Hi there, 

Congrats on being invited to the test!

Let me take your questions one by one.

1. Do they send the Imbellus test to everyone who applies ? 

In some offices, yes. They then review both the CV and cover letter together with the results from the test. Other offices do it sequentially, only sending the test to promising candidates. I wouldn't read much at this point in the fact that you received the invite. 

2. Will my interviews only take place if I pass the test ?

If you pass the test with a high-score, and if they consider your CV and cover letter is strong, then yes, they will shortlist you for the first round.

3. How many interviews do they conduct typically ?

Typically, two rounds of two interviews. However, depending on the office you are applying for and the role, these can differ. Some geographies are experimenting - for instance - with a quick case over the phone (as a first round), followed by a final round that contains 3-6 interviews (after which they provide you with the final decision). 

Best of luck! It's great you have all this time ahead of you, so make sure you make the most out of it :)

Cristian

Hi there,

Congrats on the invite!

Straight to your questions:

1. Not to everyone but 95% of their applicants. There are exceptions in certain offices and regions for certain types of applicants (e.g., very senior lateral hires).
2. In the London office, the decision whether you pass on to the interviews is based on a combination of your test score (process and product score) as well as other factors such as your resume and referrals.
3. 4-5 interviews in two rounds. 

If you want to learn more for your McKinsey interview preparation, check out both articles I wrote about it. :-)

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

https://www.preplounge.com/mckinsey-pei

Cheers,

Florian

I was in your same exact position applying to McK LON and made it work, so it is possible. Reach out if you want some more guidance, I am doing a free 15 min intro call which we can use to discuss the best way to maximise your time.

You will have 2 rounds of 2 interviews each only if you pass the imbellus test. Everyone gets it in London.

Hi there,

1. Do they send the Imbellus test to everyone who applies ? 

Depends on the office/channel. 

Regardless, worry about things that matter and that you can control. You have the test. You have to do as well as you can in the test. Period.
2. Will my interviews only take place if I pass the test ?

Your interviews will only take place if you pass the screening. This includes, but is not limited to the test. You are assessed across a range of factors (test, background, resume, networking, office demand, etc.)

3. How many interviews do they conduct typically ?

Generally 2 rounds of 2 interviews. As always, be flexible and ready for that to not be the case.

Hi there,

1) Do they send the Imbellus test to everyone who applies? 

It depends. In some cases they do CV pre-screening, in others (eg for candidates from some business schools) they send it to everyone.

2) Will my interviews only take place if I pass the test?

In almost all offices, yes. In some, they might assess both interviews and the test together. If that’s the case, they usually notify you when they send the test.

3) How many interviews do they conduct typically?

It might depend on the position. Normally you have two rounds. The last candidates that I helped in the UK had 2 interviews in the first round and 3 in the final.

4) What should be my approach to acing the tests and interviews? Is it possible to ace interviews with self-study prep?

Self-prep only won’t be a very efficient way to prepare. You can find some tips below on how to prepare:

▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In terms of prep for the Imbellus game, you can find an article on the game below with a few tips:

▶ McKinsey Problem Solving Game Article

If you want to prepare further, you can find below a video simulation with:

• 15 videos showing how to crack the Ecosystem Game in 23 minutes (instead of the recommended 35) and resist 25+ turns in the Plant Defense (instead of the minimum target of 15)
• Automated Excel with Formulas to build a food chain in the Ecosystem game in 16 minutes
• PDF guide with all the 6 games (including the Redrock Study) and how to crack each of them

You can check the video simulation at the following link (full disclosure, I am the author):

▶ McKinsey PSG Solve Video Simulation

For any other questions please feel free to PM me.

Good luck!

Francesco