Hi everyone,
I am currently preparing for my second round interview at McK. I want to know whether the case in the second round is more difficult or needs to be solved at a faster speed? Also, will the partners go hard on the PEI questions? Thank you.
Hi there,
The cases per se are not more difficult. However, competition is stronger. This means there is less margin for error if you want to move forward.
PEI is definitely something you will be tested on.
In general, the structure of the rounds is the same (fit + case+ your questions); however in finals there is usually more emphasis on communication and fit.
Specifically, the main differences you may find in a final round with partners is that at that stage they:
So in order to prepare I would concentrate on the following:
Best,
Francesco
Hi, it depends on the interviewer, but the difficulty of the cases is comparable to the first round. However, a strong emphasis will be dedicated to your communication skills and to the fit part
Best,
Antonello
The process is the same, but it can be tougher; you are interviewing with Partners who will likely press further/deeper and move from the table stakes of can you do a case, to are you clever, curious, and a good cultural fit for the firm. Furthermore, extensive notes were taken, including marks on various categories. The Partners see this and will specifically look to test anything you appeared shaky on.
Two Points:
Your Response
Dear A,
Definitely the competition is stronger and case is more difficult.
For example this case “Deep Water rescue” (available in English & German) here on Preplounge:
https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/advanced/deep-water-rescue-206
I used similar cases when I was interviewing candidates on my own in Central Europe (Germany & DACH Region), Eastern Europe (Ukraine & Russia) as well as Middle East (Dubai, KSA, Lebanon, and Qatar). So, this case is very advanced and could be typically used in the 2nd or 3rd interview rounds by the leading consulting firms.
If you need any further help, feel free to reach out.
Best,
André
Hi Anonymous,
First of all congratulations to reach final round interviews!
While first round interviews are highly standardized especially at McKinsey, in second-round interviewers bascially everything can happen.
The main idea of second/final round interviews is to ensure your performance in those areas in which you did not convince McKinsey in the first round interviews. This can be either the case interview or the McKinsey PEI, or both. Whatever it is, your weak points from first round interviews are where you can expect a strong focus in the second/final round interviews.
Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!
Robert
