Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Any tips for McKinsey Euro interviews?

Hi Prep buddies, 

I would like to ask people who interviewed for McKinsey positions based in Europe. Do we have the same cases than the US candidates? 

And do the interview cases come from a pre-defined library? or they can be inspired from the interviewer experience?

I interviewed at a comparable firm, the 3 cases I had were all inspired by real projects that the interviewers led. But then the enunciation was a little bit approximative (since there is no written standards of what's to be shared with the candidate for each question, and they pretty much recalled the information by memory, as they were asked questions about the case), 

The other consequence is that then Euro candidates better memorize different data in case assumptions are needed. i.e., instead of pop, distribution of pop over rev or socio-professional categories, employment,  measurement units and their conversion, etc…,   in the US, we might need to remember those of the major Euro countries? 

5 Answers
700+ Views
16
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Dec 02, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Yuxi, 

I'm going to be direct here, this doesn't matter :)

The cases can be from the interviewer's library but most interviewers develop their own cases. You don't have access to this library so it doesn't matter. 

EU and US interviewers are similar because for McK the training is the same. They look for the same abilities. I wouldn't say there's any noticeable differce. 

Check out some of my cases that are based on recent McK interviews to get a sense of what to expect:


Best,
Cristian

Ian
Coach
on Dec 04, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Yuxi,

Here's a bunch of reading with tips for you!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/pitfalls-case-interview-preparation
 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/dos-and-donts-in-a-case-interview
 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/candidate-led-cases-what-to-expect-and-example-cases

I would like to ask people who interviewed for McKinsey positions based in Europe. Do we have the same cases than the US candidates? 

No. And you don't even have the same cases as each other. Every interview experience can have ANY interview question. Please don't play the game of predicting the case you'll get…

And do the interview cases come from a pre-defined library? or they can be inspired from the interviewer experience?

It depends on the office. Again, you're trying to predict the interview. It can be anything!

So, prepare for ANYTHING.

Just like consultants can be put on ANY project, your interviewer wants to test your ability to react to any project.

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

Pedro
Coach
on Dec 02, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Private Equity | Market Estimates | Fit Interview

1. Regarding using the same cases…

It's like in the US for different offices… they can use the same cases… they can use their own cases… both apply.

2. Memorize stuff…

I don't think you'll be asked to memorize a lot of case data… and you should take notes :)

A different topic is regarding things that you should now about the country you are applying to… yes, if you are applying to a certain country you should know general statistical facts about the country (actually, general economic and political facts as well).

Alberto
Coach
on Dec 03, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Partner | Most experienced coach (15 years exp, +2.000 real interviews) | 95% success rate

Hi Yuxi,

I interviewed for both McKinsey Europe and US. Case library is pre-defined and some cases are provided by consultants based on their real experience.

The process is standard and you are not required for anything different in Europe compared with US.

Happy to keep talking about this in private, just send me a message.

Best,

Alberto

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

on Dec 05, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Hi Yuxi,

Alberto is right here. Warm regards, Freddy

Similar Questions
Consulting
Working hours for McKinsey and BCG New York offices
on Dec 31, 2023
Global
8 Answers
2.7k Views
Top answer by
117
8 Answers
2.7k Views
+5
Consulting
Time to apply and the intake for new hire?
on Feb 29, 2024
Global
7 Answers
4.7k Views
Top answer by
Florian
Coach
159
7 Answers
4.7k Views
+4
Consulting
McKinsey - Strong referral one month after the application
on Jan 15, 2024
Global
7 Answers
2.5k Views
Top answer by
Brad
Coach
100
7 Answers
2.5k Views
+4
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
You are a true consultant! Thank you for consulting us on how to make PrepLounge even better!