Phone discussion with the firm

Hey there,

Congrats on passing the PSG! :-)

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UPDATE

I have written a detailed insider perspective on the McKinsey case interview here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-interview

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There are 2 types of phone interviews McKinsey is currently conducting.

The first is a phone case interview, either conducted by HR or an alumnus of the firm. This is basically a short McKinsey case, covering the typical question types (https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-pre-1-round-case-screening-interview-9369). 

The second is a personal fit screening. I had several candidates now go through both.

As a first step, I would ask HR what type of interview to expect.

My hypothesis is that it is a normal fit screening based on your questions. 

1. It's a very simple screening, more of a formality than an actual evaluation.
2. Definitely! For the types of questions see below
3. The questions are much more rapid-fire and higher level than the PEI. My candidates got the following questions:

• Guide me through your resume
• Why consulting?
• Why McKinsey?
• Are you aware of the work we are doing in <practice> and how could you contribute with your experience here  (for experienced hires)?

Prepare a top-down answer for each of those highlighting 3-5 points for each. Link your experience and your successes with the skills needed in consulting and the tasks conducted on the job daily. If it's a case, please let me know and I am happy to change my answer and give more guidance.

For more detail, have a look here as well: https://strategycase.com/consulting-personal-fit-interviews-the-only-guide-you-need-to-read

The rest of the interview is spent on your questions, so think about 3-5 questions you have that you are actually interested in and that could give you some new insights.

Let me know if you need help with McKinsey in general. :-)

All the best and fingers crossed!

Florian

Hi there,

1. Would it be a phone screening, a phone interview, or a chill discussion?

It could be any of what you mentioned. Usually the call is used as:

• Case only screening: no PEI and 30 min case
• Fit only screening: usually involving standard motivational questions such as “Why McKinsey”. You can find a complete list here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/preliminary-call-discussion-with-mckinsey-6811

You mentioned the call is to arrange the interviews, so it could also be the case the call is to set up the logistics only.

2. Should I prepare myself with the phone screening question? (Why consultant? why McKinsey?)

Yes. You can clarify with HR as well before, they should mention what the call is about.

3. What types of questions do recruiters ask?

Depends on 1. For fit, you can refer to the questions at the link.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Please never expect a "chill discussion" for anything professional :)

That said, regardless as to where it's a phone screening or phone interview, you should prepare in much the same way.

Make sure you are super clear in, and able to articulate your answers to "Resume Walkthrough" "Why Consulting" and "Why the firm".

Good luck!

Hi, I would prepare motivational questions about why consulting and why the firm too. In case the invitation will be too short in time and you have no time to well prepare do not struggle with proactively proposing a postponed date

Best

Antonello