McKinsey First Round Middle East

Hey there,

1. Interviews based on interviewer-background

There is a 50% chance that you will get cases in the context of the interviewer's background. I would not focus on these industries or functions too much but rather focus on how to approach and solve a McKinsey case.

They will not ask any domain-relevant knowledge but are more interested in how you approach and solve problems.

For more on the case, please have a look here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-interview

As for the personal interview, check here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-pei

2. McKinsey ME

Since McK ME is hiring like crazy over the last months and I am specializing in McKinsey I have placed a couple of people recently there. Reach out for more info :-)

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

Congrats on getting invited to interview!

The answer here is “both”.

You need to stay flexible and adaptable to whatever might come your way.

That said, I would also dedicate some time to learning their industries (read McK Insights on those topics, do industry deep-dives, and run through a few cases in those areas).

Given you're in the ME, the following cases might be helpful (related industries):

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/advanced/mckinsey-digital-bcg-platinion-oil-gas-upstream-technology-196

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/chinese-chess-airline-business-during-covid-19-191

Good luck!

Hi there,

1) Should I focus on their industries or I could get any industry during the case? 

You may get any industry. It is definitely possible that you get cases related to the background of the interviewer, but there is no guarantee. It is still a good idea to review their industries as (i) you may get a case on that (ii) you could have a discussion/question on their experience in the Q&A at the end.

2) This is for the Riyadh office, has anyone interviewed for the Middle East and therefore would you have any tips?

Please feel free to PM me if you have questions on the process, I helped several candidates to land offers at McKinsey in ME offices and know 30+ real questions asked there.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there, 

Congrats!

It's great that you know who the interviewers are. You can read their profiles on LinkedIn a bit to get an understanding of their background, but don't assume the cases are from their industry. The case could be about virtually anything and it could even be created on the spot. 

Unless you're applying for an industry focused role, your case could be about anything and so I wouldn't worry too much.  

Based on a handful of Riyadh office candidates I've seen, I would say, show your enthusiasm for McKinsey and the work!

Good luck!

For the first round, cases are given to EMs before hand by the recruiting team unlike in partner rounds where they can ask anything they want. These are typically independent of the industry the EM is in. While there is absolutely no harm in practicing one from that industry what is harmful is expecting a case from a certain industry because when that does not happen you will be out of your comfort zone.

I suggest you do a couple of cases at best in the industry and rest practice as you would for any other interview.

Best,

Udayan

Based on my experience and the experience of many people I know in this office, most of the time the case will be related to the field of the partner's work, so focus a little bit of your preparation on these areas.

best of luck :)