I applied online. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company
Interview
Relatively straight-forward and simple process, but did take quite a while from initiation until completion. There were effectively 3 key rounds as is called.
0. Initial phone discussion and screening
1. McKinsey's Problem Solving Test (PST)
2. First Round (2x 1:1 interviews with folks within Implementation Group, either Implementation Leads or Sr Implementation Leads)
3. Second Round (2x 1:1 interviews with partners, possibly from the Implementation Group)
Although it's interviews for an implementation role, do not expect all case studies to be related purely to operations. Below are some examples of the case studies I was presented:
- market sizing and channel optimization for a consumer goods distribution network
- maintenance cost optimization for a manufacturer
- market price optimization & sizing for telco
- logistics transportation business case
Overall, enjoyable cases and had fun doing them with the interviewers. Key pieces of advice is not to get bogged down by too many frameworks, but keep them in the back of your mind when needing to draw upon ideas or to ensure you've thought through something comprehensively exhaustive. Key thing to remember is the basics of consulting around structure and MECE. Take time to structure your approach and your summary. No difficult mathematics is involved, very simple exercises - what matters most is being able to be structured and keeping track of the flow either on paper or in your mind. Overall, just try to enjoy the process and do take time to refer to some of the case examples on McK's website.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Besides the case studies, there is also the personal experience / fit questions - which are relatively easy and straight-forward - such as:
- biggest accomplishment / moment in career
- time you faced challenging situation / role
- time you faced conflict & how you managed it
- time you managed a situation of push-back / resistance
I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Houston, TX) in Oct 2021
Interview
I just finished the first step on the interview process which is the screening phone call. It was really casual and easy, more of a "fit" type of interview. Positive experience overall
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why Mckinsey?
What are you passionate about implementation?
I applied online. The process took 4 months. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (New York, NY) in June 2021
Interview
Interview process is very long, but most of that is due to the time it takes to prepare for the case portion of the interviews. Recruiters are very transparent and everyone goes through essentially the same process:
1. phone call with HR (mine had no questions just prepped me for what's to come)
2. required practice case with an alum
3. phone case (no personal questions just a case)
4. official first round - two interviews, one hour each, each interview was half case, have behavioral
5. second and final round - same structure as first round but 3 separate interviews
Process takes a long time if you have never done a case before but the cases themselves are not super challenging if you have prepared. They are interviewer led which makes it easier and the math is not terribly difficult (i asked the partner if i should round and instead the partner just gave me the answer)
Make sure you say the "so what" of the numbers and never just state the answer, say why it's important.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The behavioral questions are on their website, they are very transparent.
In my first round I got an inclusive leadership question and personal impact.
In my second round I didn't get entrepreneurial drive, I got:
tell me a time you dealt with a conflict with someone
tell me a time you had a project that was really challenging with a tight timeline that you are proud of
tell me about a time you exhibited inclusive leadership
You will be asked one per interview, and will be asked questions as you go. It's more of a discussion than an interview.
Incredibly long interview process, be prepared for it to take two to three months.
The firm provides lots of support throughout the interview process, including a mentor who will run practice cases with you
Watch webinars and do your research!