McKinsey Applications (2024): The Insider Guide by Former Interviewers

Last Updated on March 25, 2024

Embarking on the journey to join McKinsey & Company ranks among the toughest challenges for job seekers in the corporate world. Esteemed by Forbes as the toughest firm to get, this top-tier consulting firm accepts merely 1% of its applicants. What sets the McKinsey interview process apart is its uniquely rigorous resume screening, case interviews, and personal fit assessments.

While all other consulting firms follow a similar recruiting process, McKinsey employs the highest standards across all steps to make sure that only a small fraction that is suited for the job makes the cut.

Embarking on the journey to join McKinsey & Company involves navigating the McKinsey interview process, a path filled with unique challenges and rigorous assessments. This article demystifies the structure and expectations of McKinsey applications and interviews and offers tips for a successful McKinsey application, setting the foundation for your preparation journey.

Drawing from a collective 9-year tenure at McKinsey, we offer consulting career guidance through StrategyCase.com, mentoring thousands of aspirants on their quest to penetrate the elite echelons of consulting.

If you’re gearing up to navigate the intricate McKinsey hiring labyrinth, effective consulting interview preparation is crucial to understanding the terrain that lies ahead. Think of the application process and the interviews as you would an academic final – approach them with diligent preparation and the right strategy, and you’ll be well on your way to launching a stellar career at McKinsey.

The McKinsey Application Funnel

Leveraging McKinsey’s resume and cover letter guidance is the first step in distinguishing your application from the competitive pool. Crafting a compelling narrative for McKinsey applications can set the stage for a successful journey through the rigorous selection process.

McKinsey Cover Letter and Resume Screening

The initial hurdle in your journey toward a coveted position at McKinsey & Company is undoubtedly the resume and, though often optional, the cover letter screening stage. Crafting a resume that stands out requires leveraging McKinsey resume tips, focusing not just on listing your achievements; it’s about presenting a compelling narrative of your professional journey, showcasing consistent excellence across academia, work experience, extracurricular activities, and international exposure.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes each of these components vital for a strong McKinsey application.

Academic Achievements

Your academic record serves as a foundation, demonstrating your intellectual prowess and discipline. McKinsey looks for candidates who have not only excelled in their studies but also those who have challenged themselves with rigorous coursework. Whether it’s achieving top honors, engaging in demanding projects, or contributing to academic research, your educational background should reflect a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Professional Experience

Work experience, especially in roles that highlight problem-solving, leadership, and impact, is crucial. McKinsey values applicants who have demonstrated significant achievements in their careers, regardless of the industry. Highlight roles where you’ve driven results, led teams, or pioneered initiatives, showcasing your ability to thrive in challenging environments. Quantifying your accomplishments, such as revenue growth or efficiency improvements, can further underscore your impact.

Extracurricular Activities

Involvement in extracurricular activities illustrates your ability to balance multiple commitments, work collaboratively, and engage with your community. Leadership roles in student organizations, volunteer work, or active participation in sports or arts signal your well-rounded character, team spirit, and time management skills. These experiences are especially valuable when they showcase your leadership, initiative, and commitment to causes or activities outside your academic and professional life.

International Experience

Time spent abroad, whether for studies, work, or volunteering, is highly regarded. It signifies adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and an openness to diverse perspectives – qualities essential for consultants working in a global firm like McKinsey. Highlight any international exposure to demonstrate your ability to navigate and thrive in different cultural contexts.

Consistent Excellence

The common thread that should run through every element of your resume is a narrative of consistent excellence. McKinsey is not just looking for smart candidates; they are looking for individuals who pursue excellence in everything they do, and who rise to the top regardless of the arena.

This consistency tells a compelling story of your dedication, resilience, and potential to contribute meaningfully to McKinsey’s team.

The Optional Cover Letter

Crafting a McKinsey cover letter, though optional for most McKinsey offices, can provide you with an additional platform to convey your motivation, personality, and fit for the firm. Use it to tell your unique story, explain any nuances in your resume, or highlight why McKinsey is the right place for you to grow and contribute.

As you prepare your consulting job application for McKinsey, remember that each component of your resume is an opportunity to showcase your unique blend of skills, experiences, and achievements. By emphasizing consistent excellence across academia, professional experiences, extracurricular activities, and international exposure, you position yourself as a compelling candidate ready to make an impact at McKinsey & Company.

Further reading:

The Perfect Consulting Resume

The Perfect Consulting Cover Letter

Networking for Consulting Jobs

Referrals for Consulting Jobs

The McKinsey Phone Interview

In response to the challenges presented by COVID-19, McKinsey has adapted its interview process in certain locations to include an initial phone pre-screening stage, facilitated by the HR team. This preliminary step serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it acts as a logistical checkpoint, determining a candidate’s suitability and eligibility for advancing to the more intensive rounds of interviews. Applicants need to understand that this stage might not always be evaluative but rather focused on confirming basic qualifications and the feasibility of proceeding with the candidacy.

However, depending on the office and specific circumstances, this phone pre-screening can occasionally encompass elements beyond mere logistics. It might delve into aspects of simple fit, such as a candidate’s motivation for applying, their background, and how they perceive their value-add to McKinsey. In essence, while its primary function is to assess logistical fit, it provides an opportunity for candidates to briefly showcase their alignment with McKinsey’s values and expectations.

In rare instances, you might encounter specific McKinsey interview questions during this stage, including case scenarios. The outcome of this phone case conversation is then communicated to a consulting interviewer, who holds the responsibility for deciding whether the candidate merits advancement to the subsequent, more rigorous interview stages.

Further reading:

McKinsey Phone Interview

Mastering the McKinsey Solve Game requires a blend of strategic thinking and analytical prowess.

Solve, McKinsey’s Assessment Game

The McKinsey Problem Solving Game, also known as the McKinsey Digital Assessment or the McKinsey Imbellus Test, is a nuanced 60 to 81-minute computer-based simulation designed to evaluate candidates’ problem-solving skills through a series of engaging scenarios. This innovative assessment tool goes beyond traditional testing methods to measure applicants’ cognitive abilities in a dynamic and interactive environment.

Ecosystem Management Game: The first segment of the assessment immerses you in the task of designing a sustainable ecosystem by selecting 8 species out of 39 and matching it with a location, such as a coral reef or mountainous terrain. Candidates are provided with a wealth of data concerning various habitats, animal species, weather patterns, and more. The challenge lies in using this information to make informed decisions that ensure the long-term viability of your ecosystem. Throughout this process, the game captures telemetry data to analyze cognitive processes, assessing how you organize, prioritize, and apply information to solve complex problems.

Data Analysis and Decision-Making Game: In recent iterations of the game, McKinsey has introduced a new challenge that replaces the previous tower-defense-style game. This current module, known as the “Red Rock Study” game, requires candidates to delve into a comprehensive dataset to answer several questions. Similar to the ecosystem management game, this part emphasizes analytical skills and systematic thinking, as players must sift through and interpret vast amounts of information to arrive at a solution.

It’s important to note that McKinsey continually refines and updates the components of the Problem Solving Game to better align with the evolving demands of consulting work and to more accurately gauge a candidate’s problem-solving capabilities. This adaptability ensures that the assessment remains relevant and challenging, providing a realistic glimpse into the types of issues consultants face.

The McKinsey Solve Game represents a significant departure from traditional interview assessments, offering a unique window into how candidates approach complex, multifaceted problems. By focusing on real-world scenarios and requiring players to navigate through ambiguity and uncertainty, the game aims to unearth not just what candidates think, but how they think.

The McKinsey Problem Solving Game has seen a full-global roll-out over the last few years.

Further reading:

The McKinsey Solve Game Insider Guide

The McKinsey Red Rock Game

The McKinsey First-Round Interviews

Advancing to the first formal interview round at McKinsey signifies your success through the initial screening phases. This crucial stage typically comprises 1 to 3 interviews, varying by geographical location. Conducted by consultants ranging from Associates to Associate Partners – levels below partnership within the McKinsey hierarchy – these interviews are meticulously structured and are as demanding as the second-round interviews, which are led by Partners.

Each interview during the first round is divided into three key segments:

1. The McKinsey Personal Experience Interview: Allocating 20 minutes of the total interview time, this segment delves into your personal achievements, leadership qualities, and how well you align with McKinsey’s values.
2. The Problem Solving/Business Case Interview: Lasting approximately 25-30 minutes, this part evaluates your analytical skills and ability to navigate complex business scenarios.
3. Your Questions for the Interviewer: The final 5 minutes are reserved for any inquiries you might have, allowing you to engage with the interviewer and demonstrate your interest in the role and the firm.

McKinsey places equal importance on both your personal fit and your ability to solve business cases when determining your suitability for an offer. It’s crucial to understand that excelling in case interviews does not compensate for shortcomings in personal fit, and vice versa. A common misunderstanding is that a strong performance in the majority of interviews can offset a weak showing in one; however, failing to impress in any single aspect can already lead to rejection.

Important Note: In some offices, the first interview often extends slightly beyond the typical duration, primarily due to an introductory phase of about 15 minutes devoted to small talk and preliminary questions such as “Why consulting?” or “Why McKinsey?” This initial conversation, although not formally evaluated, is an essential opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression. For instance, when prompted with “Tell me about yourself,” view it as more than just an icebreaker; it’s a moment to stand out, share compelling aspects of your journey, and present yourself as a memorable candidate, further humanizing the information listed on your resume.

McKinsey Personal Experience Interview

At the heart of the McKinsey interview process lies the Personal Experience Interview (PEI), a crucial component designed to probe beyond your professional veneer and into the essence of your personal attributes. This interview focuses on your life experiences, both in and outside the professional arena, mapped against McKinsey’s core personal fit dimensions. Each interview typically explores one of the following dimensions:

• Entrepreneurial Drive: Showcase your initiative and innovation through instances where you’ve initiated or created something from the ground up. It’s about illustrating your ability to see opportunities, take risks, and drive forward with tenacity.
• Personal Impact: Demonstrate your influence on others by recounting moments where you’ve successfully persuaded others to embrace your ideas or follow your proposed course of action, highlighting your persuasive communication and impact.
• Inclusive Leadership: Reflect on your leadership experiences, particularly those that emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and overcoming challenges collectively. It’s about showcasing your ability to lead with empathy, respect, and unity.
• Courageous Change: Share experiences where you’ve navigated through unexpected changes or setbacks, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace and lead through change.

While the allure of the Business Case interview often captures the majority of a candidate’s preparation focus, it’s critical to understand that Personal Fit holds equal weight in the evaluation process. Our experience as former McKinsey interviewers has shown us repeatedly that candidates may excel in problem-solving scenarios yet falter on the Personal Experience front, ultimately missing out on an offer.

Adopting effective strategies for the McKinsey Personal Experience Interview can significantly boost your chances of making a memorable impression.

Preparation is key; meticulously crafting and refining your stories in alignment with these dimensions can significantly bolster your performance. To aid in this preparation, our Ready-for-McKinsey video academy offers in-depth insights, showcasing examples of both poorly and excellently crafted Personal Fit narratives. Moreover, our tailored coaching program is designed to fine-tune your storytelling, ensuring your Personal Fit responses are compelling and authentic, and leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.

Effective preparation for consulting job interviews, especially those at McKinsey, demands a thorough understanding of both case studies and personal fit interviews. For candidates wondering how to prepare for McKinsey case interviews, it’s crucial to focus on both analytical thinking and structured communication.

McKinsey Case Interview

The McKinsey case interview, often regarded as the most daunting segment of the McKinsey selection process, demands substantial preparation from candidates. Diverging from traditional case study interviews, the McKinsey case format incorporates three distinct types of queries:

1. Structuring: Candidates are tasked with organizing their thoughts into a clear issue tree or hypothesis tree, demonstrating their ability to dissect and approach complex problems methodically.
2. Exhibit Analysis: Here, the focus is on interpreting data from provided exhibits, encouraging candidates to extract meaningful insights and form relevant hypotheses based on the information presented.
3. Quantitative Analysis: This component challenges candidates to devise a strategic approach for tackling mathematical questions within the case, emphasizing the importance of precise calculations and logical problem-solving.

A crucial aspect often overlooked by many is McKinsey’s preference for a hypothesis-driven approach throughout the case interview. This means candidates are expected to continuously formulate and test hypotheses, guiding their analysis and decision-making process.

For those aiming to demystify the McKinsey case interview and elevate their performance, our Ready-for-McKinsey video academy serves as an invaluable resource. We delve into the nuances of McKinsey case interviews, illustrating the distinction between subpar, good, and outstanding performances.

Through these examples, we reveal the strategies and insights necessary to achieve top scores and excel in the McKinsey case interview.

Further reading:

• The McKinsey Personal Experience Interview: A Detailed Guide
• The McKinsey Case Interview: The Insider Perspective
• Case Interview Frameworks: How to Structure MBB Cases
• Brainstorming in Case Interviews
• Case Interview Math: The Ultimate Guide
• How to Interpret Charts and Data in Case Interviews
• McKinsey Case Examples
• Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Please find the McKinsey interview timeline below:

The McKinsey Technical Expertise Interview

The McKinsey Technical Expertise Interview, commonly abbreviated as TEI, is a specialized interview format designed for the recruitment of candidates with deep technical or domain-specific knowledge. This interview type zeroes in on a candidate’s proficiency and expertise within their specialized field, making it a crucial step in the hiring process for roles such as analytics personnel, designers, product engineers, agile coaches, and programmers, among others.

As McKinsey has diversified its range of roles and specialties in recent years, the nature of the TEI has evolved to accommodate this variety, leading to a broad spectrum of assessment methods tailored to different technical domains. For instance, candidates may be subjected to coding challenges, in-depth project discussions for product engineering positions, portfolio reviews for design roles, or in-depth dialogues on coaching and agile methodologies for agile coach positions.

This approach ensures that the evaluation is not only rigorous but also directly relevant to the specific demands and nuances of each unique technical role, allowing McKinsey to assess the depth and applicability of a candidate’s expertise effectively.

Consulting applicants do not need to worry about the TEI as it is not part of their assessment.

Further reading:

McKinsey Technical Expertise Interview

McKinsey Internship Application Process

For those applying to a McKinsey internship, the interview and application process concludes at this stage, ideally culminating in an internship offer. It is important to note that only candidates seeking full-time positions are required to proceed to the second round of interviews.

The McKinsey Second-Round Interviews

In the second round of the McKinsey interview process, candidates can expect to face 2 or 3 additional interviews, with the exact number varying by region. This stage adopts a more flexible format compared to the first round and involves interviews with senior-level consultants, including Partners and Senior Partners. While it’s true that this round often aims to probe deeper into areas that may have appeared as weaknesses in the first round, it’s equally focused on reaffirming the strengths you demonstrated earlier.

To optimize your preparation for this critical phase, it’s advisable to seek feedback after the first round. Gaining insights into your performance can guide you in fine-tuning your preparation strategy, allowing you to address any areas of improvement and further highlight your strengths. This tailored approach to preparation can significantly enhance your readiness for the second round, positioning you well for success in the McKinsey interview process.

Personal Fit Interview: Round 2

The approach to the Personal Fit component in the second round of McKinsey interviews remains consistent with the first, where candidates are expected to share their experiences aligned with McKinsey’s core dimensions. However, it’s important to note that practices around repeating stories from the first round vary by location. In some McKinsey offices, such as those in Canada, retelling the same stories is permissible, while in others, like Germany, it’s generally discouraged. It’s crucial to check with your local HR department on their specific guidelines regarding this aspect.

Understanding how to construct compelling Personal Fit narratives is key to navigating the interview effectively. By grasping the essence of what makes a strong Personal Fit story, you’ll be better equipped to perform convincingly, showcasing your suitability for the consultant role through both storytelling and interactive engagement.

Business Case Interview: Round 2

The format and content of business case interviews in the second round at McKinsey largely mirror those encountered in the first round, presenting candidates with complex problems to solve in a structured manner. However, a notable distinction in the second round is the occasional inclusion of estimation questions within the case context. While these types of questions – such as estimating the number of ambulances in a specific country or determining the cost of a Boeing 777 – are exceedingly rare, their potential presence underscores the importance of being thoroughly prepared for all possibilities.

Given their infrequency, the appearance of estimation questions can catch candidates off guard, making it all the more crucial to have practiced this skill in advance of the second round. Being adept at making quick, accurate estimations not only demonstrates your analytical thinking but also your ability to handle unexpected challenges with poise. Thus, dedicating time to refine your estimation abilities can significantly enhance your readiness and confidence, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle any scenario presented in the business case interview.

Process for Non-Generalist McKinsey Consulting Roles

McKinsey Digital Consulting Roles

The interview format for McKinsey Digital consulting roles mirrors that of the generalist positions in structure and approach. The primary distinction lies in the content of the business cases you might encounter, which could lean towards digital or high-technology themes. Despite this nuance, it’s crucial not to overly concentrate on seeking out cases that perfectly match the “digital” context.

Your primary focus should be on honing the fundamental skills required for success in these interviews – structuring your thoughts clearly, analyzing exhibits effectively, and performing precise mathematical calculations.

Mastery of these core areas should be your priority. Only once you have a solid grasp of these critical skills should you then consider tailoring your preparation towards specific industries or functional areas, including the digital domain. This strategy ensures a well-rounded preparation, equipping you with the versatility to tackle a broad spectrum of case topics effectively.

McKinsey Digital Data Scientists – QuantHub Assessment

As an aspirant for a Data Scientist position at McKinsey, you’ll be invited to undertake the QuantHub assessment before your formal interview. This assessment is a structured multiple-choice examination divided into three core sections: statistics, R, and Python, with each segment containing 12 questions.

• Statistics Section: This segment tests your knowledge of a variety of statistical methods, including but not limited to chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, complemented by several foundational calculations. A solid grasp of statistical analysis is pivotal for performing well in this area.
• R Section: To excel in this part, a strong proficiency in R is necessary. For instance, you might be presented with a dataset to manipulate in R, after which you’ll need to identify the correct output from a set of multiple-choice questions. It’s beneficial to have tools like RStudio and potentially a Jupyter Notebook or another preferred Python IDE at hand during this assessment for practical tasks.
• Python Section: This portion demands a good command of Python, focusing on your ability to efficiently work with and analyze data using Python.

Clearing the QuantHub assessment is a critical step towards advancing to the next phase of the recruitment process. Successful candidates will move on to the interview stage, which retains the general structure of McKinsey’s interview process but includes a significant emphasis on data science through at least one specialized business case discussion. This tailored approach ensures that your analytical and technical skills, as well as your strategic thinking abilities, are comprehensively evaluated in the context of real-world data science applications.

McKinsey Operations, McKinsey Implementation, Orphoz

When it comes to the interview process for other consulting roles within McKinsey Operations, McKinsey Implementation, or Orphoz, the format remains consistent with the standard procedure. The primary distinction lies in the thematic focus of the business cases, which may revolve around operations, implementation, or public sector challenges, such as supply chain optimization, product development, or service operations management.

Despite this thematic variation, do not overly concentrate on the specific content or industry sector of the business cases. Instead, the emphasis should be on mastering the fundamental skills essential for success in these interviews. By focusing on these key areas, you can better prepare yourself to tackle a wide range of case topics effectively, regardless of the specific industry or operational context presented.

Further reading:

Orphoz Interview Process

Experienced Hires

Candidates applying to McKinsey as experienced hires sometimes undergo a preliminary step known as the “initial assessment call” prior to entering the first round of interviews. This call, which typically spans about 20 minutes, is conducted via phone and focuses on a streamlined business case. Unlike the comprehensive case interviews in later rounds, this initial assessment primarily tests structuring and mathematical reasoning skills, with some instances focusing solely on structuring.

The outcome of this initial call determines whether an experienced hire candidate progresses to the first round of the interview process. This step serves as a crucial filter, helping to gauge the candidate’s analytical and problem-solving capabilities in a condensed format.

What is different at BCG or Bain?

The recruitment processes at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, and McKinsey & Company share several similarities but also exhibit key differences in their approach to evaluating candidates. What sets McKinsey’s application process apart is its unparalleled emphasis on both analytical capabilities and personal qualities.

Below is a comparative overview to highlight these aspects:

Aspect	McKinsey	BCG & Bain
Resume Screening	Similar: All three firms scrutinize resumes to identify candidates with strong backgrounds and potential.	Similar: Focus on candidates’ experiences, achievements, and skills.
Cover Letter	Optional in most McKinsey offices.	Typically required, with emphasis on personal fit and motivation.
Recruitment Tests	McKinsey Solve Game: A digital assessment tool designed to evaluate problem-solving skills.	Aptitude Tests: BCG and Bain utilize different aptitude or case-based tests to assess analytical skills.
Case Interviews	Interviewer-led: Focuses on guiding candidates through the case with questions and prompts.	Candidate-led: Candidates drive the analysis and progression through the case, with more emphasis on their approach to structuring and solving the case.
Fit Interviews	Uses PEI: McKinsey specifically looks for personal fit through structured narratives that demonstrate the candidate’s qualities and alignment with the firm’s required skills.	Not based on Personal Experience Interview (PEI) stories. More of a traditional fit interview, focusing on assessing the candidate’s alignment with the firm’s values, skills, and culture.

Both BCG and Bain place a significant emphasis on the candidate’s ability to lead the case interviews, contrasting with McKinsey’s interviewer-led format. Additionally, while fit interviews are a crucial component across all three, McKinsey’s approach is uniquely structured around the PEI stories, highlighting the importance of personal stories and experiences.

Understanding these nuances can help you tailor your preparation strategies to align with the specific expectations and formats of each consulting firm. Gaining insights into McKinsey’s rigorous interview assessments equips candidates with the knowledge to excel beyond the competition.

How We Help You Break Into McKinsey

We have specialized in placing people from all walks of life with different backgrounds into top consulting firms both as generalist hires as well as specialized hires and experts. As former McKinsey consultants and interview experts, we help you by

• tailoring your resume and cover letter to meet consulting firms’ highest standards
• showing you how to pass the different online assessments and tests for McKinsey
• showing you how to ace McKinsey interviews and the PEI with our video academy
• coaching you in our 1-on-1 sessions to become an excellent case solver and impress with your fit answers (90% success rate after 5 sessions)
• preparing your math to be bulletproof for every case interview
• helping you structure creative and complex case interviews
• teaching you how to interpret charts and exhibits like a consultant
• providing you with cheat sheets and overviews for 27 industries.

Reach out to us if you have any questions! We are happy to help and offer a tailored program to help you break into consulting.

McKinsey Application Process FAQ

1. How long does the entire McKinsey application process take from initial application to offer? The McKinsey application process timeline can vary significantly based on several factors including office location, application volume, and specific times of the year (such as recruitment cycles for undergraduates or MBAs). Generally, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. After submitting your application, you might wait a few weeks for an initial response. If successful through each stage, the entire process from application to receiving an offer could span from 1 to 3 months. Your preparation should be progressing well once you send your application.
2. How can candidates best prepare for the McKinsey Problem Solving Game, particularly if they haven’t encountered similar assessments before? To prepare for the McKinsey Problem Solving Game, candidates should focus on developing their critical thinking, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills. Engaging with practice simulations that require analyzing data to make decisions under time constraints can be beneficial. Additionally, practicing mental math and logical reasoning exercises. Resources and practice games that mimic the structure and content of the assessment can also be helpful, though McKinsey offers no official practice tests.
3. Are there any specific strategies for experienced hires to stand out during the initial assessment call? Experienced hires can stand out by succinctly highlighting their most impactful work experiences that demonstrate problem-solving, leadership, and the ability to drive significant outcomes. It’s important to be clear and concise, directly linking your experiences to the skills and values McKinsey looks for. Preparation to discuss your professional journey, key achievements, and reasons for wanting to join McKinsey in a structured and impactful way will help make a strong impression.
4. How does McKinsey view re-applicants, and what advice do you have for someone reapplying after an unsuccessful attempt? McKinsey welcomes re-applicants and views persistence positively, understanding that candidates can grow and develop significantly over time. For those reapplying, it’s crucial to reflect on feedback (if any was provided) and work diligently on identified areas for improvement. Gaining additional professional experience, enhancing problem-solving skills, or even getting involved in new leadership roles can strengthen your application. When reapplying, make sure to highlight any new achievements or experiences since your last application to demonstrate your growth and continuous learning.
5. Can you provide examples of successful case interviews or PEI stories to help candidates understand what McKinsey looks for? Successful case interview outcomes typically involve the candidate effectively breaking down a complex problem into manageable parts, using a structured approach to analyze data and make informed recommendations based on robust hypothesis testing. For the PEI, successful stories often detail a challenging situation where the candidate demonstrated leadership, impact, and personal growth. For instance, a story might describe leading a team through a difficult project turnaround, outlining specific actions taken, challenges overcome, and the lessons learned. These narratives should clearly articulate the situation, actions, and results, showcasing skills and qualities that align with McKinsey’s values. For concrete video examples of strong McKinsey case performances and successful PEI interviews, see our McKinsey Video Academy.

We hope this insider guide offers valuable insights into the McKinsey application process.

If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences and tips, please feel free to leave a comment below. We are happy to happy to help!