I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Los Angeles, CA) in Feb 2011
Interview
I got literally one day's notice before my interview, so I feel like I was set up to fail. No "buddy" no "coaching" no help whatsoever. I had two phone interview case studies, which are almost impossible to do over the phone, because so much of a case study is body language and/or charts and graphs that they should give you on paper.
One interview went OK, although the phone connection on the interviewer's end was horrible. The other interview was awful. The person who interviewed me spent at least 50% of the time talking about themselves and all their amazing career accomplishments, so then the case portion was rushed and I did not have enough time to finish. The interviewer also snapped at me if I did not understand immediately what they wanted.
A week later, an admin sent me a rejection notice. No feedback provided. It's very depressing once you realize how much the game is rigged towards the Ivy Leaguers. They get coaching from McKinsey, they get a "buddy" who helps them prepare, they get weeks and weeks of notice for interviewers. Thus, the McKinsey interviewing system very simply perpetuates this machine of Ivy Leaguers helping other Ivy Leaguers. Any one outside of that system has very very very little chance of getting in. How could they? The Ivy Leaguers have all of the advantages and are allowed more leeway than anyone else applying.
McKinsey prides itself of being a meritocracy but this is a total joke. If it was, where was my coach? Where was my buddy? Where is my interview feedback? Where the interviewer who should be trying to help me succeed (as referenced in the other reviews)? Why did I get a rejection email from an admin, rather than a call from the person who interviewed me? Why did I not get the same treatment as those who went to fancy schools even though I interviewed for the same job?
If I sound bitter, I am. I was set up.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
It was all hard because the phone line was so bad and they were unclear. They did not seem at all interested in seeing me succeed.
I interviewed at McKinsey & Company (Ciudad de Mexico)
Interview
Interview process was really great, all interviewers were friendly and professional. Started with a phone screen, then two case interview rounds with a partner and a senior associate, followed by a final round covering fit and problem-solving skills
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you had to influence someone without formal authority
It was a one-to-one interview with a consultant. It's a typical case study. The experience was traumatizing. I know my answers weren't great, the consultant was elegant and didn't bother to hide his boredom.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was the most difficult situation you have encountered in the workplace? What did you do about it?
Had 2 rounds. First was a virtual interview with 2 sessions back-to-back. One case and one PEI in each. Second was a final in person round, with 3 sessions back-to-back with one case and one PEI each.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about yourself
Behavioral questions - There are only 4 PEIs which are listed in their career prep site