Mck phone call after solve game

Question

Hi,

I got an invitation for phone call with HR at Mckinsey after Solve game.

Do they ask general fit questions such as why Mck, why consulting, resume?
Also, is this still a part of screening process for 1R interview together with Solve game or it's after CV and Solve game screening?

Does HR decide pass/fail for the next process (interview) after this call?

USA, experienced hire

Answer 1

Hi there,

For McKinsey in the US (experienced hire), the HR phone call you get after the Solve game is still part of the screening process. It comes after your CV and Solve are reviewed, and the recruiter uses it as a final checkpoint before deciding whether to invite you to first-round interviews.

What to expect:

It’s not a case or PEI interview.
You’ll typically be asked light fit questions like “Why McKinsey?”, “Why consulting?”, and a short walk-through of your background.
They may also cover logistics (location preferences, availability, work authorization).

Who decides:

HR consolidates your CV + Solve results + this phone call and makes the pass/fail decision for moving you forward.

How to prepare:

Have a 1–2 minute career pitch ready.
Be crisp and authentic on why McKinsey and why now.
Highlight a couple of transferable skills (leadership, problem solving, teamwork).

So in short: yes, it’s still a filter, but you don’t need to overprepare PEI stories—just make sure your motivations are clear and compelling.

Best,

Evelina

Answer 2

Hey there :)

That HR call after Solve is usually a short touchpoint, not a real interview. They mostly check logistics, your motivation, and clarify your background, so yes you might get light questions like why McKinsey or why consulting, but nothing like a full fit round. Think of it more as a conversation to make sure you’re aligned and motivated.

By the time you get that call, your CV and Solve have already been screened positively. HR doesn’t typically “decide” on pass/fail for interviews on their own – the decision is usually already made and the call is to confirm details before officially inviting you to first round.

So it’s not high-stakes, just be professional, clear on your story, and enthusiastic about McKinsey.

best,
Alessa :)

Answer 3

Yes, this is part of the screening process. They want to make sure you are serious about your application and know where you are getting into.

So, as such, yes, it is part of a screening process, and you should be ready to answer questions around why you want to join Consulting, Mckinsey, and your profile (i.e. briefly explain your career up until now).