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Corelation of Interviewer's background with the industry of the phone round case

Hi Experts, 

Is there a corelation between the industry experience of interviewer with the type of case he/she would give in McK phone round ? I mostly experienced cases from the interviewer's specific industry. was it a coincidence or that's how it happens ?

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Top answer
on Apr 07, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

based on my experience:

  • Low correlation in first rounds – also due to the fact that specialization for Engagement managers is not as strong as for Partners
  • High correlation in final rounds – at this stage you may not even get a complete “formal” case but just be asked about your thoughts on a specific element of the partner’s industry or on one of the most recent cases of the partner

Best,

Francesco

Vlad
Coach
on Apr 07, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

First of all - not all the phone rounds are with consultants and have a case. It may be just a phone screening with HR. So make sure you prepared your Fit Stories.

Then:

  • Earlier rounds - low correlation, cases mainly from the company casebook
  • Later rounds - high correlation since partners have their own cases. Although be careful since partners may have expertise in multiple industries

Best!

Deleted
Coach
on Apr 07, 2018
NOT AVAILABLE

Hey,

Yes, there seems to be a correlation (but not perfect! now so many people who use cases from industries they never worked in!). Besides, from my experience this correlation tens to be even higher at partner/2nd round level.

There's two main reasons to support this: first, the interviewers will be more at ease with the industry and can cope with any direction candidates may lead the case to; second, some of the cases are personally-drafted based on their own past projects.

Best

Bruno

Deleted user
on Apr 07, 2018

Agreed with very low correlation for screening/first round and higher for final rounds.

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