Nomura Research Institute Consulting and Solutions Interview Questions and Answers

Round: Resume Shortlist
Experience: Resume shortlisting for Management Consulting roles depends on three key factors:1) Management and Networking abilities (Key Parameter: "Position of Responsibility" held during college)2) Business Acumen (Key Parameter: Internships and performance during case study interview)3) Academic Performance and/or Specialized Technical Expertise (Key Parameter: good CPI, certifications etc.)
Tips: 1) The meat of your resume is fixed, however, how you present it can create much more impact during the shortlisting process. It's very important to spend a good deal of effort on your resume. Ask for some resumes from your seniors who secured good jobs in the previous years and get yours verified by them after you prepare the final draft.2)  Try highlighting the points that are pertinent to the above mentioned factors. Try to quantify your accomplishments by adding numbers.3) It's better to have 3-4 resumes, each customized for a particular kind of role you're applying to.

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: This was completely different from all the conventional case studies that you prepare for. Instead of forcefully adjusting the problem within a predetermined framework, it is better to get to the basics of structural problem solving. I reiterated the problem statement, thought for sometime on my approach and then started off with a framework of my own. Fortunately, I was on the right track and could build a valid structure for solving this problem, covering almost all the aspects of the problem.
Tips: 1) The essence of case study interviews is to showcase your ability of approaching any problem statement (well actually, anything in life!) with a proper structure, complying with MECE (mutually exclusive collectively exhaustive) framework. While it is important to know the profitability frameworks, business situation frameworks, etc., it is also of sheer importance to not forget the basics. You should be able to break down a problem into pieces and deal with each piece separately. And so, PRACTICE!2) It's very important to keep talking while solving a case study so that your interviewer understands your approach and if you get stuck, he might still give you points for your approach.3) All the tips for a case study interview can be found in Victor Cheng's material.

Round: HR Interview
Experience: This long interview with senior executives encompassed almost every question you can be asked for a management consulting profile. 1) The answers to my first question were already prepared.2) The case study and the guesstimate were fairly easy. We were talking about the Power Generation business in India because I had earlier told them that I have been trading in the stock market and had invested a portion of my portfolio in the power generation sector in India. 3) At the time of my interview, I was a CFA Level 2 candidate and had done my internship at Citi and so, I had to convince them about why I wanted to try out consulting. I was already prepared for these question so, this wasn't much an issue.4) I had a good knowledge of the economic conditions in India and so, it was easy to have a discussion over how the country was shaping up in terms of different operating sectors. The newly elected Modi government was the center of the discussion.5) I spend some additional time preparing for HR question because Nomura, being a Japanese firm, focuses on whether the candidate is a good cultural fit or not, more than other firms do.
Tips: 1) Prepare a draft and write at least 10 general HR questions (find them on the internet) and write answers for them. It is extremely important for you to define yourself and your objectives to exhibit confidence and avoid existential crisis during the interview.2) Be careful about what you speak in the interview because that decides the next question. Faking about anything might cost you much more than the cost of not knowing about that thing in the first place.3) Have strong reasons why you want to join that company and that industry. It's very important for you to be in the right frame of mind before walking through the interview door. Your indecisiveness is a big threat!4) Read Economic Times (or, any business newspaper) for at least 1 month before the interview specially if you're aiming at Banking or Consulting jobs.5) If you're going for a Japanese firm, make sure you showcase the qualities (humility, etc.) they're looking for. Demonstrate your love for Japan!

General Tips: 1) Take the interview preparation very seriously. Practice enough number of case studies. Form case study groups much before the interviews.2) Clear your mind on the day of your interview and focus on things you want to showcase. Emphasize on selling yourself.3) Positive Mental Attitude is much more important than we think it is.
Skill Tips: Learn analytical skills through guesstimates.
Learn Problem solving skills through case studies.
Have good Persuasive Skills, very important for a consultant
Skills: Communication Skills, Analytical Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Business Acumen, Persuasive Skills
College Name: IIT Bombay