What to expect in a McKinsey HR interview?

Hello!

For the length and characteristics you described, that sounds as a simple screening call. It will for sure not include a case, but it can include some motivational questions. 

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Hope it helps! 

Hey there,

A bunch of my candidates recently went through the same.

These types of interviews are usually very different from the real case interviews conducted by consultants. They have a couple of parts:

1. HR introducing the role, the recruiting and interview logistics

2. Couple of questions to you, typical fit-style, NO PEI 

• Why consulting?
• Why McKinsey?
• Guide me through your resume?
• What have you done in your previous role that would benefit us in practice / industry X?

3. Questions you might have for HR

Those interviewers are usually very easy and more about the actual fit with your experience / the role and to update your further on the next steps.

Once done, prepare properly for case and PEI, reading these two articles.

For more on the case interview, please have a look here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-interview

As for the PEI, check here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-pei

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there, 

Based on your description this is meant as a phone case interview where they screen that you have the basics to be progressed to the actual interview rounds. 

My suggestion, however, would be to reach out to the recruiter and ask directly what the discussion will consist of. There's no secrecy here and they have no interest in keeping you confused about the actual format. Asking is always a winning strategy. 

This will be a screening call where they will want to understand your background better and hints of PEI stories to know that you will be successful in the interviewing process.  They could do a brief case with you but I would expect something quite straight forward as the recruiter will likely stick to the script.

Good luck!

Those interviewers are usually very easy and more about the actual fit with your experience / the role and to update your further on the next steps.

Once done, prepare properly for case and PEI, reading these two articles.

 

That's so useful. A McKinsey HR interview, often referred to as a "Personal Experience Interview" (PEI), is an essential part of the firm's hiring process. McKinsey places a strong emphasis on understanding how candidates have demonstrated leadership, overcome challenges, and made a personal impact in their previous roles or experiences. You can expect questions that probe into your past behaviors and decisions, such as:

• Describe a time when you led a team through a difficult challenge.
• Tell me about a time when you had to influence others to achieve a goal.
• Explain a situation where you had to solve a significant problem under pressure.

Leadership and Ownership: Interviewers are looking for examples where you took ownership of a situation, led a team, or made a significant impact on a project or organization. McKinsey interviewers appreciate candidates who can tell compelling stories that highlight their experiences. This involves not just stating facts but also narrating how you navigated the situation, the impact of your actions, and what you learned from the experience.

Hi there,

This sounds like it's a screening call but I'd need to see their email/communications to be able to better tell you.

Regardless, you should prepare for PEI and a wide range of fit questions! You shouldn't have to be worried about a case (but just ask them directly to confirm)