Hey there,

This is a great position to be in! First of all, you need to make sure that your performance in all the “other” areas is still as convincing as last year, if not better!

Now, with regards to what you're describing it seems as though they want to see two things:

1. Analytical thinking: A candidate's ability to listen to a situation, isolate and specify the problem, and break it down into its component parts for analysis (typically the starting questions/framework in a McKinsey case). This is done via MECE issue trees, that are also key for brainstorming questions. For the latter, it's not so much about breaking down a problem but rather coming up with a well structured, comprehensive and creative list of ideas. For anyone wanting to pass a McKinsey interview, it is imperative to excel in this dimension.
2. Conceptual thinking: A candidates ability to tie everything together. This can be done by meaningfully incorporating and referencing bits and pieces of key information in your answers, or basing your final conclusion on more than just the “last question” 1from the interviewer that you answered (in case of a McKinsey interviewer-led case). This is obviously an important skill you have to master, since interviewers will be very focused on this dimension.

Good news is that you can absolutely do targeted practice and train those muscles. This is particularly true for analytical thinking and issue trees, which you can practice in your everyday life (write me if you'd like to learn more). As for conceptual thinking, this requires casing almost by definition.

However, you also need to familiarize yourself with the interview philosophy i.e. give yourself enough time and don't rush into an answer. McKinsey want you to shine, not be the quickest at failing.

I would recommend consulting one of the Experts on the platform, who can help you close these gaps. I used to interviews candidates at McKinsey and can certainly help you getting your performance to where it needs to be - let me know.

For now, I hope this helps! Best of luck!

Hi there, 

I  guess it is related to business case? If so, I would recommend you:

1. familiar yourself with the type of cases you can get https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php and check cases published on PrepLounge

2. Practice math!

3. Dont learn any framework by hard, understand rather how to structure a problem and form a hypothesis to prove/disprove with an analysis

4. Practice with peers and take a few sessions with a coach

Feel free to reach out if you need a coach to support you, I am rewarded as a top BCG trainer, training new hires all the consulting skills (including how we create frameworks), as well as experienced coach. 

Good luck!

Lucie

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Hi there,

First of all, while this might feel like you failed, you honestly haven't. The fact that you made the final round and they told you to re-applying, skipping the other steps is a huge positive sign - well done!

In this case you need to actually define logical thinking. This could be interpreting a chart/exhibit, setting up your math, driving a case, etc. etc.

The best advice I can give would be as follows:

1) Read BCG and McK Insights. Learn how they think

2) When you work through a case/exhibit/math, always be objective driven.

3) Learn how to communicate in a structured way

4) Learn to be organized (on paper and in communication)

5) Get a coach - they'll identify exactly where you're weak and work with you to improve these weaknesses

Good luck!

Hi there,

I have written an extensive article on the McKinsey case interview, which covers quite well what is meant by the feedback of your interviewers.

https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-interview

Reach out if you want a personalized mock and perspective.

All the best,

Florian

Honestly, “logical thinking” is too broad to be able to give out some specific advice. You may have to practice a bit more so you become better aware of your own weaknesses.