McKinsey & Company Business Analyst Interview Questions, Process, and Tips

Round: HR Interview
Experience: They had 4 interviews.
McK1: Have faint recollections. However I remember I did well on the case and had loadsa HR involved specially in my work on internships and research paper.

Round: Technical Interview
Experience: McK2: The interviewer was a PhD in Chem Engg from Stanford followed by an MBA from Harvard. I found this before going in and got real nervous. He started off with some Chemical Engg questions and soon realized it was no use! (He did even comment that I had not learnt anything in Chem engg in the 4 years). We then moved on a case of petrochemical industry where a new player wanted to enter an oversaturated market. I concluded that scale is important and the entry has to be below the existing market price. Some HR including my question to him. Had a long discussion on Foreign MBA vs Indian MBA. At the end of the interview, I guess I had done a good enough job (surprisingly after the start I had) and was called in for the next 2 interviews..

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: McK3: This was a disaster! And a big one. I was given an extremely easy case on nuclear reactor vs coal reactor economics. Simple mathematics which I screwed up because of just 1 simple error. I realized the same pretty late and pointed it out. He said it was ok. No HR

Round: Other Interview
Experience: McK4: The whole interview was a discussion on my BTP and seminar. BTP was related to Phosphoric Acid production. The discussion revolved around whether phosphoric acid should be produced in India or whether we should produce it outside from where we import ore. Then we moved on to my seminar which was related to Kyoto Protocol. Finally I asked question on how different is a foreign MBA vis a vis an Indian one. Very peaceful and fun interview!
Tips: The single biggest mistake I committed was going in a haste into the McK 3rd interview. I got involved in some placement work between the interviews and forgot to carry my folder or even a pen. This is probably why I did not do well on the case (which was probably the easiest of all 8). Its very important that you take 5 minutes off before walking in, get your composure and stop worrying about other things and just attend to the interview on hand. Key learnings included the fact that it is relatively difficult to come back if you don't start well. Thus its is better to take something like 5 seconds before you answer the first 2-3 questions to recollect thoughts, organize them and frame them well. Also that you need to be comfortable with everything on your resume. I appeared for 8 interviews and never mentioned/was asked anything related to MI which I thought was the most important point on my resume. Instead I was questioned on my hobbies. Smallest points on the resume could be the ones you are grilled most on. Another very important thing about case interviews is the fact that the interviewer will be guiding you all through to the final solution. Any thing that he speaks should be heard and taken notice of. Most of the times there will be a small hint given at some point and all you need to do is catch on to it! Structuring your answers is extremely important. One more important thing to keep in mind is that all your answers should kind of show to the company that you can FIT into the company, the job and the culture. It is also important you walk in with the feeling that you can get the job. Specifically in cases, if you get stuck, take some time off to think. Structure your solution well, it carries the maximum weight.

General Tips: Firstly suit up only in case you are comfortable in it. It makes no sense to wear it and be uncomfortable throughout. And in my opinion even if you do not wear one, it never goes against you (at least consulting). For companies like FMCG/Tech its better not to suit up because it doesn't go with the company cultures. If its IBanking, it is good if you wear one. It is very important that you have some questions for the interviewer for any given company. And it is more important that the questions are intelligent and genuine. Attending PPT/ reading up website is a must for the same. Most importantly you should not talk to any other candidate on interview experience before your interview. The interview changes for every candidate. If say for example you hear the case beforehand, the company is bound to find out which would ruin your chances for sure. Further talking to people who have already appeared increases the nervousness. Posture is something that you have to take care of. People have a tendency to relax which should not be the case. You should seem eager for both the interview and the job. While answering any question the most important things to keep in mind are • Take 5 seconds off before venturing into any answer. Compose your thoughts real well. Then start. Its better to get the whole thing in a impactful way then to miss out on certain points. It also doubles up as giving the interview a feel that you are thinking before answering.
College Name: IIT BOMBAY

Round: Resume Shortlist
Experience: 20-30 people will be shortlisted.
Tips: Mckinsey looks for 3-4 spikes in your resume. For instance, Leadership Extraordinary papers Good at academics Music, Arts, etc.Shortlisting happens through resume. You have 30 seconds to impress the HR. Make a 1 page resume giving your key achievements. Contact seniors from the firms if you’re interested. Start preparing your resume in the month of August. Proofread and make 68 drafts till it becomes perfect. Do not write things which you’re not confident about. Explain achievements in a single line

Round: HR Interview
Tips: 15 minutes – general questions/conversation (about yourself, on resume points)

Round: Case Study Interview
Experience: Two cases would be given. The possible solutions and views should be discussed with the interviewer. It is more like a conversation between the interviewee and the interviewer. They check on the approach to the given problem.  Mainly break down your problem, take your time and don’t bounce onto the solution. Discuss the problem with them and move it like a conversation. Mckinsey interviews are interviewee driven. Move it in the direction you are comfortable with.
Tips: They would request you to ask one question to them – ask sensible questions such as growth curve, feedback about the interview, etc.

General Tips: Do not lie. Be confident and focus on a maximum of 2-3 sectors during placements.
College Name: IIT MADRAS