Hey there,

This was not a typical PEI interview but rather a resume interview. They employ it sometimes if they quickly want to pre-screen candidates before spending consultant hours on interviewing.

As regards your questions:

1. Yes.

2. If it is a real PEI, the same expectations in terms of content, yet more senior context with more impact (https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-pei)

3. Depends on the specific role they are recruiting. Could go both ways

4. Wait for HR. If they send a rejection, the ban period for full-time hires is usually 2 years, however, this can be accelerated with networking and strong changes on the resume.

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

1) Can you fail the interview at the PEI interview round?

Yes

2) What are the expectations for an EM candidates during the PEI interview?

"Someone who can approach a complicated problem and think + communicate in a structured way in the right context+objective of the case, while being personable, adaptable, and coachable, so that, ultimately, the interviewer can see themselves working with this individual and putting them in front of a client."

3) Would the lack of experience managing core team have you move forward at a lower level?

It depends. If you can't convince them you know how to manage, you will not get the EM job. Whether or not that means you get “downgraded” to Associate depends on them.

4) How long should I wait before reapplying?

Check with them but generally it's 12-18 months.

Here's some reading for you to be better prepared next time (for both PEI and the case)

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

Hey there,

So first of all, it seems like you didn't even get to the 1st round yet. That's because “real” interviews follow a pretty standard pattern, which is PEI + case by current consultants, not recruiters.

What you had was a pre-screen it seems, which may have to do with the fact that you're considered for an EM role with no consulting background (from what I see). This is very unusual to begin with so I am not really surprised about this extra step.

Regarding your questions:

1. Yes, you can fail an interview for a poor PEI. However, there's normally no such thing as a “PEI interview round”. Your experience seems like a pre-screen and you may or may not be given further consideration after this.
2. Strong examples across all dimensions, particular focus on leadership, excellent top-down communication, good connection to the interviewer. You will need to hit the ground running as an EM hire and therefore have to show a stellar performance. This is difficult to do, which is why most people are interviewed for Associate roles, even when they have plenty of non-consulting managerial experience.
3. Your question is whether they would decide to move forward but for the Associate role. Could be! If McKinsey really want you, they will find the right fit for you. However, even Associates have to show strong examples of leadership. Not necessarily “formal” team leadership in a professional context but still, leadership of some sort.
4. Nothing is lost yet! Wait until HR gets back to you and let's hope for the best. In case you didn't get through this time, the question is whether you're banned from interviewing again. If you went through a real interview round and failed, your ban is typically 24 months. However, given that you had a screening only, you may not be banned. Discuss with the recruiter and further down the line, apply as an Associate, not EM.

Hope this helps a bit! Best of luck!!

Hi,

It is interesting that you did not have a traditional PEI round. I think this is because they are likely looking for a candidate that can hit the ground running. Direct interviews for EM are not very common as most of the training to become a successful EM happens when you are an Associate or BA. Most often direct to EM hires are already EMs at other strategy firms. Nowadays with staffing shortages this is probably changing.

In this case I would say your experience matters a lot for them to consider you. If you do not have most of the relevant experience required, it would not be good for both you and them to have you as an EM as it is a very high pressure role with many ways to fail.

In terms of next steps I would wait to see what HR says (don't jump the gun on this) before taking any action. In general I think if this is not the right level for you, you can always request to interview for the Associate role instead.

Best,

Udayan

(editiert)