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McKinsey First Round Germany

I have my 1st round interview scheduled tomorrow morning with no information at all regarding who is my interviewer, what to prepare etc. Is this normal? Where can I obtain any information? Thanks 

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Top answer
on Feb 05, 2024
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the last-minute stress. 

In some situations, they don't communicate who the interviewer is before the actual interview. So I wouldn't read too much into this. It shouldn't have any bearing on your performance during the interview. 

Regarding what to prepare, I'm surprised to hear they didn't give you an understanding of the interview format beforehand. 

High-level, assuming that you are applying for a junior, generalist position, you can expect the first round to consist of two interviews. 

Each interview will start with a Personal Experience Interview (PEI) based on one question they will ask. You will then have to tell a story and will be asked deep dive questions about this story. This section should last 20-30min. 

After the PEI will come the case. This will be a business situation that you need to solve or provide advice on. Typically you get 3-4 questions during the interview. Typical duration 25-40 minutes. 

Then you can ask the interviewer 1-2 questions and it's all done. 

Best of luck tomorrow!
Cristian

Anonymous A
on Feb 05, 2024
Thanks for your answer. Do they normally communicate which PEI dimension to prepare for specifically as I've read that before on a Q&A here.
on Feb 05, 2024
#1 rated McKinsey Coach
In some cases, they do tell you upfront what are the two dimensions they will be focusing on in the first round, but not always. When they do, they typically say it's personal impact and inclusive leadership.
Florian
Coach
on Feb 05, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Did you receive no information at all? 

The bare minimum should be:

  • the interview date and time + Zoom link
  • an introduction to the McKinsey case interview format
  • an intro to the PEI
  • a group session
  • a test interviewer with someone from the firm

The latter two are not always happening, but at least one of them should always be included in the candidate brief. The first three should always be sent to you via email.

As regards, the interviewer name, case type/industry, and PEI dimension, this is not always communicated and should not impact your preparation. You need to be ready for all 4 PEI dimensions and all types of cases. Sometimes the interviewer is only set on the day of the interview (especially if the interview is during the week and everyone is busy at the client site).

Things you can do now:

  • Have 1 PEI story ready for each dimension and rehearsed (https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-pei)
  • Expect any type of case but focus on what McKinsey evaluates during the case (https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-interview)
  • Send HR an email asking for the name of the interviewer (will likely no longer reply today). 

Everyone I have coached for Germany over the last 2 years has received Inclusive Leadership as the first PEI dimension, yet see above to make sure you got everything covered.

All the best for tomorrow!

Florian

 

Ian
Coach
on Feb 06, 2024
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

First of all, deep breaths! You've been preparing for this for weeks/months already - the prep has already happened and you are as ready as you'll ever be. Last minute prep/info won't change much.

Remember, that the interviewer can give you any case and any case type. Who they are does not really “matter”, and, honestly, can actually hurt you with a false sense of security and expecting a certain industry/case type.

Go in flexible and adaptable.

Be ready to solve any case type of any format. Be ready with your PEI.

Good luck!

The Most Common Pitfalls in Case Interview Preparation
 

Dos and Don'ts in a Case Interview
 

How to Shift Your Mindset to Ace the Case
 

Candidate-Led Cases: What to Expect With Example Cases

on Feb 06, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) I have my 1st round interview scheduled tomorrow morning with no information at all regarding who is my interviewer, what to prepare etc. Is this normal?

HR sometimes will let you know the names of the interviewers, but this might not be true for all offices.

In terms of how to prepare, they should have informed you about the format, which normally is PEI + case interview. If you have not prepared, I would highly recommend asking to postpone the interview if you have the option.

2) Where can I obtain any information?

You can find some information below:

▶ How to Prepare for a Consulting Interview

4 Ways McKinsey Interviews are Different

4 PEI Dimensions You Should Know

Good luck!

Francesco

Alberto
Coach
on Feb 06, 2024
Ex-McKinsey AP | +13 yrs hiring top talent | I help you think, speak & perform like a real consultant (95% success)

Hi there,

In some offices McKinsey doesn't share your interviewer details and that is perfectly normal.

You just go to the interview and crack the PEI and case parts whoever you have in front of you :)

Good luck!

Alberto

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

Pedro
Coach
on Mar 05, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Who the interviewer is is irrelevant (and they may only decide on the day…) and by this time you should know what you have to prepare. You need to prepare weeks in advance and the information providing by the consulting firm doesn't really make a difference in your preparation.

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