A few random thoughts from long time lurker, first time commenter (I finally have some value / expertise to add): The biggest thing that these interviews are testing is structured assimilation. Banks look for someone who can convincingly discuss their unremitting passion to enter finance as a lifelong career without seeming either passionate or betraying an interest in the money. Consulting firms structure 'case interviews' designed to test 'problem solving' when they are really laying out a regimented structure which can be most easily mastered through having a successful network of already-hired junior consultants. Again, it's not that there isn't a desire to hire creative, talented people, but the profile has to fit along certain metrics.