How to handle back to back interviews?

Hi!

Back to back interviews are completely normal at MBB. In fact, having them NOT back to back is rather the exception. So don't worry - it's an established process. In many markets, they even do ALL interviews back to back during one single day. This is how e.g., McKinsey Germany did it until about 1 or 2 years ago. (Nowadays, they have a single “Round 1” interview, and then the final round are again several back to back interviews)

Good luck!

Sidi

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Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager & Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant at BCG | Co-Founder of The MBB Offer Machine™

Hi there,

Please don't interrupt anyone and just focus on doing the best you can during each interview!

As far as time management goes, here's the deal:

YOU: Assuming you're doing a candidate-led case (i.e. not McKinsey) you should show the same drive as you generally do with regards to aiming for an answer in the allocated time frame. If you have 40 mins to arrive to an answer, aim for that. However, if those 40 mins spill into the next interview slot because there was too much chit-chat in the beginning of the interview, or the fit part took abnormally long, that's not your concern!

THE FIRM: There's a process running in the background that takes care of potential delays. The recruitment team has an eye on everything that is happening and is coordinating between the 1st and 2nd interviewer. Let them figure out how to accommodate in case of a delay, which is entirely their job.

Hope this helps a bit to relax (at least about that aspect) and focus on delivering a great performance!

Best of luck!
Moritz

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Hi there,

Q: I will have to interrupt them in the final question part or even during the case to switch to the other interview.

I would not worry about this for the following reasons:

1. Interviewers should be trained to finish on time as this is not an unusual situation.
2. Most likely the interviewers are aligned on the agenda.
3. Interviewers have no incentive to go long.
4. In case you do go long for whatever reason, it should be the first interviewer who manages the alignment with the second one - no actions are needed from your side.

Good luck!

Francesco

Here's how I suggest you handle this situation:

Plan your schedule: Make sure you have a clear schedule for the day of the interviews. Allocate enough time between the interviews to gather your thoughts and prepare for the next one.

Inform the first interviewer: At the beginning of the interview, politely mention that you have another interview immediately after and ask if it would be possible to wrap up a few minutes early. Most interviewers are understanding and will accommodate your request.

Time management: During the interview, be mindful of the time and try to stay on track. If you feel that you're running out of time, politely interrupt the interviewer and ask if you can move on to the final question or summarize your thoughts. Remember, it's better to have a complete answer for the final question than to rush through it.

Transition smoothly: When it's time to switch to the next interview, thank the first interviewer for their time and insights. Apologize for any abruptness caused by the time constraint and express your enthusiasm for the next interview.

Focus on building connections: Despite the time constraint, make an effort to establish a connection with each interviewer. Be engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and actively listen to their responses. Show genuine interest in their experiences and insights.

Remember, the interviewers are aware of the tight schedule and will understand the need to transition quickly. By communicating your situation, managing your time effectively, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can navigate the back-to-back interviews smoothly. Good luck!

Hi,

When I was an interviewer - we were briefed on this before we interviewed the candidate

• E.g. Who the candidate will be interviewing with next or prior to your session
• E.g. If there is a back to back situation (hence need to be very sharp on time)

In any case as an interviewer, I am also conscious of my own time and so I wouldn't worry about managing time - that is for the interviewer to do. Your job is to perform well :)

All the best!

First of all, they are probably aware of it. So I wouldn't worry about it. 

If you do want to change it, speak with HR and ask them whether it would be an issue.

If HR doesn't want to change it, just notify your first interviewer right at the beginning of the discussion and tell them that this is how the slots were set by their own HR and that you don't want to come across as being impolite if the case needs to finish right on time. 

This happens often, btw, so don't overthink it. 

Best,
Cristian

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Hi there,

This is pretty normal at MBB. Interviewers are usually aware that you have back to back interviews.

On top, interviews are one hour long and interviewers will make sure you stick to that time because they would probably have other commitments in their agendas after your interviews.

In any case, if you feel you would need some time to reset your mind between interviews, talk with your recruiting contact to try to change the schedule.

Best,

Alberto

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Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Hi there,

Well, remember the job is going to frequently be 13 hour days with back to back client meetings, workshops et. :)

So, definitely get use to it…2 interviews is really nothing!

To prepare: practice! Book a back to back session with peers. Hire a coach to do a full 2 hours mock.

Don't worry about the interviewer rushing, etc. - it would be short/rushed anyway as they're quite busy!

Is it the same company? They know. At Mck they are always scheduled like this and internally give heads up if interview runs over. Don't get rushed, almost certainly a reason to fail.. Warm regards, Frederic