I applied online. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at ZS Associates (Princeton, NJ) in Nov 2013
Interview
Applied through the website as an 'Experienced Consultant' as I have several years of experience. Application took a month to 'mature'. Round 1 interview was scheduled and I was sent a time-bound case study to prepare ( at home and send back ) prior to the interview ( held next day). The case was pharma based and most of the information was given.
Interview was held at the ZS office. It was managed professionally within the given time frame. Only hitch being that the behavior interview was held on phone instead of the scheduled video conference ( preferred because that way you can gauge responses of interviewer and get cues on your answers). For the case interview I had to moderate a mock in-depth interview and discuss with the interviewer. Questions to case were direct, behavior were tough.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
There were several behavior ones, on team challenges, leadership and What have you done to 'delight' a customer. Give instances.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at ZS Associates (Princeton, NJ) in Oct 2014
Interview
The interview process with ZS Associates was a thorough as they are a consulting company to work with. The process began with an hr. long telephone screen with HR Manager (very easy). Next came an hour long Behavioral interview with a Business Consultant in California, followed by a Case Study interview (1 hr.) via telephone as well. The material was sent 24 hrs. in advance and a supporting "discussion guide" was to be handed in by 5 p.m. the next day. A mock "interview" was conducted with an Oncologist the following day. After all of that, and invitation was extended to meet the Associate Principal in person and to "present" to the Principal via teleconference (equipment failed). Another Case Study interview (1 hr. 30 min.) was conducted via Skype (with equipment failure). Oh, and I forgot to mention a 60 min. Gallup Strength assessment exercise to start the on-site interviews with! Be prepared to provide references and a W-2 and don't be disappointed when after enduring all of this, an offer is not provided. You will be a better interview candidate once you have gone through this process, but interviewing with ZS Associates is NOT for the faint of heart!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Most difficult situation was the "surprise" case study that was presented via Skype. The topic was Pediatric Vaccinations and the Case Study exercise was to read the case study, prepare questions to ask the "client" (played by ZS Business Consultant) and then to prepare a proposal for the Market Research Project and to "present" it to the client along with supporting rationale.