Mckinsey Recruiter Phone Screen

Question

Hello,

I completed the McKinsey Imbellus yesterday after receiving a reminder for completing the game. Since it was kinda last day to do the test, I reached out to HR to inform them and they immediately send me an Invitation to Recruiter Phone Screen.
1) does this mean that I’ve passed the Imbellus or do I have to go through the phone screen anyway?
2) should I expect a mini case during this 30 min introductory call?
I heard that people usually get invited to phone assessment or first round case interviews after Imbellus, but phone screen seems like only I have to do.. should I be worried about it?

Answer 1

Hello!

Yes, if they have moved you to the interview phase it means you passed. Congrats!

Yes, a 100% you need to be overprepared always for the next step, so it makes sense to prep for the recruiter call as you would prep for FIT. If you want to deep dive on the topic, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.

Furthermore, you can find 3 FREE Expert Articles on PreLounge, in a sreies dedicated to preparing for the different parts of FIT:

1. https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/cv-interview-questions

2. https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/motivational-fit-interview-questions

3. https://www.preplounge.com/en/behavioral-interview-questions

Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch

Hope it helps!

Answer 2

Hey there,

That is definitely a good sign. They would not want to waste 30 minutes on a rejection. ;-)

Some McKinsey offices for certain positions (e.g., North America for experienced hires) are using a phone screening interview either with

alumni
HR

If alumni interview you, it is the following:

They are usually the first interview within the application to make sure that candidates have a rough understanding of cases before moving on in the application process (i.e. not wasting current consultants' interview time if the candidate is not ready at all).

The phone screening interviews are usually a bit easier than the actual consultant-led interviews and there are no exhibits, yet you still will go through

Structuring
Case Math

If you want to learn more about that, check out the article I wrote here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-interview

If HR is interviewing you, it is usually the following:

a high-level fit interview (why McK, why consulting, guide me through your resume, what skills do you bring to the table that could help McK)
an introduction to the firm and the interviewing logistics

----

In any case, you should clarify with HR what the interview will be about before you go in. All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

Hi there,

Yes, it sounds like you passed the test, otherwise I'm not sure why they would invite you to do the call.

The screening call that you are referring to is - unless told otherwise - a 30min case that usually consists of a framework/structuring question, a calculation question and a brainstorming question. Sometimes you might be requested to do a short recommendation as well. If you pass that, most likely you'll have only one other round which will batch up about 4 interview in one day.

Best of luck and if you feel you are not prepared, do consider asking for some more time so you don't waste an opportunity!

Best,
Cristian

Answer 4

Hi there,

It's likely you passed the test, but some offices include the test with the phone screen.

Regardless the answer here literally doesn't matter as the outcome for you is the same: do the best you can on the phone screen.

You should not expect a mini-case. You want to be ready to answer their questions around your interest in the firm, experience/background etc. You need to ask questions too. It's all a conversation where they're looking to see if you have the right skills/experience/communication/personality for the firm.

Here's a bit of reading, but if you really want to maximize your odds, hire a coach!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question