McKinsey call after PSG despite no email invitation

Question

Hi all,

I applied to a Business Analyst Internship at a Central European office. After finishing the PSG last week (which went quite well as far as I can tell - I finished the Ecology Scenario in 20 minutes, and all my Plant defense games reached ~30 rounds), I've now received an email from the recruiter saying she tried to call me but couldn't reach me.

I haven't received any emails about my PSG performance, nor about setting up and interview, and she didn't indicate what the call would be about.

Would anybody here know what they're calling about, and why no email? Would it be appropriate to ask? I'm in the middle of a pretty busy exam period right now, and I'm worried I couldn't prepare for a case study adequately.

Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Most likely it's good news.

They're probably reaching out to you to schedule the next round. This is sometimes easier to do over the phone because you minimize all the back and forth over email. Alternatively, they might have a few questions about your application.

Regardless, don't worry if you don't feel prepared yet. You could always ask for additional time. If they don't seem too enthusiastic about it, then claim personal reasons which do not allow you proceed with the application within the next couple of weeks.

Feel free to write to me if you have trouble pushing back to them on the timeline and I can give you a few ideas.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Well, the easy way to know is just to call them back ;)

It is probably good news, as they would have sent you a rejection email otherwise.

In terms of how to prepare for the interview itself, you can find some tips here:

▶ How to Prepare for an MBB Interview

▶ McKinsey PEI Dimensions

Good luck with the next steps of the process!

Francesco

Answer 3

Hey there,

This is a positive sign. If you had been rejected, they had sent an email and would not call you.

They reach out since they want to discuss interview logistics and time. Don't feel pressured to accept their earliest interview proposal if you are not ready yet.

Have a look at the following 2 articles that I wrote to prepare for your interviews:

Reach out if you need tailored and focused help!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

As a rule of thumb - People do not call someone (especially someone who is not even interviewing yet) to deliver bad news. It is not worth it from a time perspective and is emotionally draining.

I would reply back to them apologizing you missed the call since you were busy prepping for examinations and ask them for the best time and number to call back on or alternatively propose times that work for you.

Do not worry about not having time to prepare etc. McKinsey is generally quite flexible with scheduling interviews for off-cycle/experienced hires so you will be fine.

Best,

Udayan

Answer 5

Hi there,

First, congrats! It's almost a certainty that you've moved on to the next round. Time is scarce, and they would not waste time calling if you did not pass.

Now, you need to call them back ASAP.

If you're not ready for a case study, that's fine! Tell them you're in the middle of exams and ask if you can delay the interview by a few weeks.

Also, please learn from this experience - you should already be case ready! (You should only apply when you're 80% ready). With a bit of luck though, you should be able to get a delayed case interview date.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Hello!

Congrats :)

None calls to say: sorry, you have failed the test (which you already know you didn´t, according to your own performance review).

Simply provide a number and talk to them, they will want to talk to you about how the process continues from now.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 7

Such a millennial! A recruiter calling you should be a good thing. Applying before you feel somewhat comfortable with cases is concerning…