McKinsey 30-minute Case Assessment Call

Question

I passed the initial resume screening and digital assessment, and I found out that my next step will be 30-minute case assessment call, which I was informed that it will be a pass/fail based interview, before my first round. Can someone help me understand this process? Is this one very similar to the 1st round interview?

Answer 1

Hi There,

I happened to have several occasions to be the interviewer for case assessment calls for McKinsey before, usually for a specialist candidate.

Some McKinsey offices use this before arranging your first full interview. It can happen for many reasons e.g. limited slots of interviewers, a doubt emerged during the CV screening, etc.

The setup of the interview usually as follows:

A very quick personal/behavior question (max 5 mins) - as this is not the main objective
The remaining 20 mins focus on case
- Interviewer led - start with the quite simple problem context
- No exhibit or chart/table reading
- The interview usually focuses on your problem structuring and communication
- Math can be asked sometime, but it's not going to be a very complex one
The last 5 mins will be Q&A (if there is still enough time)

The bar of this interview might not be as high as a full interview as the interviewer is mandated to focus on your conceptual thinking, problem structuring, and articulation.

And, Yes - it is only 1 interviewer to decide pass/fail - so no room for error.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Hi,

While, as mentioned by others, the assessment call is a bit different from a true 1st/2nd round, just remember that all the same principles apply. That is, don't prepare for this any differently than you would any other interview! Practice cases and fit questions. Practice being structured, MECE, clear/articulate, hypothesis driven etc. etc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi, I confirm it is common, especially in this period based on remote interviews. You are going to be assessed with a little case (very often a market sizing or a profit and loss) and maybe 1 fit questions (usually among the most important ones e.g. why consulting, why Mck, or present yourself in 1 minute)

Best,

Antonello

Answer 4

Hello!

I have two coachees that have done through this in the last 3 weeks, both for McKinsey US. PM me and I can connect you with them/share with you how we prepared.

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 5

Hi there,

as mentioned by Anrian, the structure of the initial screening call is the same as the standard interview. The main differences are:

The interview is conducted as a call, which makes the process a bit different compared to the face to face. You can find some tips on that at the link below: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/deloitte-so-first-round-phone-interview-4488
The case is shorter – usually 15-20 mins instead of 30-35
The bar is lower

Best,

Francesco

Answer 6

To add to the answers below as I have both conducted and coached people for this - these cases are typically easier than the ones you will get in the 1st round and do not go into as much depth. However you will need to come across as well structured and analytical in your approach to pass

Best,

Udayan

Answer 7

Dear A,

Anrian explained it nicely. I agree with him

Best,

André

Answer 8

Hello,

I have the same call in a few days. Can you give me some guidance on how to prepare for this round?

Answer 9

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