Hi everyone,
I recently finished my 1 on 1 coaching session with McKinsey. My recruiter told me that next step will be a 30 mins case only interview, and I will only be invited to the first round interview if I pass the case round.
This process sounds a bit different, and I'm wondering if anyone also have the same experience? Is it because my performance in the coaching session is not good enough?
I'm also seeking for suggestions/advises on how can I prepare for it within 7 days. Thank you :)
Hey there,
In the McKinsey interview you will have to answer three different questions types - broadly speaking:
Now for Structure and Exhibit Interpretation, there is no right or wrong answer. Some answers are better than others because they are
That being said, there is no 100% that you can reach or the one-and-only solution/ answer. It is important that your answers display the characteristics specified above and supported well with arguments.
As for Math questions, usually, there are answers which are correct (not always 100% the same since some candidates simplify or round differently - which is ok), and others that are wrong, either due to the
Now, for the interviewer, the overall picture counts. Mistakes in one area need to be balanced by a strong performance in other areas. McKinsey wants to see spikes in performance in certain areas and a good enough performance in other areas.
The most common example I see almost every day: You can be strong in structure and exhibit, yet make a small mistake in the math section - overall as you might consider 80% - and still pass on to the next round.
Your phone case:
These short screening phone interviews are usually conducted by an HR person (compared to consultants, which usually do the cases). The types of questions, evaluation, etc. will all be the same. Yet the interviewer will likely record your answers (in written form) and forward them to a consultant together with their observation points. The consultant would then make the decision to move you forward or not.
Hence, your preparation does not differ from the 'real-deal' case interview.
Let me know if you need a quick evaluation of your skills and recalibration of your approach to make sure you match the interviewer's expectations. :-)
Cheers,
Florian
The 30 min case only interview before first round does happen in certain McKinsey offices and roles and so I wouldn't worry about it at all. They are typically are conducted by a recruiter who is checking your preparedness with cases to ensure that there are no suprises in first round.
It's hard to generalise how best to prepare for it but hopefully your 1-on-1 case coaching session has given you an indication of what you need to work on. I would definitely make sure you are comfortable with profitability and market entry cases at the bare minimum where you are comfortable solving such cases independent of industry/context, etc. Additionally, I would also spend time ensure that you are comfortable with each section of a McKinsey case: namely structuring, numeracy/exhibit reading and conceptual thinking.
Good luck!
Hi
I did the phone interview with HR, it is going to be pure case interview without any other questions. the case will be very simple and typical McKinsey Interviewer led, so expect this structure :
1. What are the key factors of X
2. Quantitative questions
3. Brainstorming questions
in my experience, the case can be done in less than 20 minutes if you have been practicing case interview.
Hi,
This is STANDARD process for an experienced here. The process is as follows
4. If you pass the above you then get to the proper first round
Dont worry you did nothing wrong!
Udayan
Hi there,
Nothing to worry about here. If your performance wasn't good enough, you'd be cut. You're still in the running and have the same odds as the next guy/gal.
If you only have 7 days to prepare, nothing beats a coaching session! Highly recommend you invest in a coaching session to make sure you're at the required readiness level.
Good luck!
Hi, especially in this period and for the most junior positions it can happen to have an additional test from a consultant.
Do not worry and arrived prepared on cases and market sizing. It's a tremendous opportunity (:
Best
Antonello
Hi there,
As mentioned by Ken, this is standard for some McK offices.
I usually recommend the following to prepare (you have probably already covered some of them):
If you want to spend few hours only instead of 100+ and cover everything mentioned above, I developed a program to precisely do that. You can click on the following link to learn more:
https://u.preplounge.com/63phuq
After this program, you will know exactly what to expect in your interview, what to work on, and how to focus on the real differentiators to land a McKinsey offer.
Please feel free to PM me if you need more information.
Best,
Francesco
Hi there,
As explained by the other coaches, you'll need to solve the case, and it is a normal practice.
7 days might be tight, but without knowing your preparation level, it's really hard to say:)
If you are experienced in case-solving, you're gonna do alright, otherwise, some coaching sessions will help to prepare in a short period.
Cheers,
GB
Hello,
That is a preliminary step that sometimes HR ask for testing your preparation before putting you in front of managers and partners. Seven days is not a great amount of time, if you don't have experience with case interview I would rather suggest to try to postpone the meeting.
Feel free to write me for any additional questio,
Luca
Hello!
In line with what has been said before, this is very common!
Focus now on case prep for passing rounds.
I would suggest you:
1. Practice cases with partners asap, as many as you can do.Find experienced partners who can provide a good feedback
2. Practice your math skills, both in your cases and with ad hoc exercisess, such as:
1. Multiplying double digit numbers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ndkkPZYJHo
2. Leveraging math tools (Mimir math for iOS), Math tool on Viktor Cheng website to practice
Furthermore, you should practice as much as you can, and ensure that you cover:
1. Profitability cases- basic profitability framework.
2. Idea generation cases: for any specif issue
3. Growth cases: market penetration, new product launch, product mix change, etc.
4. Pricing cases
5. M&A cases
6. Valuation cases
7. Value chain cases
Given you are under this much time contraint, consider working with a coach to foster speed and ensure you have a tailored plan to be very targeted. PM me interested!
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
