(edited)
Is it a red flag to not be MECE in your structure in a first round interview? What are the red flags in an interview, especially with an MBB?
Overview of answers
Upvotes
Best answer
Common Red flags I look for:
1. Too defensive / married to a hypothesis. Shows lack of coachability.
2. Unreasonably confident in an anaysis when the appropriate data wasn't available (i.e. too "gut feel" oriented -- leave that job to the CEO). Shows lack of empathy / self-awareness.
3. Not MECE enough, OR far too focused on being MECE so much so that everything feels over-structured and robotic. Shows lack of originality.
4. Very "list oriented" vs bucket oriented - similar to point #3. Shows lack of structured thinking.
5. Error in analytics - shows lack of focus
6. Executive presense (depending on level) -- shows lack of confidence / comfort with oneself.
7. Weak personal stories -- shows lack of real-world experience / lack of self-reflection.
Was this answer helpful?
Not only is this a red flag - not being MECE will usually be the kiss of death and ensure you are not invited back for a 2nd round. This is just one of the many reasons why we always tell you guys to take a full 60 to 90 seconds to really hone your initial structure. Time spent here is an investment, will save you many minutes of anguish later in the case... and might be the difference between coming back or not. You have to be MECE, absolutely!
Thx,
G.
ex-BCG Dallas
(edited)
Was this answer helpful?
I particpated in a case challenge and it was a red flag, if MECE was not followed.
Was this answer helpful?
Related Cases
Expert case by Francesco
Topics:
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US.
The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many students as possible to complete studies and prevent that they drop from the school system, in particular in di
... (Open whole case)
22.1k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Luca
Topics:
Espresso Whatelse is an Italian company that produces coffee and espresso machines since 1908. It is the Italian market leader and has a strong presence overall in Europe. In 2019, Espresso Whatelse has increased its revenues but it has seen declining profit margin.
Your client wants to unders
... (Open whole case)
13.7k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Bernard
The COVID-19 pandemic has killed millions of people worldwide and led to devastating economic impact. A vaccine is one of the biggest hopes for stopping the pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with multiple stakeholders to ensure groups at higher risk of becoming i
... (Open whole case)
12.9k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Ian
Style:
Problem definition: Our client is Korean Car Parts (KCP), a multi-national original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of car parts based in Korea. They've recently seen a decline in profits and have brought us in to understand how to address this falling profitability.
... (Open whole case)
7.3k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Ian
Topics:
[PLEASE NOTE: This is a technically difficult case and should only be completed by those coming in as a Technology specialist, i.e. recruiting for McKinsey Digital, BCG Platinion, etc.]
Our client is a multinational oil and gas company. While they are vertically integrated and have upstream, mids
... (Open whole case)
5.8k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Related Products
Imbellus Solve Combo: Guide + Videos by Francesco
Imbellus Test at McKinsey – Guide by Luca
McKinsey Imbellus Solve Game Secrets by Francesco
The Secret McKinsey PEI Cheat Sheet by Robert
Integrated FIT Guide for MBB by Clara
CoachingPlus 5
Prep Guide for McKinsey PST by PrepLounge
McKinsey PST #3 by Riccardo
McKinsey PST #2 by Gaurav
McKinsey PST #1 by PrepLounge
Premium Membership (20 weeks)
best answer!!... just calling it a red flag is to simplified