Apply Mckinsey (interviewer-led) and Bain / BCG (candidate-led) at same time?

Hi there,

(1) Given that I have only practiced candidate-led cases, do I need to specifically practice interviewer-led cases if I apply for McKinsey? What would be some major points that I would need to specifically enhance / prepare for interviewer-led cases?

Of course! You need to practice for what will happen. That said, candidate-led is like riding a bike, while interviewee-led is like riding a bike with training wheels. 

This doesn't mean Mck-style is easier, just that if you can drive a case, you can be driven in a case - but you still have to practice this!

(2) Is it better to apply to McKinsey after interviewing with BCG and Bain, or is it okay to apply / prepare all 3 firms altogether at the same time? I feel that the 2 format each focuses on different aspects, so I am just cautious about whether I should apply to all 3 firms at the same time). 

It really depends on your timing/goals. Do you have a preferred firm? In that case, you won't want to spread them out too much (or you'll be forced to make a decision prior to hearing the verdict on other firms). If you don't have a preferred firm, you can space out applications/interviews in order to give yourself time to implement feedback if you don't pass rounds.

Ultimately, timing/goals are really what should make your decision - i.e. if you want to apply for all 3 at once you should! (90% of prep will be the same).

1. Although what's being tested is basically the same, you need to practice to get used to the different format (and firm). Doesn't mean a lot of extra practice, but a handful of cases to get the hang of it.

2. This really depends on your preferences. If you want to, you can do it, I don't see a significant downside. It doesn't require that much extra preparation.

Hi!

Preparation is the same for both types of case interviews.

It is totally ok to apply/prepare for all MBB altogether.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Anto

It is certainly ok to apply to all 3 together.

The format of the interview shouldn't pose a problem.

The skills required are the same and only the flow of the interview changes.

Hi there,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• Generally speaking, interviewer-led case studies might seem a little easier since you are being led through the case study. Still, I would advise you to show equal amounts of case leadership by proposing the next steps you would take on.
• Moreover, I would advise you to keep in mind the specificities of McKinsey (as well as Bain and BCG), especially when it comes to the level of detail in the initial structure.
• Lastly, you can certainly apply at the same time. Still, I would advise you to schedule the interviews in sequence if possible which will make it easier for you to truly focus on one company after another.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming MBB interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Hi,

You absolutely need to practice McKinsey style cases. I do not agree with some of the other coaches here that McKinsey is easier. The emphasis of questions is very different and the depth you need to go into from a structuring and quant perspective is also greater. So I would focus a lot on structuring and quant in terms of prep for McKinsey cases (also charts - they use those a lot)

My personal opinion is that if you have the flexibility then apply to McKinsey with a break in the middle. However if you are applying as part of a cohort (e.g., MBA) then you may not have much flexibility here so just do what makes the most sense.

Udayan