Apply Mckinsey (interviewer-led) and Bain / BCG (candidate-led) at same time?

Application
Neue Antwort am 9. Nov. 2021
6 Antworten
1,0 T. Views
Anonym A fragte am 7. Nov. 2021

I have practiced candidate-led cases for a while (50+ cases), without specifically practicing any interviewer-led cases. I'd like to hear your advice on:

(1) Given that I have only practiced candidate-led cases, do I need to specifically practice interviewer-led cases if I apply for McKinsey? What would be some major points that I would need to specifically enhance / prepare for interviewer-led cases?

(2) Is it better to apply to McKinsey after interviewing with BCG and Bain, or is it okay to apply / prepare all 3 firms altogether at the same time? I feel that the 2 format each focuses on different aspects, so I am just cautious about whether I should apply to all 3 firms at the same time). 

Thank you for your advice.

Übersicht der Antworten

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Datum aufsteigend
  • Datum absteigend
Beste Antwort
Ian
Experte
Content Creator
antwortete am 7. Nov. 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

(1) Given that I have only practiced candidate-led cases, do I need to specifically practice interviewer-led cases if I apply for McKinsey? What would be some major points that I would need to specifically enhance / prepare for interviewer-led cases?

Of course! You need to practice for what will happen. That said, candidate-led is like riding a bike, while interviewee-led is like riding a bike with training wheels. 

This doesn't mean Mck-style is easier, just that if you can drive a case, you can be driven in a case - but you still have to practice this!

(2) Is it better to apply to McKinsey after interviewing with BCG and Bain, or is it okay to apply / prepare all 3 firms altogether at the same time? I feel that the 2 format each focuses on different aspects, so I am just cautious about whether I should apply to all 3 firms at the same time). 

It really depends on your timing/goals. Do you have a preferred firm? In that case, you won't want to spread them out too much (or you'll be forced to make a decision prior to hearing the verdict on other firms). If you don't have a preferred firm, you can space out applications/interviews in order to give yourself time to implement feedback if you don't pass rounds.

Ultimately, timing/goals are really what should make your decision - i.e. if you want to apply for all 3 at once you should! (90% of prep will be the same).

War diese Antwort hilfreich?
Pedro
Experte
antwortete am 7. Nov. 2021
30% off in March 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

1. Although what's being tested is basically the same, you need to practice to get used to the different format (and firm). Doesn't mean a lot of extra practice, but a handful of cases to get the hang of it.

2. This really depends on your preferences. If you want to, you can do it, I don't see a significant downside. It doesn't require that much extra preparation.

War diese Antwort hilfreich?
Antonello
Experte
Content Creator
antwortete am 7. Nov. 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

Preparation is the same for both types of case interviews.

It is totally ok to apply/prepare for all MBB altogether.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Anto

War diese Antwort hilfreich?
Agrim
Experte
Content Creator
antwortete am 7. Nov. 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

It is certainly ok to apply to all 3 together.

The format of the interview shouldn't pose a problem.

The skills required are the same and only the flow of the interview changes.

War diese Antwort hilfreich?
Udayan
Experte
Content Creator
bearbeitete eine Antwort am 9. Nov. 2021
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /6 years McKinsey recruiting experience

Hi,

You absolutely need to practice McKinsey style cases. I do not agree with some of the other coaches here that McKinsey is easier. The emphasis of questions is very different and the depth you need to go into from a structuring and quant perspective is also greater. So I would focus a lot on structuring and quant in terms of prep for McKinsey cases (also charts - they use those a lot)

My personal opinion is that if you have the flexibility then apply to McKinsey with a break in the middle. However if you are applying as part of a cohort (e.g., MBA) then you may not have much flexibility here so just do what makes the most sense.

 

Udayan

(editiert)

War diese Antwort hilfreich?
Hagen
Experte
Content Creator
bearbeitete eine Antwort am 9. Nov. 2021
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • Generally speaking, interviewer-led case studies might seem a little easier since you are being led through the case study. Still, I would advise you to show equal amounts of case leadership by proposing the next steps you would take on.
  • Moreover, I would advise you to keep in mind the specificities of McKinsey (as well as Bain and BCG), especially when it comes to the level of detail in the initial structure.
  • Lastly, you can certainly apply at the same time. Still, I would advise you to schedule the interviews in sequence if possible which will make it easier for you to truly focus on one company after another.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming MBB interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

(editiert)

War diese Antwort hilfreich?

Ian

Content Creator
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
1.088
Meetings
76.203
Q&A Upvotes
227
Awards
5,0
150 Bewertungen
Wie wahrscheinlich ist es, dass du uns einem Freund oder Kommilitonen empfiehlst?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Nicht wahrscheinlich
10 = Sehr wahrscheinlich