are more and more SKP candidates that got rejected with no feedback. Its really odd that we would just target SKP and create some conspiracyabout them!On the contrary to what others wrote, the people I met seemed to be nice and friendly (in the London office atleast).Good luck to everyone looking for jobs! Im beginning to hate this long winded process.......

ANd for those who wanted info about the 2nd round interviews for SKP....for me there was 3 x 45min interview (2 were case studies and the 3rd one was a general with a small case study interview), then a numeracy test, written test and presentation.To be honest, the case studies were pretty straight forward and I thought I did well, but I guess the numerical side let me down! But I wouldnt say it was hard, just make sure you practice loads of online case studies....Bain & Company has the best ones to prepare you!Good luck to everyone, hope you get the job! If you need more help, let me know!p.s. the numeracy test was not your typical test, it was more of a riddle numerical test

I know very little about SKP, but if the recruiter is anything to go by, they seem astonishingly arrogant.No thanks.

I worked at SKP for many years ... I can't say I disagree with this comment.However, they do give you a solid grounding in pricing theory... it's your choice

Where do you go after SKP? Is it solely a case of being the in house pricing guy at a blue chip or are the exit options more varied?

read back through the thread. this is most bizarre. It took about 9 months for the targetted company to notice the negative publicity. The thread was essentially dead but was brought back to life by the recruitment person at SKP!!

Do you think they should employ someone to check this board every day, just in case they get a mention and need to respond?

that was not the point. There is some sense in keeping an eye on the threads as the forum has become so popular but it is pretty senseless to drag up on old thread which people stopped reading months ago.

Hey DD,I have a final round of interview with SKP coming u next week. Can I call you sometime for a few min to learn how I can best prepare for it ?Thanks,Anjana

Fantastic: a thread that is 3 YEARS old has been dug up. Although I agree that the recruiter is clearly an arrogant tit it does seem a bit unfair that their failings 3 years ago are resurfacing to presumably put people off still.Having said that firms that don't provide even a basic level of courtsey probably deserve all they get