I applied online. The process took 5 months. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company in Aug 2011
Interview
I applied online and received a phone interview, which passed me to first round interviews. First round interviews consist of a multiple choice test based on business, math, and logic, very similar to what McKinsey posts online for practice, followed by a non-evaluative group case practice. Second round interviews were two separate one-on-one interviews, each consisting of a few standard practice interview questions, a question leading you to tell a story about your leadership or persuasive abilities, and a case. The cases were much more complicated than those in the practice session or on the website, and although I felt I did a lot of work and generated some good answers, I was not advanced to the third (final) interview round. With the rejection call was useful feedback - I was told I didn't approach the cases with structured and well-thought-out answers, which resulted in loss of some "out of the box" or deep-level realization. All in all, they are very transparent about how to prepare for these interviews (especially when they suggest you write out stories demonstrating your leadership and practice them), except that you should definitely be prepared for a deeper, more complicated case than they give you to practice.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Tell me about a time when you had to persuade a person or group.
I applied through university. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Cambridge, MA)
Interview
they let you prep for cases and do what the book says. this is only a question of how hard you prepared. then they take the people one by one and repeat again and again. sometimes the people who give you interviews have been there for less time than 1 yr
I applied through university. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Gurgaon, Haryana)
Interview
The selection process is rigorous and highly competitive, involving multiple rounds of case interviews along with a personality assessment. Candidates are evaluated not only on their problem-solving and analytical abilities but also on their communication, leadership potential, and overall fit with the organization’s values and culture. The process is designed to identify high achievers who have demonstrated consistent excellence throughout their academic and professional journeys, maintaining strong performance over time rather than relying on isolated accomplishments.”
The interview is structured exactly as the preparation materials describe, i.e. personal fit and case. All interviewers were friendly and supportive. After each interview round I received helpful feedback. The cases are not easy but fair.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Questions regarding the case. Interviewer will led the case though