No Fit/PEI for final round interview

Question

Hi, I just had my final round interview with M, and one of the partner interviewers did not ask any fit/PEI questions (not even tell me about yourself), with the whole time spent on the case component. When I asked 2 - 3 clarifying questions for the case, the interviewer cut me off, asking if I have done cases before (I have done multiple cases and am in final rounds with a few firms). I felt I handled it well, but this whole interview has thrown me off my confidence and while I know that this is sunk cost given that the interview is completed, I am extremely confused, in particular with the total lack of fit questions. Any insights on this?

Answer 1

Hey there,

Unfortunately, that seems to be the 1% odd partner-round interview you have experienced here.

It is uncommon but can happen that partners use their own interviewing style, deviating from interviewer guidelines, especially related to the stress question asked.

As related to the PEI, that can happen, for instance, if all interviewers in previous rounds were very much in favor of your stories and only saw some development potential in the case part of the interview. Focusing on one aspect in the final round is more common.

Fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 2

It is an unusual experience indeed.
But, anything can happen in an interview, especially partner rounds. They can maneuver the interview as per their experience and intentions.
The typical interview script that we practice is not gospel and is not a curriculum.
Some interviewers use this tactic to test how people can perform in unfamiliar situations.
Many times candidates finish such interviews with a bad feeling about it, but they actually get through - so don't worry, not all is lost. Lets wait for the outcome.

Answer 3

Very hard to say and I advice that you dont' speculate. Any number of things could be going on with the interviewer which you cant predict and neither should you try to. But before you draw conclusions, try and get some concrete feedback if possible. Maybe you took things too personally, became defensive and could have performed better under pressure?! I maybe wrong but you know best.

Its okay for interviewers to go off script every now and then. Just because there was no FIT questions, doesn't mean anything. Perhaps they wanted to focus on case. Your job is to give your best no matter what is thrown at you.

It also feels like you perhaps got put off straight away when challenged on your case ability. This is an important skill- to remain calm & mature and address the challenges nicely. The last thing you want to do is to take things personally and enter a downward spiral.

Have a look at these helpful Q&A threads:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hustle-interviewer-11688
https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/interviewer-bias-11717

Answer 4

Hi there,

I love that you've posted this right after we've had a flood of Q&As asking exactly what to expect for their 1st and 2nd round interviews (one on RB Middle East market sizing, another on 2nd round BCG, etc. etc.)!

This is “normal” in that anything can happen!

Well done adjusting, but it doesn't mean anything - we can never predict what exactly will happen in the interview, but rather just control how we react to the unexpected.

Answer 5

Hi there,

No PEI in a final at McKinsey is indeed unusual indeed, but I don’t think you can extrapolate anything from that in terms of the outcome.

From what you mentioned, it seems it could have been a stress interview. Possibly the interviewer just wanted to see how you reacted under pressure. That’s also unusual at McK, but I may happen.

At this stage unfortunately the only thing you can do is to wait.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 6

I find it strange for not having PEI questions - the minimum at a final round is to at least assess your motivations (although that may have been evaluated on previous rounds).

In any case, interviews don't follow (and don't have to follow) a script. So this happens once in a while.

Same thing with stress questions - or simply interviewers being more upfront on how they are reacting to what you say. This is part of the process, and you should keep your poise in this situations. If you handle them well, they don't really have an impact and can actually be positive.

Hope you pass the interview anyway! Good luck.

Answer 7

Hi!

Anything can happen during final round interviews!

Your interviewer might have tried to see how you react under pressure and I don't believe he/she was trying to fail you.

Good luck,

Anto

Answer 8

This is a very unfortunate experience. McK interviews are structured to be helpful and polite and not rude like you seemed to have gotten. This is very rare but clearly it happens. I hope it still turns out positively for you.

Udayan