Questions about Mckinsey First round interview

Question

Hello

I have some questions about first round interview.

1. I got a call from Mckinsey HR saying that I passed the PSG about 2 or 3 weeks ago, but I didn't set a date for the first round interview during that call. I just asked them to give me some time to prepare for the interview.

during last 2 weeks I haven't heard from them so I called yesterday and asked HR about the schedule for first round interview. During the call they told me that if I give them some dates then they will reply me back with the available date.

It feels somewhat weird for me, because most of the other interview that I'd taken till now, the company usually set the interview date for me.

So is it normal for candidates to set a date for interview in consulting culture?

2. I've been told that there will be 10-15 min of PEI interview for every round.

What i'm curious is that whether the interviewers will only be asking me about the one of the 3~4 dimensions(personal impact, etc.) or do the interviewers ask some normal fit questions like “why consulting?”, “why mckinsey?”.

If they will ask me just about one of the 4 dimension during the whole 10~15 min of PEI Interview, then I think I have to back up my stories a lot more.

Thank you

Answer 1

Hi there,

1) So is it normal for candidates to set a date for interview in consulting culture?

Not normal but could happen. I would not read anything into it.

2) I've been told that there will be 10-15 min of PEI interview for every round.

They can also ask Why consulting, Why McKinsey etc, besides the PEI story.

You can find some tips here for the McKinsey PEI and case interview:

▶ 4 PEI Dimensions You Should Know

▶ 4 Ways McKinsey Interviews are Different

▶ McKinsey Final Round Tips

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 2

Actually, this is absolutely normal.

Fit questions can be on everything, in particular, is quite common to be asked “why McK” and “why consulting”.

NB: it is always more common that interviews are going off the rails of what is considered “standard”. So, learn how to flex your flexibility muscles.

Answer 3

Hi there,

McKinsey interviewers are more flexible at the moment due to the Pandemic and the virtual character of the interviews, meaning that they can try to match your proposed dates. It is not the usual process but it is also not uncommon.
You will always discuss one dimension per interview, sometimes even up to 20 minutes. Have a look at this article that should guide your story creation and delivery: https://www.preplounge.com/mckinsey-pei. Be prepared for very detailed follow-up questions.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

Hi there,

This isn't abnormal at all. Just follow their instructions and provide dates and you should be good to go :)

Please make sure you have thoroughly prepared for the case AND fit portion of the interview (both “why consulting” type questions and the PEI).

Here's some reading to help you:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

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

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

Answer 5

Hi,

#1: I have seen both (interviewee proposes a date, company proposes a date). Do not worry about it but be happy that they offer you flexibility.

#2: Almost always a few “normal fit” questions and PEI. Make sure to prepare both.

Hopefully this helps.

Jorn