After the HR call, she told me there would be 3 rounds altogether: phone interview, first round and final round. Was just wondering if anyone has done the phone interview before? I know that there won't be any PEI questions but will there be the usual “why consulting/McKinsey” questions I can expect? Thanks!
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McKinsey phone interview
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Hello,
Congratulations on getting a phone interview! It is well worth clarifying this with HR. Generally I think that's correct - it would be a typical McKinsey style interview over the phone, and you should prepare the “why consulting/McKinsey” question, as well as other typical fit questions.
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Hi there,
Well done getting the interview! Your first priority should be clarifying this with the recruiter.
The first phone interview could be for assessment or training purposes - many candidates (experienced hires in particular) get a case coaching call from McKinsey, which is not assessed. This would also explain why there's no PEI.
If it is indeed part of the assessment, I would prepare for it no different than 1st round to be on the safe side i.e. case + PEI (did the recruiter specifically there won't be any PEI?).
In addition, you should also be prepared to answer typical questions (non exhaustive):
- Tell me about yourself
- Talk me through your CV
- Why consulting
- Why McKinsey
- What value can you bring to the firm
- What are your passions
Make sure to have some good questions for the interviewer as well!
Best of luck!
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Could you please share what were you asked in the first phone screening with HR?
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Hi there,
That's generally correct.
You should be prepared to talk about the firm/consulting overall, why you're interested in it and why you're a good fit. Make sure to practice saying all of these outloud. Also, get a friend to “test” you on a serious of random questions. Basically, you want to practice being flexible/adaptable to the conversation that takes place.
Here's some fit reading for the call: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question
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