Mckinsey HR call

Question

Hi everyone,

I completed the Solve assessment for a position at McKinsey. On Monday, a recruiter called me regarding my application and asked me to call her back. I called her yesterday, but she didn’t answer, so I sent her a text confirming my availability.

What should I expect from this call? Is it usually an invitation to the first-round interviews, or could it be something else?

Also, if she doesn’t call back and doesn’t answer another follow-up call, would that mean my application is likely dead, or not necessarily?

I’m already preparing for questions like “Why McKinsey?” and “Why now?”, but I’d appreciate insights from people familiar with the process.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi,

Quick thoughts below:

- HR calling you should be a good sign. Fingers crossed it is for a first round interview invite!
- HR speaking with you is non-evaluative
- You will almost never get asked "Why McKinsey" or "Why consulting" etc. - neither by the HR nor during the recruiting process. McKinsey strictly follows PEI for the personal interview format

You could get probed by the HR if you have solid connections to the office / city you are applying though - for example if you are applying to the London office, it helps if you are from the UK, have lived / studied / worked / interned in London etc.

Hope that helps!