Sudden McKinsey Interview for Lateral Hire - what now?

I'm currently at a startup, having graduated 2 years ago and bounced from a research assistant position at a top-5 bschool to my current job doing strategy and product management.

Anyway, about 4 weeks ago my disenchantment and boredom reached a critical mass and I finally started seriously networking within management consulting. I'd interviewed exactly once before at a consulting firm, going to a final round with BCG in October of 2010 before getting dinged.

Yesterday morning, out of the blue, someone from a major city office calls me at work. Apparently, my resume had crossed his desk (I have no idea whose hands it ultimately passed through, only where it started). He spends 30 minutes explaining what McKinsey is and what they do, and finally asks if I'm interested - of course, I respond enthusiastically. We set up a time to "discuss my resume" later this week.

What does this mean? Is this SOP for lateral, unconventional/out-of-school hires at McK? Is this a vetting procedure to evaluate my worthiness for a standard case interview? I'm rather confused, if also overjoyed. Trying not to screw it up. Any input or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Did the person you talk to say anything about the position he was looking for or what was his position in the firm? This sound like it could be for a consulting position (BA or associate) or potentially a research position (given your background)

Anyway, I would go in prepared to give your 5 min story, articulate why McKinsey but also be prepared to answer a case or a market sizing question, in case he wants to test you somewhat

Good luck!

 

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