Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Will We Know McK PEI Theme Ahead of Time?

Hello,

I have a R1 with McKinsey coming up and I was wondering if candidates are given the two PEI "themes" they will be asked ahead of time? In my interview email from the recruiter there is an attached PDF that outlines the stages of the interview process, including the PEI themes associated with each PEI round. I am not sure if that was meant to be a template or if I can rely on those questions being the ones I will be asked. 

Does anyone know the answer to this? Thanks!

3
< 100
0
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Thabang
Coach
5 hrs ago
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there,

I've seen different offices and McKinsey recruiters doing this differently. 

My candidates in the US offices tend to get told which PEI's they'd be doing in each specific round, and in some European offices too. I've also seen others not being told specifically which PEI they'd be getting (and then they only hear it when the interviewer starts). 

Then McKinsey does try and make sure that you are asked all the PEI dimensions as you progress through the stages.  

In your case, coming from the North America office, it won't hurt to ask given that this has been done commonly.  

All the best! 

Mihir
Coach
2 hrs ago
McKinsey Associate Partner and interviewer | Bulletproof MBB prep

Hello,

Yes - I agree with Thabang. My mentees in the US are often told with PEI questions they’ll be asked in each round.

If you have any doubts, you should confirm whether this info is accurate with your recruiting contact.

Best,

Mihir

Ihssane
Coach
26 min ago
McKinsey manager | -50% off first session | 7+ years in consulting| Case & Fit Interview Coach | Free intro session

Hello, 
I have personally never heard about candidates being told PEIs in advance, but could be because I am based in Europe. This means different offices do this differently. 

Similar Questions
Consulting
McKinsey Experienced Hire Recruiting US
on Jun 27, 2024
USA
5
3.1k
Top answer by
Jun
Coach
ex-Junior EM at McKinsey|Advanced degree recruitment ambassador|Experience/APD hire expert
66
5 Answers
3.1k Views
+2
Consulting
Experienced hire partner/ Engagement manager level McKinsey
on Jun 04, 2025
USA
6
300+
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
12
6 Answers
300+ Views
+3
Consulting
Solve Assessment for McKinsey Before or After Recruiter Screening Call
on Jan 15, 2025
USA
6
2.1k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
26
6 Answers
2.1k Views
+3