McK interview

Hey there,

Usually, how it goes at the beginning of a Mck case:

1. The interviewer tells you about the client problem and the case objectives
2. You play it back and ask clarification questions related to the problem and the client
3. The interviewer asks the first concrete question of the case, usually a structure/ framework question (not always!)
4. You take time and start building your framework based on the latter question

If you have more questions related to the McKinsey case, see this article here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-interview

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

Q: I wanted to understand for McK cases that do we have to outline the structure right away (after clarifying the problem statement and other information)? Or should I wait for the interviewer to ask the first question, which is typically on how will you approach the problem aka structure?

At McKinsey, the interviewer will normally ask a specific question that you have to structure after introducing the case (eg “Which are the key drivers that would impact XYZ”). After you received the question, you can then present a structure to answer that particular question.

If they ask you a general question (eg “How would you approach it”) nothing really changes, you will just structure that question.

I don’t think there may be a situation where the interviewer will present the problem and say absolutely nothing, but if that happens, just clarify with the interviewer that you would like to start structuring how to help the client to solve problem XYZ, and align with him/her on the fact that’s what you should do, as mentioned by Ian.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

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, the interviewer will ask you the precise question you should structure.
• However, in case he/ she will not and simply pauses, I would advise you to propose what exact question you will structure.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best approach McKinsey case studies, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Hi there,

Florian is exactly right here. 

That said, if there's an “awkward” pause and the interviewer has not asked a frameworking question, then feel free to “propose” it. I.e. say something like “Ok, I'd be happy to come up with an approach for solving x problem if that sounds good”

Hi!

You should always answer the interviewer's question, whether it's a structure-, brainstorming, or calculation-question.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Anto

Usually there will be a question already at the end of the prompt (e.g. “how would you approach this”?)

If you didn't notice one (maybe they forgot to ask), after clarifying the problem statement and ultimate goal you should ask something along the lines of “do you want me to explain how I would approach the overalll problem or is there a more specific question that you want me to answer?”.

Then the interviewer will either make the prompt question more clear (assuming there was one, which is almost always the case) or move on to the first question.