Case time limit McK

Question

For McK since PEI takes about 15-20 minutes, 1) would the interviewer automatically cut you off in the case once you hit the 35 minute time mark? (So you still have 5 minutes for questions)..or would they let it spill into the Q & A time so you have say 38 minutes case and 2 minutes for questions?

2) If they do cut you off at 35 minutes, would they try to give you the final math answer if say you got stuck in the calculations (so that you can atleast give the right recommendation or move to the next question ..or would they let you stay in one question until you get the right answer?)

Answer 1

First of all, there's no rigid time allocation for a McKinsey interview where the interviewer is expected allocate time based on maximising your performance. Its also less about getting the "right" recommendation and more about the candidate's thought process leading to the "answer". If the quantitative section is a train wreck, which does happen, it's in the best interest of the candidate to just proceed so that the interviewer gets a good "maximised" read of other asepcts of the case interview. The Q&A at the end is purely a formality to create a positive experience for the candidate and so the interviewer will only move to Q&A once they have a sufficient read of the candidate's performance.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Yes and no, Yes and no.

No two interviews are the same. Interviewers will cut you off early, "on time", or not at all. Meaning, all scenarios are fair game. Same answer goes for math. It's up to their discretion what they skip and include!

Try to not predict things...rather train yourself in reacting :)