Hi,
I was wondering whether it was ok to repeat a PEI story in different McKinsey interviews? Would the assessors compare feedback to notice that you've repeated a story, and would that be held against you? Does a distinction between repeating stories in the same round vs following rounds apply?
Thanks!
Hello!
It is not the best practice. Interviews are a way to help consultants know you better, hence, the more angles you give from you, the better
However, it´s not a dealbreaker, if you repeat a story in different interview rounds
This is precisely one of the question in the "FAQs" of the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34).
It 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 3 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:
Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-200
Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201
Behavioural questions (ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE) >https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/behavioral-questions-entrepreneurial-drive-fit-interview-preparation-211
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Hi,
Consultancies tend not to repeat the questions they ask acrooss the different round of interviews. They want to assess different areas of your preparation.
It might also happen that they realize you repeated a story though. My suggestion is to have at least two stories for each main component of the fit part. In this way, you won't have any problem with that.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Antonello
Hi,
Definitely try to have different stories because interviewer will discuss your story and their take on it. Repeating stories could also infered that you don't have much experience. If you have to repeat, try to do it in different rounds. So to be safe prepare 2-3 answer for each key questions - e.g. achievement, difficult situation, failure, leadership
Best,
Iman
Hi there,
If you're asking within the same round then you really do want to try to avoid this.
If you have 4-6 stories prepared you should be able to not repeat. That being said, if you have to (i.e. they ask the same question and you don't have any other story), then it should not be eliminatory...again, avoid it if you can.
Definitely use different stories during the same round but between rounds is dependent on the office, interviewer and yourself. Interviewers will definitely know when you've shared the same story during the same round as they discuss your PEI story and it would mean that they would need to omit the second reading of that same story (i.e., they wouldn't be able to pass you).
Hi,
Best
Hi there,
I suggest you prepare a couple of stories rather than just one and choose one of them depending on the situation. Otherwise, it can look like a lack of preparation, care, or experience and none of it plays into your hands.
Best,
GB
(edited)
In case you're borderline and the interviewers across both rounds connect to discuss the feedback, it doesn't look good on you to have repeated a story. So ideally don't repeat them.
If you've used a story already in the first round, then come up with a new one for the second round.
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
1) Do not repeat stories within a round. Make sure you prepare 2-3 strong stories for each category because 3/4 of your final round interviewers could ask you about the same topic (as mine did this past round)
2) Try not to repeat stories across rounds. I was asked in each final round interview not to use a story I had told in any other interview during any round with the firm. A colleague was told in her first round feedback not to repeat any of the stories she had already told. So although folks say you can repeat stories from one round to another, that wasn't the case for myself or some others who interviewed in this past cycle.
Hey there,
I have written a detailed insider perspective on the PEI that covers all aspects and will help you prepare strong stories here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-pei
Cheers,
Florian
