Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application process with McKinsey thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

• First of all, please keep in mind that rescheduling interviews, especially at partner level, is not that uncommon due to their busy schedules or unforeseen circumstances. I would advise you to be patient and flexible during this time, even if it can be frustrating.
• Moreover, regarding your first final round interview, it's hard to say whether its outcome is related to the postponement of the second one. Usually, both final round interviews are considered together, rather than sequentially. So, it's not likely that the rescheduling is a result of your performance in the first interview. Please do not let this concern affect your confidence going into the second interview.
• Lastly, I would advise you to use this extra time to your advantage. Brush up on areas you felt less confident about in your first final round interview and prepare thoroughly for the second one. Your focus should be on delivering your best in the upcoming interview, despite the postponements.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming last final round interview, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

(editiert)

Hi there,

Honestly, I would not worry and this is not a reflection on you.

They would not waste your time and the Partner's time (and recruiting team's time) if they were not interested!

What is happening is the Partner is busy. Client comes first, especially in emergencies.

That's all this is.

Keep calm, stay patient, and keep politely following up every so often if it looks like the ball is slipping.

Good luck for your final interview!

Here's some reading to help you prep: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation

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

Hi there,

1) I have my final round with McKinsey second interview however the interview got postponed three times already! Last time, I knew in advance by just 20 min.

This is indeed unusual. However, it is likely just related to issues with the partners’ availability.

2) For my final round first interview with the partner it didn't go the best. I was wondering if that's perhaps linked to why the second interview keeps getting scheduled?

I don’t think there is a correlation as:

• They will have to organize the second interview regardless, therefore there is no “advantage” for them to postpone due to the previous performance.
• The decision should be based on the feedback of all interviewers in any case.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there, 

No, don't read too much into it. 

It just sounds like you were unlucky. 

And with final rounds, since they're with Partners, their schedules tend to be more hectic. Perhaps they got a concerning call from a client and had to handle that. 

In terms of what you can do in the meantime to prepare better for a final round, here's what to focus on:

1. Work on the feedback provided in the previous rounds. Most firms communicate the feedback from the previous rounds to the final interviewer. It's important then to show the final interviewer that you have a growth mindset and are reactive to feedback. This matters immensely. Make sure you are clear on your development areas and that you get the right support to polish them before the final interview.
2. Expect less structure. Senior interviewers already have the confidence that you are a decent candidate, your skills having been already vetted by their younger colleagues. They are rather more interested in your as a person and your way of thinking. So they might present you with an unusual case, or one that is created on the spot or no case altogether. Expect anything.
3. Focus on excellent communication. Senior interviewers care a lot about how clearly you communicate and how you manage to forge a connection with the interviewer. It's important to be top-down and concise as much as possible with your answers, while allowing the conversation to flow in a natural way.
4. Put yourself in their shoes. The one question senior interviewers are asking themselves throughout the interview is what will happen when they'll put you in front of a client they've groomed for years? Make sure that even based on this first impression you seem somebody who can be trusted and who can work with any client regardless of how difficult they might be.

Best,
Cristian

If McKinsey did not want to offer you a role they would reject you - nobody has extra time on their hands. So don't take the rescheduling personally and focus on doing your best during the interview. Once the interview starts nothing else matters.

All the best,

Udayan

Hi there,

yes, this happens quite often and rescheduling is nothing to worry about, as it typically relates to interviewer availability. 

Bear in mind that Final Round interviewers are usually quite senior and they have tight schedules with lots of client engagement - in terms of priority, candidate interviews are considered less (time-)critical than client meetings, so if  a meeting schedule changes, it can often lead to interviews being pushed.

Hope this clarifies.

Regards, Andi  

I understand your concerns about the postponed interviews and the potential impact of your first-round performance on the scheduling. While it's natural to feel worried in such situations, it's essential to approach this with a positive mindset and consider some common reasons for interview rescheduling.

Scheduling conflicts: Postponements can happen due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts on the interviewer's side. Partners and senior consultants often have busy schedules, and unexpected meetings or urgent client matters may arise, leading to rescheduling.

Interviewer availability: McKinsey may strive to ensure that the right interviewer, especially a Partner, is available to conduct your second interview. This process can take some time, resulting in the postponement of the interviews.

Feedback from the first interview: The postponements might be related to the feedback from your first-round interview with the Partner. McKinsey places great emphasis on consistency in evaluations, and they may want to ensure that the second interview aligns with the feedback from the first one.

Regarding your concern about your first-round performance, it's essential not to jump to conclusions. McKinsey's interview process is rigorous and thorough, and they evaluate candidates holistically. While the first interview may not have gone as well as you hoped, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the sole reason for the rescheduling.

Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on preparing diligently for your upcoming interview. Reflect on your first-round experience and identify areas where you can improve. Take advantage of resources like mock interviews, case practice, and feedback from peers or mentors.

Here are some steps to approach your second interview with confidence:

Review the feedback: If you received specific feedback from your first interview, use it to guide your preparation. Focus on addressing any areas of improvement.

Revisit case interviews: Practice various case scenarios to sharpen your problem-solving skills and demonstrate structured thinking during the interview.

Behavioral questions: Be prepared to discuss your experiences and skills in detail. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers.

Be yourself: McKinsey values authenticity and a genuine interest in problem-solving. Let your personality shine through during the interview.

Stay positive: Avoid letting rescheduling or previous interview performance affect your confidence. Approach the second interview as a fresh opportunity to showcase your abilities.

Remember, the interview process is competitive, and many candidates face multiple rounds. Focus on your preparation and present your best self during the interview. Whatever the outcome, view this experience as a valuable learning opportunity for future interviews and professional growth.

Wishing you the best of luck for your upcoming McKinsey interview! Stay positive, stay confident, and give it your best effort. You've got this!