I applied through an employee referral. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at ZS Associates (San Mateo, CA) in Jan 2014
Interview
I began the interview process as a referral in December and set up a first round phone interview for early January. I flew out a couple weeks later for an on site super day. The recruiter was nice and very helpful even though we were working together around the holidays.
First Round:
Case Interview (30 Minutes - Phone): The case wasn't too challenging but you are forced to make recommendations on the spot and run calculations which can be stressful. Try to sound confident and be articulate.
Behavioral Interview (30 Minutes - Phone): Three standard fit questions followed by my own questions for the interviewer.
I was invited to a second round at the San Mateo office. There were three interviews, a project demo, and lunch with a current Business Associate.
Second Round:
Lunch: Very casual, make sure you show interest in the company and be personable.
Behavioral (30 Minutes): Mine was with a principle, not very high stress. Three fit questions, each of which turned into a small conversation. See above.
Analytical Case (80 Minutes): You are given 40 minutes of prep time to work through a packet of information, make calculations and recommendations, then draw up a few ppt slides to walk through with a consultant. This was the most stressful part of the day. You'll be rushed so make sure you double check you numbers, ZS really cares about quant skills.
Project Demo (45 Minutes): A Business Associate went over a few quantitative and qualitative projects typical of a BA. Make sure you show interest and ask good questions.
Case Interview (45 Minutes): Very similar to the first round case interview only in person.
Overall great experience. I was stressed but confident enough not to let it show. Double check all of your calculations and try to be articulate. They emphasized multiple times that they're looking for someone who not only can do the job well but also fit in the culture. I felt like I fit in well which made me less anxious overall.
People: It's a very young office with people from all over the country. Everyone that I met was very intelligent and seemed like they enjoyed their job.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time when something didn't go as planned. How did you handle it?
Good interview started from basics went in deep about sql python and projects as well. Did cross questioning on projects and then ended with a some behavioural questions. Overall a very nice experience.
they take an online test of verbal, data interpretation, aptitude, etc. They also ask a question which you have to reply through a video, where they will give you a random topic, you have to record a video speaking about the topic for 60 to 90 seconds.
The interview process is a bit difficult to crack. Go through your resume and be ready to answer whatever they ask about it.
Practice guesstimates and puzzles thoroughly. Be consistent with your logic in solving problems