Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice from those who have successfully completed interviews with McKinsey or have experience interviewing candidates. I’m currently preparing for an upcoming McKinsey R1 BA interview and I’m now specifically focusing on the PEI. I’m in the process of selecting which stories to use for each of the four evaluation dimensions and I’d love to get some perspective on whether it’s better to use more personal stories or professional/work-related stories.
I’ve heard arguments for both approaches. On one hand, focusing on work experiences seems more logical because it allows the interviewer to directly see how you navigate challenging situations in a professional environment. On the other hand, I’ve heard that professional stories can sometimes feel more forgettable since they often follow a familiar narrative (dealing with a difficult client, etc). Personal stories though can probably be more memorable/unique and give the interviewer a better opportunity to connect with you on a deeper level.
So I’m a bit confused between the two approaches, and I’d really appreciate any advice from people who have gone through the process. If you’ve received feedback from your interviewers specifically on your PEI stories, I’d also love to hear what they had to say. Thanks in advance!
