If we're saying the whole PEI section takes 15 minutes, how much of that time should be devoted to you telling your initial story, assuming the interviewer doesn't interrupt?
Thanks!
(edited)
If we're saying the whole PEI section takes 15 minutes, how much of that time should be devoted to you telling your initial story, assuming the interviewer doesn't interrupt?
Thanks!
(edited)
Hi there,
1-2 minutes is what you should aim for. However, ultimately quality not quantity matters! So, If you can tell the same story in 60 seconds (i.e. demonstrate your skills / thinking, do the story justice, etc.), aim for the faster time! If it takes you 3 minutes, that's fine.
In terms of interviewer-adjustments, read the room! If they're getting fidgety, speed things up (i.e. cut) or adjust the pace!
Personal Stories
Step 1 - Categorize the main stories
There are 5-10 "themes" you need to prepare for. i.e. Leadership, teamwork, challenge, etc. (note: These all fit into the 3 McKinsey PEI themes) Figure out this list and make sure your stories cover this range (PM me and I can provide you with a template for this list)
Step 2 - Create FLEXIBLE stories that cover a range of categories
You need to create 4-6 stories that each cover a range of topics. They need to be powerful stories that can be adjusted and adapted based on the question asked.
One of my "core" or "killer" stories was usable for Initiative, Achievement, Leadership, Challenge, Change of direction, AND Persuasion.
Write down these stories along STAR or similar format...use bullet points
Step 3 - Organize these stories so you know which ones can be used for what and PRACTICE
Make sure you cover the whole gambit. Then, practice getting asked a question and thinking of which stories apply. I can assure you, no-one is coming up with full stories in a few seconds. Rather, they have practiced how to adapt an existing story to the question asked.
(edited)
Hi,
The interviewer will interrupt in most of the cases. Better to measure in the number of sentences:
Best
(edited)
Hi there!
I suggest restricting your answer within 3 minutes. Because psychologically the opposite person would lose his concentration if it's a longer monologue.
Use the STAR framework for your answer. 3 minutes should be exhaustive to cover the story, but it shouldn't be too long. However, be prepared to answer follow-up questions, as an interviewer may ask: "Ok, so why don't you tell me, what exactly you did in this particular part of the story?".
Again, your time will start, and make sure that this answer is in line with the structure and not longer than 2-3 minutes.
This series of conversations sometimes gets to the entire FIT part, or sometimes interviewers ask different questions.
Hope it helps.
GB
Hi,
Good question.
Your presentation will be the first question they'll ask.
Usually it should take between 1min30 sec and 3min. Tailor your answer based on your feeling with the interviewer and the level you engagement you observe in during the interview.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Antonello
Hi,
I think this questions has been asked recently.
A rule of thumb would max 2-3 minutes with a proper structure.
(edited)
Roughly 2 minutes. Make sure that it's really concise and follows the structure Situation - Complication - Solution. After the delivery of the story you should be prepared to go into great details on any element of the story that the interviewers might dig into.
Actually, in most interviews, the PEI component takes 20-25 minutes.
The actual storytelling time is 5-10. I typically recommend that when you practice your story, you should get to around the 7-minute mark.
Of course, in practice, you will often get interrupted, so the live flow of the discussion will be different than the one that you prepared for.
For anybody who is looking into the PEI topic, I recently released this end-to-end course covering PEI. More on it here:
Best,
Cristian
Hello!
On top of the insights already shared in the post, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)
To your question, it depends on the family of quesiton that it is.
Motivationals are arround 1-3 mins, but behavioural are more in the 10 mins ballpark.
It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.
Furthermore, you can find 3 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:
Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-200
Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201
Behavioural questions (ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE) >https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/behavioral-questions-entrepreneurial-drive-fit-interview-preparation-211
Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!