For McKinsey PEI, I know the total duration is 12-15 minutes, but I wanted to understand how long I should speak after the initial question is posed? I prepare using the STAR approach and usually, my monologue answers are 5-6 minutes. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I go pretty deep into all aspects of the STAR approach.
The actual story should be 5-8 minutes.
The whole segment with the back and forth takes 20-25 minutes.
It all depends on the interviewer, your story, your ability to pull in the interviewer and so on, but these are good targets to have in mind.
For anyone else who is preparing for the PEI component, I've created a video course with my 6-step storytelling framework that has helped my candidates get distinctive feedback on the McKinsey PEI. You can find out more about it here:
Best,
Cristian
It really depends on the interviewer but if you are well-prepared and structured with your answer, then a 5-6 min monologue is absolutely fine. If the interviewer is frequently having to jump in at the beginning, its quite likely that they are struggling to understand the context of your story. On the other hand, it's very natural for them to ask lot's of clarifying questions as you go deeper into the 'challenges' you faced and the 'actions' you took to get a better read of what they are looking for.
In addition to structure and preparation, my suggestion would be to make sure your story is interesting (also an opportunity to differentiate yourself) and you are able to tell it in an engaging way (especially during the monologue). You will be surprised how often candidates share very similar stories (e.g., leadership role in a student club, school project, etc.). By no means am I suggesting they are inappropriate but it's worth thinking about what is interesting and unique about your story that makes your interview memorable for the interviewer.
Hi,
The full fit part can take 20-30 minutes, which includes:
The story itself should be up to 5 min. However, the interviewer will constantly interrupt you asking a lot of additional questions, so it will end up as 10-15. He can also say something like "This story does not answer the question, do you have another one?" And you'll have to start over again. STAR framework works
Best
Best
Hello!
This is precisely adressed in the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB", that has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)
There are pages in charter 2 precisely proposing different times for questions and sub-questions.
Furthermore, the provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.
Furthermore, you can find 2 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:
Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!
Hi, I can confirm the total duration is up to 25 minutes, while I usually recommend not answering in more than 3/5 minutes without the intervention of the interviewer. I have specific sessions to prepare impactful stories about your background and to structure strong answers for the 3 most common questions (why you? why consulting? why McK?). Feel free to text me if curious to know how I usually work with candidates.
Best,
Antonello
Dear A,
Your monologur for your story can take up to 5 min. But remember that it should very well structured (STAR or PARADE)
Best,
André
Hi there,
Fundamentally, read the room. If the interviewer is looking fidgety, speed it up (i.e. cut), or leave room for them to interject.
that being said, 5 minutes is about right for PEI. Again, have sections where the interviewer can easily interupt and probe into more detail.
Hi there,
It should be ok if you deliver it correctly. You are on the long side if it is 5-6 min, but if you are engaging and covering the right areas that should be fine. Usually 3 to 5 min for just your part is enough.
It is unlikely you are going to have a monologue of 6 minutes in any case – the interviewer will very likely interrupt you and ask clarification on some parts of the story.
Best,
Francesco
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