McKinsey phone interview

Hello,

Congratulations on getting a phone interview! It is well worth clarifying this with HR. Generally I think that's correct - it would be a typical McKinsey style interview over the phone, and you should prepare the “why consulting/McKinsey” question, as well as other typical fit questions.

Hi there,

Well done getting the interview! Your first priority should be clarifying this with the recruiter. 

The first phone interview could be for assessment or training purposes - many candidates (experienced hires in particular) get a case coaching call from McKinsey, which is not assessed. This would also explain why there's no PEI.

If it is indeed part of the assessment, I would prepare for it no different than 1st round to be on the safe side i.e. case + PEI (did the recruiter specifically there won't be any PEI?). 

In addition, you should also be prepared to answer typical questions (non exhaustive):

• Tell me about yourself
• Talk me through your CV
• Why consulting
• Why McKinsey
• What value can you bring to the firm
• What are your passions

Make sure to have some good questions for the interviewer as well!

Best of luck!

Could you please share what were you asked in the first phone screening with HR?

Hi there,

That's generally correct.

You should be prepared to talk about the firm/consulting overall, why you're interested in it and why you're a good fit. Make sure to practice saying all of these outloud. Also, get a friend to “test” you on a serious of random questions. Basically, you want to practice being flexible/adaptable to the conversation that takes place.

Here's some fit reading for the call: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question