Hi Guys,
I'm doing my second round interview with McKinsey next week (Business Analyst) and was wondering if anyone has any insight into the difference between first and second round cases.
Are they different, and if so, in what regard?
Thanks.
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I know that in one of the offices you have to use a flip chart and present some material - not sure if it applies to you but you should ask your McK buddy about the details of the process.
I dunno anything about consulting interviews, but best of luck to you!
Thanks aspiringconsultant. I have emailed my McK alumnus that coached me for the first round. He has yet to get back to me, but was also hoping for a bit of perspective from like minded peers.
You will not be using a flip chart or presenting any materials (unless this is outside US?). But definitely not in any of the US offices.
Btw, just to be clear, when you say "second round", are you referring to the final round interview? I ask b/c there are sometimes 3 rounds, with the first round being a phone screen, for candidates from non-target schools.
Assuming you are referring to final round interviews, they are relatively similar to first rounds. You will do +/- 3 interviews with some mix of junior partners (Associate Principals), partners (Principals), and senior partners (Directors). Each interview will be roughly 50% behavioral and 50% case.
The behavioral portion will be identical to your first round, with the partner asking you to talk through a personal experience in great detail. It will likely focus on leadership. It is okay to use a story you also used in your first round, but try not to do that for all 3 interviews.
The case portion will be slightly different than first rounds. In first rounds, the cases are very scripted, with specific questions that each candidate is asked. In final rounds, the partners can ask whatever they want, or do any case they want. Typically the cases will be more open-ended and less structured. Note that that does not mean you should be less structured in your responses.
Keep in mind what the partner is really testing for. By this point, you've proven yourself as intelligent. The partner is testing whether (a) you have the maturity, poise, and professionalism to sit across the table from the CEO of his client and hold your own, and (b) you have the creativity and problem-solving prowess to succeed at the firm.
Hope that helps. Good luck.
Yup I was referring to a non-U.S. office. It's kind of interesting that they have different interview procedures in various regions. I would have though that it would be standardized globally.
Thanks for the additional insights!
In general the final round is testing your ability to, as the cliche goes, 'think outside the box'. Can you offer interesting and 'different' insights, all backed by logic and some form of reasonable hypothesis? Can you impress your interviewers and prove that not only are you mature and can talk well, but seem like an all round decent guy they wouldn't mind being stuck in an airport with? Do you show the requisite quant skills as well?
A lot of different factors, but the underlying point here is that you should really focus on making sure you're on your A-game case interview-wise.
Dagwood hit the nail on the head. +1
Most important thing is to be confident, poised, structured and creative.
All of my McK interviews were the same format. No surprises, nothing got harder or trickier as the process went on. If you succeeded in the first round, you have the skills you need to get through to the end, but beware! You are competing with dozens of people for one spot. Be the best. Practice.
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Interviews are generally in a similar format (or try to follow), but with AP and P. Cases can be more open ended, sometimes they are not, which gives you reason to: go over your material such as frameworks and such and make them more flexible/make sure you are familiar with more than the typical profit framework. Chance for you to talk or add more creative comments/suggestions (by creative, stuff in your area of expertise might help, say like if you like marketing, you would have more chance to talk about marketing since there is less likely to be one set solution.) So all in all, for prep (which is probably what your more concerned about), would be to read more (McK Quarterly, strategy articles, case books) , organize your thoughts more (come up with ways to organize different articles, ideas, etc), and less mock interviews since you can't really prep for this type as easily
goodluck!
Good luck! I'll be taking McK PST soon in October, hope I'll do well enough land an interview
McKinsey 2nd round (any tips)?! (Originally Posted: 03/16/2011)
Hey all, I used this site for some informtion to start my preparation for interviews some weeks ago. Since then I interviewed with 4 firms (including Bain & McKinsey). It has so far been a success with passing 3 out of 4 interviews, including McKinsey (not Bain unfortunately).
In terms of materials I have sticked to 2 (and to some extent a third one).
By far the best material was 'LOMS' by Victor Cheng (ex mckinsey guy) at www.caseinterviews.com. Also 'Case Interview Success' by Tom Rochtus (Bain guy) at www.aceyourcase.com has been really helpful. To some extent I used Vault's guide, though I didnt find it that useful, maybe others have found it useful?
I heard from others that Case In Point is not bad at all either, I might just order that one as well... Anyone has feedback from that one?
Best,
Michael
.
Thanks man! That's how I also felt about it. I don't think Case In Point is that great, it's too general. I think LOMS and case interview success are probably the most interesting, definitely LOMS, he indeed has the free stuff on the site, which may be sufficient.
I have my next one coming up in 5 days, any tips for other resources (books though?). I wil drill down a bit more with friends, thats a valid point!
Someone made a solid post a week or two ago detailing the entire McKinsey recruiting process, try and find it.
He deleted it shortly thereafter due to concerns of being identified, so don't waste your time searching.
Thanks for the info, I unfortunately didnt find it!
In any case I have got an offer from both BCG and McKinsey!! So its time to celebrate!
Thanks for the help here!
And to the many many people who have sent me a PM to send them the LOMS program of Victor Cheng, or the ebook of Case Interview Success, I recommend you to buy it yourself. It's not always, but it is an investment in your career. These guys also worked for it.
Good luck,
Mihael
Congrats on your offers. You have a tough choice ahead of you!
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