How can I get better?

case interview preparation Interview McKinsey
New answer on Jun 12, 2021
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on May 28, 2021

I have an interview with Mckinsey in 2 weeks. I have done 120 meetings on Preplounge and some cases with other people. I do well in some cases and have made progress but still, there are many cases that I do not do well. Even for the cases that I do well, there is always something that I could do better. How can I fix this issue? Should I be worried about this situation?

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Adi
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Content Creator
updated an answer on May 29, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

I dont want to psycho-analyse you, but my gut feel is that you probably struggle to get to a nice structure with ease regardless of the type of case (industry/function)- this is typically where candidates struggle! Once you get to the structure the solution happens. If this is not the case, try and understand where exactly is your problem. Remove the pressure of "becoming perfect". Nobody is perfect and thats not the point anyway. You need to come across as someone who is self aware, enjoys cases, demonstrates structured thinking, communicates clearly & engages the interviewer in a nice dialogue.

120 cases is enough. Rather than going for more volume practice, reach out to a few coaches and see who is best fit to help you. Feel free to message me should you wish to discuss further.

(edited)

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Francesco
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replied on May 29, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I would start being specific on the issue ;)

Even for the cases that I do well, there is always something that I could do better. How can I fix this issue?

I don’t think we can help without knowing where is the problem. Is it related to:

  • Structuring?
  • Math?
  • Graphs?
  • Conclusion?
  • Communication?
  • Something else?

If you can provide more details it will be easier to provide suggestions.

Best,

Francesco

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Ian
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replied on May 29, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Honestly, without a professional assessment there's no way to know. What I can say, if you've done too many cases. It seems to me you're attacking this with brute force.

You need to be more tactical.

Of course, the best way to truly assess what's wrong AND fix it, is, like anything in life, to get a tutor/trainer.

Find a coach that works for you and book a session ASAP. I specialize in honing in on the root causes of candidate's issues and driving home critical mindset shifts, but, of course, you need to pick the coach that fits you best!

Best of luck!

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Antonello
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replied on May 29, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I would recommend simulating a couple of cases with a coach or a consultant/former consultant you know

Best,
Antonello

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Ken
Expert
replied on May 29, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Agree with the others. It's very difficult to generalise but if you are struggling with consistency, my guess would be that you are focusing more on specific cases/frameworks ane not enough on the underlying intrinsics. For example, in a profitability case, it's not about your ability to apply Profit = Revenue - Costs, but more around your ability to take a hypothesis-approach to structure where the issues could be at a more granular level. On the quantiative section, I think it's more about practice and familiarity.

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 12, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi, I see you did your best with such amount of cases. How about go for the next level and take a professional coach. So a couple of sessions will definetly help you to look your cases solving process from different side.

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Adi gave the best answer

Adi

Content Creator
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
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