I get into the final round of McKinsey's interview and noticed there is a "coffee chat" session in the end. I asked my HR and she said it's not evaluative. However, it looks like the coffee chat will be with two analysts in the team so that I still want to make a good impression. Is there anything I need to prepare for or pay attention to? (not sure if it's useful but this position is in the USA)
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Hi Rachel,
Indeed the McKinsey coffee chat is non-evaluative ... unless you completely mess up everything it's just a very nice occassion to get to know some McKinsey folks on a slightly more personal level.
In terms of preparation there is only 1 must-have to bring - which is a thoughtful list of questions which you would like to have answered (maybe you will talk about something completely different and the conversation will go it's own way - but better to bring some food for thought in case it does not automatically).
For that, the main idea is asking insighful questions which you cannot find out easily otherwise. For myself, I also appreciate candidates asking tough questions about the job and the firm - it shows also a realistic assessment of the situation and not focussing only one the "nice" things. Also, personal impressions or evaluations are kind of really interesting - like what turned out to be different at McKinsey for them compared to their expectations, etc.
Hope that helps - if so, please give it a thumbs-up with the upvote button!
Robert
Hi Rahel,
don't worry and be authentic - use this informal opportunity to get to know your future colleagues and get some insights about the firm and daily work.
Good Luck,
André
Hello!
HR is right, this will not be evaluative.
However, I understand your concern about making the right impression and preparing a bit for it.
Being successful in this part of the conversation would mean being able to emphasize with them. Hence, ask them questions to connect with them (e.g., what is the best thing about consulting for them, the most fullfulling? Are they specialized in any vertical or any industry and, if so, why? What is the most exciting about that particular one?)
Most of the times, making people talk about what they like and their motivations is a very good way to connect.
Hope it helps!
Best,
Clara
Hello Rachel,
FIrst of all congratulations for being at the final round!
Regarding the coffee chat, you should not worry so much. Prepare also some smart and interesting talking points to enhance the discussion and to make the chat pleasant for everyone. Be just natural and nice and everything will go well.
Try to see it also as an important chance for you to know some McKinsey people outside the time of the interview and a strictly professional environment.
Best,
Luca
Hi,
Don't worry about it too much. Just come up with a list of questions you are really interested in
Best
Hi Rachel,
I would structure the chat as I would do for questions at the end in the interview. Specifically, I would recommend to prepare questions that:
If you follow the previous points you cannot really do mistakes and will get relevant information to make a decision in case of multiple offers.
Best,
Francesco
Hello Rachel,
Congrats for making it into the final round!
As Udayan mentioned, it is a good signal which means that your profile is very attractive to the Firm and they wish to convince you to accept the offer should they decide to extend it and provide the opportunity to address any remaining concerns and questions you might had that prevents you from being fully convinced to join the Firm as of now.
My suggestion is to make the opportunities to the fullest, asking any elements that are still a mystery to you and you are very keen to know before deciding to commit yourself to the role.
Additionally, this is the opportunity to establish a relationship with the 2 analyst, so if and when you decide to join the Firm, you would already have 2 network ready to help you.
Hope it helps,
Kind regards,
Nathan
The chats are non evaluative - you would have to do something completely terrible to mess up.
The main reasons we had coffee chats and other sessions was actually to 'sell' McKinsey to the most desirable candidates so you're actually at an advantage here. Prepare a list of genuine and thoughtful questions that you want answers to (e.g., how staffing works or how mentoring works in the office etc.) and you'll be more than fine.
All the best,
Udayan
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