Hi all,
I have a McKinsey R1 for the Ldn office coming up and wanted to clarify something about the PEI format. I’ve seen posts where some candidates were told in advance which PEI dimensions they’d be assessed on.
Does anyone know whether McKinsey typically shares PEI themes ahead of time, or if this varies by office or region? Also, is it okay to ask the recruiter about this, or could that leave a bad impression?
Thanks!
it varies - depends on office.
Prep all four dimensions anyway (Connection, Drive, Leadership, Growth). Even if you know R1 themes, you're prepping to get the offer, not just pass one round. Think ambitiously - you'll need all those stories polished for R2 and final anyway.
Just prep everything. You're going through (++you never know what the interviewer feels like on dday)
best of luck!
Hi there,
McKinsey does not consistently share PEI themes in advance, and whether candidates are told varies by office, recruiter, and sometimes even by interviewer. Some candidates do get themes ahead of time, but many don’t — both are completely normal.
For London specifically, it’s common not to receive PEI dimensions upfront. Interviewers typically choose the theme themselves (e.g. leadership, conflict, drive, failure) and probe deeply rather than follow a fixed script.
It’s okay to ask the recruiter, but manage expectations. Asking politely won’t hurt your candidacy, but the most likely response is that they can’t share specifics. If you do ask, keep it neutral and light, for example:
“I wanted to check whether any PEI themes are typically shared in advance for preparation purposes.”
Regardless, the safest approach is to prepare 2–3 strong stories that can flex across multiple dimensions. McKinsey values depth and reflection more than matching a pre-announced theme.
Feel free to reach out if you need further advice - happy to help!
Best,
Evelina
