1 - Can I consider this as a referral?

I would say that no, but also that it doesn't seem like you need it. If things go well you should get the interview.

2 - The recruiter has mentioned that he will send me the link to the online assessment test after I have applied. Does this mean that I have already passed the CV screening as I believe Mck does not send the test to everyone?

Yes and no. It means you passed the basic interview screening that allows you to do the online assessment. Not that you passed the CV screening that happens after that. On the other hand, if the test goes well, given the interaction with the partner, it really suggests you will pass that one. 
 
3 - The recruiter has mentioned online assessment. Does it mean the game-based assessment or PST? 

Imbellus.

4 - Should I apply right away or should I apply after the call with a recruiter?

You can apply right away. And the you can tell the recruiter you already applied!

Hey there,

From the emails it sounds like:

1+2. Yes, it is a referral and you already passed the screening stage.

3. It will be the McKinsey Solve Game (formerly Imbellus or Digital Assessment)

4. Wait for the call but have all your documents ready to get the process started right after the call (if you feel ready)

5. Bonus: Start prepping for the McKinsey interviews by reading these two articles on

• Case: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-interview
• PEI: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-pei

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on being invited by McKinsey!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• Yes, this was a referral, and a specifically strong one, to be honest since you seem to have have skipped the screening process altogether.
• See above - yes, you seem to have already skipped the screening process. You might still be required to hand in your application files, but this is more for administrative purposes (and the background check later).
• Yes, you will be required to do the PSG, the McKinsey Solve (formerly McKinsey Imbellus) problem-solving game. From the experience of coachess of mine, there seems to be no differentiation between senior hires and newly grads regarding the need to pass the McKinsey Solve. Please feel free to contact me in case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare the McKinsey PSG without costly (and sometimes outdated) guides.
• I would advise you to still wait for the call with the recruiter. Chances are low that you will receive any war deciding information in the call yet you have no disadvantage if you wait.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your upcoming McKinsey interviews, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen