These are great, targeted questions. 

On the first one:

Yes, most interviewers read the full prompt. Others will actually take breaks in between to ensure that you follow - it depends on the style of the interviewer.

But regardless of how they do it, you can always ask questions. Unless you missed out a critical part of the prompt, it's best to ask the questions at the end. 

On the second one:

Yes, the 1 minute mark is the typical one. 

But more important is to ensure that you have a good answer. So if you feel like you need more time, take it. Yes, the expectations of the interviewer will increase, but it's still better than giving an answer that you know yourself is not great.

Good luck!
Cristian 

Hi there,

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

• First of all, I would highly advise you not to overthink this. It is generally accepted and even expected to ask clarifying questions, either right after the prompt or after the interviewer presented the first question, depending on the situation.
• Moreover, regarding the time for brainstorming questions, I would highly advise you to use the time needed to generate meaningful ideas, especially if it enhances the quality of your solutions.

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

Best,

Hagen

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Hi there,

1) Will they give me time to ask the typical clarifying questions? Or should I wait for them to read the "Question"?

This might depend on the interviewer. In general, I would recommend waiting until they have provided the prompt and asked the question before asking clarifying questions, unless you missed something critical that would compromise your understanding of the rest of the prompt/question.

2) How much time is “acceptable” to take between the typical brainstorming questions for the mck format?

It depends on the question, but in general, 1 minute should be enough time to properly structure most brainstorming questions during the case. There is no strict rule in terms of time, so if you need more time, I would recommend taking extra time in order to provide a better answer.

Good luck!

Francesco

Regarding questions, interviewers tend to prefer to finish the prompt before asking the questions. So generally let interview finish and ask 2-3 clarifying questions if needed.

Regarding time to structure your brainstorming answer, take the exact time you need to come up with a good and structured answer. 30-60 seconds should be enough but take more if you feel you need it.

Best,

Alberto

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Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Hi! I've been at McKinsey as a consultant and I'm a coaching expert on the matter. I hope this is helpful in better understanding the case structure

1. Clarifying Questions: It's typical to ask clarifying questions after the interviewer presents the entire prompt. However, if unsure, it's acceptable to ask clarifying questions after each section.
2. Brainstorming Time: Aim to spend around 1-2 minutes brainstorming ideas, focusing on quality over quantity. Prioritize impactful ideas and mention you have more to discuss if time allows.