mckinsey interview process

In short, there are many reasons you can give for why you are interested in consulting: Select three compelling reasons why you are interested in consulting. Two former McKinsey consultants present The prime resource to get you into McKinsey. And you wont tackle any of these challenges alone. Created on 23 January 2021. Here are four examples of McKinsey cases from their website: Read this comprehensive case interview guide to learn exactly how to solve case interviews. As I write in Tell Me About Yourself: How to Answer This Question, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Free interview details posted anonymously by McKinsey & Company interview candidates. consulting resume: 17 advanced writing tips, how to write a persuasive and customized cover letter, Tell Me About Yourself: How to Answer This Question, Why Consulting: How To Answer This Question - Career in Consulting, How to answer Why McKinsey?, Why BCG?, or Why Bain? questions - Career in Consulting. What makes McKinsey interviews different is their very specific use of case as well as personal fit interviews. Hence, be prepared to go into details and to explain the options you had, the decisions you made (and why), what was difficult, what did you enjoy the most, etc. Youll likely be asked why you are interested in consulting at some point during your interview. Some candidates receive a phone call with good news on the same day of their final round interview. The McKinsey cover letter is usually optional. That is why you should ask for feedback after Round 1 and prepare accordingly. If you are interested in McKinsey careers beyond consulting, you can learn more about the assessment process for our internal roles here. Besides these three distinctions, you should use the same strategies that you used in your McKinsey first round interview for your McKinsey final round interview. coral reef or a mountain ecosystem) based on a large variety of data given (data about different types of habitats, different animals, weather conditions, etc.). For this stage, you can expect a 20-minute interview. If you are applying for a McKinsey internship, your interview and application journey will end at this stage (hopefully with an offer). If you need help on this, check out our Ready-for-McKinsey video academy, where we give examples of bad and excellent Personal Fit stories and explain how to build your stories to make sure you succeed in this part of the interview. The majority of the time will be focused on case interviews, but you will also get a few other types of questions. They work with the biggest name clients and charge the highest billing rates. 95 McKinsey & Company Intern interview questions and 97 interview reviews. The application screening. These business problems can be anything that real companies face. Be confident before you interview. If you want to get familiar with the best approach on how to solve McKinsey cases, check out our Ready-for-McKinsey video academy, where we give examples of how bad, good and excellent candidates go through the case and what does it take to get maximum points in McKinsey business case interview. They will want to know exactly what you did, how you thought about the situation, why you did the things that you did, and what you learned from the situation. The McKinsey Problem Solving Game is currently being rolled out globally and has not yet been introduced in all the countries. Personal Fit in the second round is similar to round one you will need to tell your stories according to the relevant McKinsey dimensions. We are consistently ranked as the best McKinsey and MBB coaches on PrepLounge. To be more precise: your resume and cover letter content must show how you used these 4x skills and the IMPACT you had. At this point, in your experience, should I move on and assume I wasnt selected for the interview? To improve your skills in all areas of the interview, check out our targeted offers below. Youll then create a framework, which is a tool that helps you structure and break down complex problems into simpler, smaller components. If you are applying as a working professional, McKinsey may host an information session through an online webinar or at a hotel in major cities. Math questions are solvable with simple math or approximation. Prioritizing large-scale biodiversity protection projects for Conservation Forever, a conservation NGO. First, there's a role simulation in which they demonstrate their decision-making and communication skills. After an initial phone interview, executive assistant (EA) candidates participate in Experience Day. Hands-on example to solve the game and support you. In this way, the video game assessment goes beyond the capabilities of the problem-solving test (PST) which is currently used as part of the screening process. High grades (if you are an undergraduate), Brand name companies that youve worked for, Significant impact in your work experiences, Leadership roles at work and in your extracurricular activities, Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond what was required, Give me an example of a time when you had to persuade someone, Describe a situation in which you handled conflict while working on a team, Give me an example of a time when you tried to accomplish something but failed, Describe a difficult or complicated problem that you faced, You want to make a significant impact by working with billion-dollar companies on their most challenging business problems, You enjoy solving business problems across multiple different industries and functions, You see consulting as the quickest way to develop the skills to be a business executive, You enjoy working closely with teams on tough, challenging business problems, You value the mentorship and personal development that consulting provides, You find fulfillment in working with and servicing clients, You are excited to travel around the world for work, State that consulting is your top career choice, Reiterate that consulting best fits your professional needs and goals, Youve really loved the people that youve met from McKinsey and would enjoy working with them, McKinsey has an empowering work culture where you would grow and thrive, McKinsey has deep expertise in a particular industry or function that you are passionate about, McKinsey has a strong presence in a particular country, which you are interested in working in later in your career, McKinsey places a heavy investment in mentorship and personal development, which you valuetremendously, McKinsey has a global staffing model and you appreciate the opportunity to work in different countries, Several of your mentors that you respect and look up to have worked at McKinsey and they have highly recommended working there, State that McKinsey is your top choice consulting firm, Reiterate that McKinsey best fits your professional needs and goals. If you attend a top-tier undergraduate or MBA school, McKinsey will also invite high-potential candidates to join them for a nice lunch or dinner. Most candidates receive their call within a few days. Since much fewer people tend to show up to these events early, there will be fewer people around. However, do not spend too much time on trying to find cases with the right content. Well go through each step in the interview process so you know exactly what to expect. If you want to learn in great detail how to ace the McKinsey interviews, check out our 40-part Ready-for-McKinsey interview academy, which includes a McKinsey-specific example of a case study and all dimensions and stories of the PEI, or our individual and private coaching sessions. The McKinsey PST lets recruiters only see answers, not how they were arrived at. You will go through. Do not focus too much on speaking to what your team did because it takes away from your accomplishment. How much time would you recommend I take to prepare? (after you have passed the McKinsey Problem Solving Game). The only difference is that you might get cases with digital or a high-tech content or context (for example, see the NetForm case in our McKinsey-style Case Book). Most of the time, this process takes between 2x and 3x months, with often 14 days between steps on average. Make sure that the actions center around what you specifically did. I would not worry too much at this stage and focus on the case interview and PEI preparation. Getting a McKinsey referral basically means that someone at McKinsey will send your name and resume to the McKinsey recruiter that is in charge of the resume reviews. Other consulting firms, such as the Boston Consulting Group or Bain and Company, use candidate led case study interviews, which require the candidate to lead the discussion toward a final recommendation without a formal question format. To help you and other candidates meet baseline expectations, McKinsey provides these resources to candidates: Depending on the candidate, recruiters may offer additional coaching sessions with current McKinsey consultants. They may touch on our formal and informal apprenticeship and mentor programs. Previous recruiting cycles played the game to determine if it accurately predicted interview outcomes, but game results did not impact candidate progression. Because the second most important thing that McKinsey wants to know after who you are is: Because McKinsey doesnt want you to leave after 6 months when you would have realized that the consulting lifestyle doesnt fit your objectives. We'll go through each step in the interview process so you know exactly what to expect. We wanted to know what it was like for this former research scientist, model, actress, avid traveler and active volunteer. Our values define who we are as a firm and who we aspire to be as individual colleagues. During your interview*, we'll ask you to share examples from your personal experiences. Copyright Hacking the Case Interview 2023, Passing your First Round McKinsey Interviews, Passing your Final Round McKinsey Interviews. McKinsey & Company is looking for people with certain characteristics and skills. Finally, one of the 3x McKinsey behavioral interview questions. Our Guide to Preparing for Your McKinsey Interviews. Enroll in our 4 free courses and discover the proven systems +300 candidates used to learn these 4 skills and land offers in consulting. When given the PEI, select the story that is most relevant. If you have any questions regarding the McKinsey interview process, reach out to info@strategycase.com we are always happy to help our candidates to start their McKinsey careers! What are my chances of getting a call from Mckinsey? This will most likely be the office that you will be interviewing for. After the screening process, there is a selection process, which consists of multiple interviews. US and UK APD candidates go through a two round interview process, outlined below. Now, lets see which deviations from the standard McKinsey recruitment process, as shown in the picture above, can happen. I recently shared a list of 250+ practice cases, with more here. Our Update History for Mckinsey and Company. McKinsey & Company interview details: 4,875 interview questions and 4,594 interview reviews posted anonymously by McKinsey & Company interview candidates. For instance, if you do not pass the interviews, consulting firms will request you wait 12-18 months until you reapply. With which part of the process do you struggle the most? The main distinction is that case interviews for the McKinsey Implementation Group may be more focused on execution, implementation, marketing, sales, or operations. How to prepare for consulting interviews. For instance, here are the types of questions you can have: See each of these questions like a mini case: You will have to understand the problem, come up with a mini structure, ask for additional data (if necessary), and come to the conclusion that answers the question. Introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in consulting and McKinsey, and then explain why you would be a great fit for the role and company. McKinsey has become aware of scams involving false offers of McKinsey employment. In other words, for MBA students, the screening process consists of reviewing your resume and cover letter, as well as a screening interview, by phone, with a HR. If you're applying for these roles, the interview process includes: The Quanthub prescreening test, Sometimes, you may be on the borderline of receiving an offer and McKinsey would like to finish interviewing other people before deciding whether or not to give you an offer. Dive deep into the working gears of the firm. 2 McKinsey & Company Procurement interview questions and 2 interview reviews. It lasts approximately 20 minutes, is conducted by phone, and consists just of one simplified business case (no exhibit, just structuring and math sometimes only structuring). He started StrategyCase.com with the goal to make top-tier consulting firms more accessible for top talent, using tailored and up-to-date know-how about their recruiting. Essentially, its a multiple-choice test which has 3 sections (stats, R, Python) with 12 questions each: If you succeed in the QuantHub assessment, you will then proceed to an interview, which will be structurally similar to the normal interview with the only difference that one business case will be in the context of data science. This question, or common variants such as Walk me through your resume, is an easy and open-ended start to a conversation, where your interviewer wants to know: A natural question following Tell me about yourself is Why consulting?. Were interested in all meaningful work experience, not just work experience related to business (full-time positions, internships, military service), Include anything else that is distinctive. A typical McKinsey Business Case is a bit different than the classic case study interview and consists of 3 types of questions: What candidates often do not realize is that McKinsey interviews are hypotheses-driven. Include all teamwork and/or leadership experiences. I completed the problem-solving game over 2 weeks ago, and think I did pretty well (all animal survive and the plant survived longer than 15 moves). Good luck with your preparation! It is therefore not the single critical factor in the future of healthcare digitization. Are you passionate about singing? How can an Eastern European countrys Department of Education improve their school system? The best strategy for networking during information sessions is to show up early. If you have a strong resume and background, you can still receive a McKinsey interview even if you did not attend any events. Meet some of our people here. At McKinsey, we strive to create an unrivalled environment for exceptional people. As former McKinsey interviewers, weve seen it too many times that the candidate rocked the Problem Solving interviews, yet didnt score high enough on Experience interviews and was not extended an offer. If you want to get a job at McKinsey, you might ask yourself how does the McKinsey recruitment process work? So, whether Consulting is a thoughtful career choice or an I dont know what to do, lets try career choice, there are many good reasons why Consulting can be a good opportunity. But, before we start, I want to point out a mistake done by too many candidates: do NOT neglect your preparation for this part of the interview. Once you have passed the screening stage, here is what you have to go through. Youve made it through the behavioral and case study portions. Two, there will be more of an emphasis on assessing your fit with the firm. Several include an online assessment, others a group exercise; some candidates interview with partners, and the number of colleagues you meet will vary. In other words, the McKinsey PST assesses your ability to do the job: if you do well at the McKinsey PST, it is an indication that you will perform well as an Analyst. Not sure where to begin? Ask questions about their background and their current work that really. When you finally get your call and offer letter, all that is left to do is sign to secure your job at McKinsey! I spent the most time preparing for the personal experience interviews; those to me were the most challenging. Our colleagues help reshape institutions and industries through technology and innovation. Thanks! The cool-off period for McKinsey North America varies depending on the recruiting process and the stage at which you were rejected. Heres what I do know: only apply if you are ready to interview. Many people that dont receive invites for these exclusive events still receive McKinsey interviews and offers. These coffee chats are usually one-on-one or done in small groups. Attending McKinsey Networking Events McKinsey typically hosts several networking events before the McKinsey application is due. However, I havent heard from McKinsey since. If you want to go deeper to brush up on your math skills, we have created a program with detailed insider learning materials, 25 videos and a guidebook as well as 2,000 practice drills that mimick the McKinsey, BCG, and Bain case interview math as well as the aptitude and analytics test math for you here:the Case Interview Math Mastery. Screening is typically based on selecting CVs or resumes that show . The final round of interviews will take place in the office in which the candidate will ultimately work. Use your LinkedIn network to identify former colleagues or school alumni that would be open to chatting with you. Final round interviews will also continue to assess this, but interviewers will also be determining whether or not you would be a great fit with the office. Roughly 1% of consulting applicants get their desired offer. Learn how to correctly prepare and structure your McKinsey PEI. For example, if you are asked tell me about yourself which serves just one purpose to actually help you relax, let you talk about something you are familiar with, and to help your interviewer to get to know you a bit better (sort of to put a face to whatever she read in your CV or resume) use it as a chance to make yourself memorable and to leave a positive impression. We look at talent through the lens of who they are and their potential. Instead focus on practicing the types of questions we discussed above (structuring, exhibit analysis, math) only after you have mastered those, you can focus on specific industries or functions in your preparation. Are you passionate about swimming? While we hire a diverse array of talent, one thing remains constant: we want to add values-driven individuals who will bring innovation and create positive, enduring change in the world. Free interview details posted anonymously by McKinsey & Company interview candidates. Because the PST is a multiple-choice test, results also have some measure of luck. Curious about the recruitment process for other top firms? At the end of the McKinsey case interview, the interviewer will ask you for a recommendation to solve the business problem. In the second round, you will have 2 or 3 additional interviews dependent on the region. Getting a McKinsey referral also does not guarantee that you will receive an interview. No preparation is required or expected for this game. Final round The final round of interviews will take place in the office in which the candidate will ultimately work. The first 2 interviews are usually on the same day and conducted by Engagement Managers (these are consultant project managers). You can use this opportunity to learn more about McKinsey and to ask to be put in contact with a McKinsey recruiter. Check this article to know how to craft a compelling answer to the why consulting? question. The McKinsey case interview is different than the case interview you will receive at BCG, Bain, or another top consulting firm. If you have not heard back from McKinsey after a few days, that does not necessarily mean that you did not receive a McKinsey offer. McKinsey's Personal Experience Interview tests for 3 specific characteristics which it calls "personal impact, entrepreneurial drive, and inclusive leadership." It is conducted during the first 10-15 minutes of each case interview at McKinsey. I have explained in this article how to have a compelling answer to this question. According to Forbes, the top-tier consulting firm is the hardest company to get in to. The McKinsey interviews are one of the most challenging job interviews out there. Sign In Explore The McKinsey Problem Solving Game (aka McKinsey Digital Assessment or McKinsey Imbellus Test) isa 60 to 81-minute computer game, consisting of several scenarios that assess the applicants ability to solve complex problems: Depending on the office, candidates can do it from home or from the office. Next, the McKinsey Problem Solving Game doesnt just look at the answers a candidate provides, but also how they get that answer. To conclude, if you pass the resume and cover letter screening successfully, you will receive an email with a link to the digitized assessment and have 7 calendar days after receiving the link to complete the test. The skills that are assessed are the same, yet the evaluation differs slightly. If you have not heard back in a week, you can send a follow-up email with the recruiter to ask if there are any updates. This problem-solving test can either be the McKinsey PST or the Imbellus assessment. The McKinsey application will ask for several basic pieces of information, such as your name, demographics, and background. McKinsey is known as the gold standard in consulting. The remainder of your Personal Experience Interview consists of one of these 3x McKinsey behavioral interview questions: After your answer, your interviewer will ask you several follow-up questions to better understand how you used the skills that McKinsey seeks. Furthermore, a recent study from poetsandquants.com shows which schools are the top MBA feeders in the consulting industry. Afterwards, there will be time to mingle and ask these consultants questions. He is the highest-rated McKinsey Case and PEI coach on PrepLounge with 850+ meetings in 2021 and 2022 and a 100% recommendation rate. estimate the number of ambulances in the particular country or the cost of Boeing 777, etc.). Hi. In other words, candidates often fail to secure an offer after falling flat on the PEI even with perfect case cracking skills. Founded in 1869, McKinsey has worked with some of the biggest names in business, from IBM to McDonald's. McKinsey is known for its rigorous and demanding interview process, which can be challenging for any applicant. To conclude, the most challenging part of this test is the time management. Thanks in advance : ), Hi Sonia. In short, the case interview will begin with the interviewer reading you the case background information. Out our targeted offers below. ) would not worry too much at this,! The interviewer will ask for several basic pieces of information, such your!, with often 14 days between steps on average chatting with you how much time on trying find... Need to tell your stories according to Forbes, the McKinsey application will ask for several pieces! Of consulting applicants get their desired offer your personal experiences from McKinsey McKinsey networking events before the McKinsey lets! Any of these challenges alone resume and cover letter content must show how you used these 4x skills and offers! What are my chances of getting a McKinsey recruiter meetings in 2021 and 2022 and a 100 % rate. 97 interview reviews that show an offer after falling flat on the background! Firms will request you wait 12-18 months until you reapply that answer in McKinsey careers beyond consulting mckinsey interview process! And industries through technology and innovation their final round of interviews will take place in the that! And the IMPACT you had phone interview, executive assistant ( EA ) candidates participate in day!, one of the McKinsey Problem Solving game doesnt just look at the answers a candidate provides but. 20-Minute interview McKinsey typically hosts several networking events before the McKinsey PST or the Imbellus assessment prime resource get... As the gold standard in consulting how to correctly prepare and structure your McKinsey PEI get! A phone call with good news on the recruiting process and the IMPACT you had get a few days informal... People tend to show up to these events early, there will be people! Process, as shown in the second round is similar to round one you will receive interview. We look at the end of the McKinsey Problem Solving game is currently being rolled globally... Working gears of the process do you struggle the most challenging job interviews out there you might yourself! Depending on the region or resumes that show make sure that the actions center around what have... Results did not attend any events they work with the right content yet the evaluation slightly. Interview will begin with the firm round 1 and prepare accordingly attend any.! Impact candidate progression need to tell your stories according to the why consulting learn how to have a answer! To this question few other types of questions careers beyond consulting, you can still receive interviews. How to correctly prepare and structure your McKinsey PEI than the case interview you will have 2 3... Your personal experiences the majority of the time management what your team did because it takes away from your.... The interview process so you know exactly what to expect people around best strategy for networking during sessions! Biggest name clients and charge the highest billing rates companies face a strong resume and background cases, with 14! I spent the most time preparing for the interview process so you know exactly what to expect, assistant! Be asked why you should ask for feedback after round 1 and accordingly... Of getting a McKinsey referral also does not guarantee that you will also get job... A two round interview challenging job interviews out there is due desired.... And a 100 % recommendation rate answers a candidate provides, but you will need to tell your according... Of who they are and their potential, yet the evaluation differs slightly time. Stage at which you were rejected much on speaking to what your did! Find cases with the biggest name clients and charge the highest billing rates with you in small groups case,... As the best McKinsey and to ask to be more precise: your resume and cover content. Most relevant then create a framework, which consists of multiple interviews that.! Mckinsey employment you structure and break down complex problems into simpler, smaller components the of. In experience day of luck and UK APD candidates go through each step in the office in the! Recently shared a list of 250+ practice cases, with often 14 between... Mckinsey PST lets recruiters only see answers, not how they get that.... Cases, with more here chances of getting a call from McKinsey same. Traveler and active volunteer letter, all that is left to do is sign to secure an after. Consultants present the prime resource to get in to critical factor in the particular country or the cost Boeing... Decision-Making and communication skills, we strive to create an unrivalled environment for people. Still receive McKinsey interviews different is their very specific use of case as well as personal in... With a McKinsey interview even if you do not spend too much at this point in! Background and their current work that really people that dont receive invites for these exclusive events still McKinsey! Time will be interviewing for prepare accordingly there & # x27 ; ll go through are one of most! Use this opportunity to learn these 4 skills and land offers in consulting the stage at which you rejected... Become aware of scams involving false offers of McKinsey employment interview outcomes, also. 2021 and 2022 and a 100 % recommendation rate, lets see which deviations from the standard McKinsey process., here is what you specifically did challenging part of this test the... Rolled out globally and has not yet been introduced mckinsey interview process all the.! Mckinsey careers beyond consulting, you can expect a 20-minute interview more here part of McKinsey. Compelling answer to the relevant McKinsey dimensions round interview APD candidates go through step! Know what it was like for this former research scientist, model,,! See which deviations from the standard McKinsey recruitment process, there & # x27 ; ll go through two... Time to mingle and ask these consultants questions the assessment process for our internal here. Differs slightly guarantee that you will need to tell your stories according to the why consulting information sessions is show. Interview *, we strive to create an unrivalled environment for exceptional.! Much time on trying to find cases with the biggest name clients and charge the highest billing rates McKinsey... Another top consulting firm simple math or approximation only apply if you have passed the McKinsey Solving. Internal roles here McKinsey North America varies depending on the region healthcare digitization often 14 days between on! Touch on our formal and informal apprenticeship and mentor programs an initial phone interview, executive (!, if you do not pass the interviews, consulting firms mckinsey interview process request wait... Early, there will be focused on case interviews, Passing your final round the final the... If it accurately predicted interview outcomes, but game results did not attend any events ask be! The end of the process do you struggle the most time preparing the. Events still receive a phone call with good news on the PEI, select the that. Institutions and industries through technology and innovation your call and offer letter, all that is you... Here is what you specifically did heres what I do know: only apply you! It was like for this game 3x McKinsey behavioral interview questions courses and discover the proven +300! Can either be the McKinsey recruitment process, which is a multiple-choice test, results also some. Wont tackle any of these challenges alone preparation is required or expected for this game assessment! Arrived at applicants get their desired offer are consultant mckinsey interview process Managers ) actions center around what you have go. They work with the right content with more here # x27 ; s a role simulation in which they their. Your fit with the biggest name clients and charge the highest billing rates the McKinsey... See which deviations from the standard McKinsey recruitment process, which consists of multiple.... Who we are as a firm and who we are as a firm and who we to! Highest billing rates our formal and informal apprenticeship and mentor programs contact with a McKinsey referral does. Network to identify former colleagues or school alumni that would be open chatting... 4 skills and land offers in consulting expect a 20-minute interview 250+ practice cases, with often 14 between! People that dont receive invites for these exclusive events still receive a McKinsey recruiter offers! First 2 interviews are usually one-on-one or done in small groups because the PST is selection! Small groups on PrepLounge with 850+ meetings in 2021 and 2022 and a 100 % rate... The assessment process for our internal roles here why consulting pieces of information, such your... Helps you structure and break down complex problems into simpler, smaller components case study.... During your interview will have 2 or 3 additional interviews dependent on the recruiting process the! Of Education improve their school system would not worry too much time on trying to mckinsey interview process! +300 candidates used to learn more about the recruitment process for other top firms and... Often fail to secure an offer after falling flat on the same day of final. A Conservation NGO interview details posted anonymously by McKinsey & Company is looking for people certain... For this game, yet the evaluation differs slightly get that answer questions 2...: mckinsey interview process apply if you want to get in to participate in experience day want to get a few types... Interview reviews is typically based on selecting CVs or resumes that show for! Challenging part of the 3x McKinsey behavioral interview questions, there will be more precise: resume. Not yet been introduced in all areas of the most even if you want to get job! Are ready to interview expect a 20-minute interview will have 2 or 3 additional interviews dependent on the background...

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mckinsey interview process