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McKinsey 30-minute Case Assessment Call

BCG McKinsey and Bain Case Interview Phone case
New answer on Nov 08, 2022
8 Answers
6.9 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Apr 20, 2020

I passed the initial resume screening and digital assessment, and I found out that my next step will be 30-minute case assessment call, which I was informed that it will be a pass/fail based interview, before my first round. Can someone help me understand this process? Is this one very similar to the 1st round interview?

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Anrian
Expert
replied on Apr 20, 2020
Ex Kearney Senior Manager | Ex McKinsey Engagement Manager | Interviewer & Case Coach at McKinsey (200+ Real Interviews)

Hi There,

I happened to have several occasions to be the interviewer for case assessment calls for McKinsey before, usually for a specialist candidate.

Some McKinsey offices use this before arranging your first full interview. It can happen for many reasons e.g. limited slots of interviewers, a doubt emerged during the CV screening, etc.

The setup of the interview usually as follows:

  • A very quick personal/behavior question (max 5 mins) - as this is not the main objective
  • The remaining 20 mins focus on case
    • Interviewer led - start with the quite simple problem context
    • No exhibit or chart/table reading
    • The interview usually focuses on your problem structuring and communication
    • Math can be asked sometime, but it's not going to be a very complex one
  • The last 5 mins will be Q&A (if there is still enough time)

The bar of this interview might not be as high as a full interview as the interviewer is mandated to focus on your conceptual thinking, problem structuring, and articulation.

And, Yes - it is only 1 interviewer to decide pass/fail - so no room for error.

Hope this helps!

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Anonymous on Apr 20, 2020

Thank you Anrian! I really appreciate your thoughtful feedback and support! Stay Safe :)

(edited)

Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 07, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi,

While, as mentioned by others, the assessment call is a bit different from a true 1st/2nd round, just remember that all the same principles apply. That is, don't prepare for this any differently than you would any other interview! Practice cases and fit questions. Practice being structured, MECE, clear/articulate, hypothesis driven etc. etc.

Good luck!

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 01, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I confirm it is common, especially in this period based on remote interviews. You are going to be assessed with a little case (very often a market sizing or a profit and loss) and maybe 1 fit questions (usually among the most important ones e.g. why consulting, why Mck, or present yourself in 1 minute)

Best,

Antonello

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 20, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I have two coachees that have done through this in the last 3 weeks, both for McKinsey US. PM me and I can connect you with them/share with you how we prepared.

Cheers,

Clara

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Anonymous on Apr 20, 2020

Hi Clara - Thank you for answering my question :) Yes, I would love to connect with your two coaches. If you don't mind connecting me with them, I would greatly appreciate it!

(edited)

dana on May 26, 2021

Hi Clara, can you share your prep approach and experience here with us?

Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 01, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

as mentioned by Anrian, the structure of the initial screening call is the same as the standard interview. The main differences are:

Best,

Francesco

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Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 21, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

To add to the answers below as I have both conducted and coached people for this - these cases are typically easier than the ones you will get in the 1st round and do not go into as much depth. However you will need to come across as well structured and analytical in your approach to pass

Best,

Udayan

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Anonymous A on Apr 21, 2020

Thank you Udayan for answering my post. I was wondering what kinds of case prep I should do for the assessment call. Can you recommend any specific methods to prepare for the 30 min assessment call? (e.g. casebook? McKinsey Example?)

Anonymous replied on May 06, 2020

Dear A,

Anrian explained it nicely. I agree with him

Best,

André

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Anonymous B replied on Nov 08, 2022

Hello,

 

I have the same call in a few days. Can you give me some guidance on how to prepare for this round?

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Anrian gave the best answer

Anrian

Ex Kearney Senior Manager | Ex McKinsey Engagement Manager | Interviewer & Case Coach at McKinsey (200+ Real Interviews)
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