In Between Interview

Question

Hi,

I did my first interview (first round) with one of the MBB last friday. I will have my 2nd first round interview this Thursday. I think it went okay/well (dont want to comment too much on my own performance). I have a couple of questions

1.What usually those two interviewers discuss to make decision?

2.How can I leverage these two days ? Should I focus on the thing that I was lack on my 1st interview

3.My first interviewer was so friendly and also the case has no exhbit. Should I expect that my 2nd interview will be the "bad cop" ? Also, will the case type be different between these two ?

4. On FIT they only ask me to introduce myself and the reason why consulting. So I still save some of my story. But should I change the way/content on my intro and reason why consulting (to come up with new content) ?

5.What should I do to take advantage of these days ? any particular thing should I do ?

Answer 1

1. They will compare notes to see if there's a deviation on their recommendations. When aligned, it's a very short and straightforward discussion

2. Definitely focus on your round 1 feedback - BOTH your strengths and development areas. Managing your weaknesses helps you meet the bar but it's your strengths that helps you secure an offer!

3. Interviewers don't usually coordinate before the interview and so I woulndn't worry. At McKinsey, the general approach was to help the candidate perform at their best (not their worst...)

4. It depends on the firm. For McKinsey, the why consulting/McK question isn't super relevant where no one cares. Having said that, it's never a bad thing to have a small teaser in your intro

5. Relax!

Answer 2

Hey there,

1. They will be discussing their recommendation (move to next round or reject) and their supporting observations for the different dimensions that are important.

2. If you received feedback in the first interview, focus on that aspect. If not, focus on where you think are weakest, while still honing the other skills that are needed. Don't overdo it, but rather also find time to relax pre-interview.

3. Depends on the firm. In McK, this is not really common, whereas in BCG it is. Be open and most importantly, stay cognitively flexible/ don't get surprised by 'bad' interviewer behavior.

4. No, for these basic questions you can keep your answers the same since they are about personal reasons and not personal traits you showed in a specific situation.

5. See answer #2.

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

Hi there,

Well done on getting to the 2nd round!

1. It doesn't matter anymore, you're onto the next round! But, they check to see if they're aligned in their decision. If not, they discuss whether you should move forward or not

2. Focus on any weaknesses. Particularly those that may have come out during the interview. If they gave you feedback, work on that. Also, rest! Don't burn yourself out beforehand!

3. No. Not should expect that they won't be. Please don't assume anything. Anything can happen here (exhibits/no exhibits, "bad cop"/"good cop", full case or shortened case, etc. etc.). You need to be flexible/adaptable.

4. No need to change anything. (Unless there were gaps)

5. See #2

Good luck!

Answer 4

Hello!

Congrats! My thoughts on your questions:

There won't be comms between 1st and 2nd round interviewers
I would totally do that
Not at all, it's very random who you will get. It can be a sweetheart again, or a bad cope
Not at all! Stay true to yourself and the answers that you had worked on

Hope it helps! Cheers,

Clara

Answer 5

Focus on areas you can do better , dont worry about outcome or what the interviewers will/wont do, and aim to give your best. And importantly, be well rested!