How does the interview process look like during Covid-19?

Hello!

From the structure point of view it´s the same: 

• FIT (15-20 mins)
• Business Case (35-40 mins)
• Q&A for the interviewer (5 mins)

However, some details change: 

• All interviews are conducted online, via VC
• Not all companies in all geographies keep hiring - some have done a temporal hiring freeze
• In general, intake will be less people, since the workload in projects will be less. This makes it even more complicated

Best, 

Clara

Agree with others that there is no major difference other than it has been more online than offline. 

Just make sure you get used to the online setting (video call etc.) and get the necessary logistic issues out of the way before you conduct the test or interviews. 

Good luck,

Emily

Hi there,

based on feedback of my mentees the structure of the interview is always the same (fit + case + your questions); however:

• Interviews are conducted online, which changes the dynamics and connection with the interviewer. This may be a plus or minus, according to your confidence in face-to-face interviews
• Written cases in the office have been substituted by an additional interview or take-home tests
• The bar tends to be higher because many companies are hiring fewer people

Finally, even in the same country not all the companies are hiring. I would recommend to apply via referrals to (i) check if the company is hiring now to avoid to “waste” your application and (ii) increase the chances to be selected thanks to the referral itself.

Best,

Francesco

I must say that the interview process is almost identical. Especially because some firms historically do more video interviews (e.g. when you study in the US, but apply in Europe). The main difference now is speed and demand. 

Hi Anonymous,

For McKinsey, the interview process did not change at all structurally - just that at the moment no in-person interviews are conducted (only online). However, McKinsey already decided that post-COVID-19 they will again switch back to in-person interviews (in most cases; some interviews might still remain online in order to overcome geographical distances for recruiting more easily).

As for other firms, I did not hear any significant changes either.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Hello,

The interview process is exactly the same, the only difference is that you will do it by video calls.
The only difference is for BCG assessment test that was used to be done in thei office, that has now become a standard online test.

Best,
Luca

Hi,
there are 4 classical aspects of the application process you have to focus on, the only difference is that interviews will be online instead of face to face:

• CV and cover letter: prepare impactful documents that highlight your achievements, skills, and motivation.
• Test: you should understand if your office assesses candidates with PST, SHL or Imbellus, since every McK office can use one of these 3 standards.
• Personal Experience Interview: fit and CV questions to assess your personal impact, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. You should prepare impactful stories about your experiences that cover these 3 main pillars.
• Case Interview: typical business case to evaluate your structure in approaching problems, problem-solving skills, and business sense. This is the most time-demanding aspect to work on. I recommend reading Cosentino's Case in point to fix the theory. Then, what will be really important is practicing mock cases with other candidates here on Preplounge.

Hope it helps,
Antonello

Dear A,

Interview structure is same: Personal FIT, Case Interview and Q&A part. 

Although, most of the interviews happens online. Some of the companies froze hiring for some time. 


Best,

André